The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ex DC HSM is dedicated for D-SLRs with an APS-C sized sensor. Place the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ex DC HSM on the front of a D-SLR with a 1.5x crop factor and it will offer a 35mm focal length equivalent to 45mm, just a tad wider than a traditional standard, while on a Canon D-SLR with a 1.6x crop factor, it’s the equivalent of 48mm.
The 30mm lens also features plenty of flexibility when it comes to low-light shooting and creative control for shallow depth-of-field shots. In all mounts bar Sony and Pentax, the lens features Sigma’s HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) technology to drive AF and reduce mechanical noise.
The 30mm f/1.4, thanks in part to its large maximum aperture, is a pretty meaty offering at 430g. It also sports Sigma’s EX matt finish, which is good to look at and use.
Focus is quick and fairly quiet thanks to HSM, though the odd whirr and buzz can still be heard, but the minimum focusing distance is a little disappointing at only 40cm. There’s a decent-sized manual focus ring, and although there’s a good level of control, there’s just a bit too much friction in operation to make it ideal.
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