Sigma 30mm 1.4 HSM

[killjon]

I'm considering a Sigma 30mm 1.4 HSM for an all purpose lens on a Canon 7D for video and stills.
It's around $400 - $440 for those who are unfamiliar lens. Anyone recommend something else within the price range? I'm open for suggestions whether it's a prime or zoom.

[meauounji]

you won't find anything else in that price range that has 1.4 aperture. The next closest thing is Canon's 28mm f1.8. Why are you considering the lens? Is it the aperture or the focal length?

If it's the aperture then like I said, nothing else in this price range that I'm aware of. If it's the focal length, then any fast zoom that crosses 30mm will do.

Personally, I do own the Sigma 30mm and have been very satisfied. If you're paying attention to my signature and notice I'm selling it, it's only because I need the money :(

[Azagey]

Could anyone else give input on this lense ASAP? I'm choosing between the Sigma 30mm 1.4 and the Canon 50mm 1.4. Both have the same iris, but I'm leaning towards the Sigma just because it's a little wider, especially with the 1.6 crop. Can anyone give me some insight into how they perform compared to one another? Information would be extremely helpful, thanks!

[meauounji]

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.4-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

and

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-30mm-f-1.4-EX-DC-HSM-Lens-Review.aspx

They're stills centric reviews though, for obvious reasons. I don't think anyone has reviewed a lens for purposes of an HDSLR yet.

Oh, personally, I own both, and the focal length difference is a big deal and should be your primary concern when it comes to video. Because crop is a multiplication, the converted length climbs pretty quickly.

For example:
30mm x1.6 = 48mm - or basically a 18mm add.
50mm x1.6 = 80mm - or a 30mm add.
100mm x1.6 = 160mm - or a 60mm add.
-and so on.

The difference between 48mm ad 80mm is pretty huge. They end up performing two pretty different functions in my experience. You can get in close with the 50mm pretty quickly without being in someone's face, but the 30mm can't really get in close without really shoving the camera right in there.