The Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM Art ($499) is a standard-angle prime lens for APS-C cameras. It's one of the rare SLR lenses in this focal range that's dedicated to that sensor format, and the only one with an f/1.4 aperture. Nikon, Sony, and Pentax all offer more affordable options with maximum apertures that range from f/1.8 to f/2.4, but the Sigma 30mm is available as a faster option for all of those mounts, and is also available in versions for Canon and Sigma SLRs. The lens is just a little soft when shot wide open, which prevents it from getting top marks, but it's a solid option for APS-C shooters. If you're not willing to compromise on image quality in this focal length range, another Sigma lens is the way to go. Our Editors' Choice Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM ($679.95 at Amazon) is a lot bigger and heavier, but it's deadly sharp at f/1.4 and works with both APS-C and full-frame cameras. The 30mm is part of Sigma's Art series, which is the category that the company is using for al...

The Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM is a solid option for APS-C photographers who want a standard-angle prime with an f/1.4 aperture, but it's a little pricey compared with f/1.8 lenses.

Compact; Opens to f/1.4; Very sharp when stopped down; 0.3-meter close focus; Sturdy build

Some edge softness at wide apertures; Modest barrel distortion; Lacks optical stabilization; Pricey

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.

Needed a lens for low lighting conditions. Can't get much faster than f/1.4 ! Sigma makes pretty good third party lenses . I had several with my old Minolta film cameras back in the day and they worked great. This is my first Sigma for a DSLR. Took it out for a test run yesterday.

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

There was enough chromatic aberration on this lens to stop me bothering to use it.

If you change lenses frequently (as I do) and happen to put this one back in your bag without first attaching the rear lens cap, the rear glass is very easy to scratch as the glass protrudes beyond the lens mount when lens is set to infinity.

Captures nice images

Fatal design flaw

I have used this lens for portraits, landscapes and an 8 image panorama and it has produced the goods for me every time. Tack sharp with lovely fall off in the portraits and great detail in the landscapes and panorama. I can't fault it.

Durable; Fast; accurate,quiet auto focus; Great Features; Great Picture Quality

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...