The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM A is a wide-aperture standard lens for APS-C cameras

F/1.4 maximum aperture; Excellent MTF results; Full-time MF option; Near-silent AF; Metal mounting flange

Significant barrel distortion; Some colour fringing; No image stabilisation

The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM ($690 list) is the APS-C version of the classic fast 50mm lens that, before the popularity of zoom lenses, was the standard lens paired with 35mm SLRs.

Fast aperture; Available for many camera systems

Expensive; Soft images; Noticeable distortion

Originally published October 2005. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The first high-speed "normal" lens for digital SLRs with APS-sized sensors, this 30mm f/1.4 is Sigma's first nontele lens to incorporate elements of SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass.

This is a ‘standard' lens for a cropped digital SLR. 25 years ago, all SLR's came with a ‘standard' lens and everybody learned how to use one. Those lenses, at 50mm, are still about but don't have the versatility that they had on a 35mm film camera.

Fast aperture; Picture quality; Consistent performance; Fast autofocus

Price (Discounted in site shop

Sigma 30mmf/1.4 EX DC HSM is currently the only non fish-eye fixed focal lens in Sigma's arsenal that was designed from grounds up for APS-C type cameras. The lens has a reduced imaging circle and while it can in theory be mounted on a full-frame of APS-H type cameras, the lens will vignette...

A fast aperture lens always garners attention and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens is no exception. Photographers wasted little time in making this lens one of their favorites.

great bokeh from this lens, i use this lens only for low lit videos, as it is not useful for any kind of photography. stars are streaks not points. portraits are distorted, not wide enough for landscape, AF is too horrible for fast motion. do not buy this lens unless you find it under 300 dollars.

fast and quiet HSM AF; focus ring feels smooth and heavy, solid build; 30mm wider than canon 50mm; F1.4 is amazing bokeh; sharp at the center f1.4 to f5.6 ....

terrible AF accuracy; weird 62mm front; abysmal corner to corner even stopped down to f8; noticeable distortion; massive color fringing, vignetting at all apertures; EX speckle finish disappears fast with use

It seems the primary design priority for the Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC was to achieve the highest possible center resolution without caring too much about the rest. The border performance of the lens is just so-so at f/1.4 and only good when stopped down.

Sigma's 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM is a useful prime lens for the D-SLR owner with a cropped format APS-C type sensor. Essentially it takes on the role of prime standard lens, effectively offering 45mm (1.5x), 48mm (1.6x) or 60mm (2x) - depending on which camera you use it with.

This is a ‘standard' lens for a cropped digital SLR. 25 years ago, all SLR's came with a ‘standard' lens and everybody learned how to use one. Those lenses, at 50mm, are still about but don't have the versatility that they had on a 35mm film camera.

Fast aperture; Picture quality; Consistent performance; Fast autofocus

Price (Discounted in site shop