One of my New Years resolutions was to change from a manual
focus Nikon 85mm f1.4 to an auto focus 85mm f1.4 of some sort, as it is almost impossible to
shoot a toddler with MF and get any keepers.
The ultra thin depth of field and a moving object relegates this to a
lesson in futility. So the lens got put
in the drawer and not used, which is never a good sign.
The only real choices
for an AF upgrade for me are the Nikon 85mm f1.4 AF-D or the Sigma 85mm
f1.4. The last alternative is the very
expensive Nikon 85mm f1.4 AF-S N, which is out of my league, even for a used
one. Interestingly the Sigma the does
not seem to be holding its value quite as well, and used examples are now
trading in the $700 - $850 range, despite most reviews suggesting the
performance between the two isn't too different, with a possible edge to the
Sigma. The reviews for the Sigma generally are also good, and with the new 35mm f1.4 out, I was certainly keen if the right deal came up.
A few days ago I ended up purchasing the Sigma. Even at f1.4, the contrast and centre
sharpness is really good, and the AF reasonably fast. Enough to ensure a good number of keepers to
publish. Sure the corner sharpness isn't
as good, but Im not worried as usually I am just looking at a dreamy bokeh
instead!
Beautiful shot. It's pictures like this that makes spending money on gear worthwhile. The later Sigma lenses are excellent. I love my Sigma 50/1.4, and the 19/30mm f2.8. All excellent lenses. Seriously, there is no point in paying so much more for OEM lenses. I wish Sigma was there with the type of lenses I wanted when I was building my system. Could have saved thousands.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Agreed. I really like my Sigma 12-24mm and 20mm f1.8 as well, and I'd love to get the 35mm f1.4 too.
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