A greatly overlooked portrait lens...

daddyo wrote:

I recently had a huge group portrait booked (215 people) and had decided that I would shoot it as a multi-exposure stitched panorama, and that I would do vertical shots using a 30mm focal length. My 12-40mm was off at Oly service being repaired, so I was going to use my Pany 12-35mm lens @ 30mm.

One evening I got to 'window shopping' on the KEH website and saw that they had a Sigma 30mm f/2.8 rated in 'Like New, Minus' condition with lens caps and padded lens case for $133. After quickly looking at a few reviews, I ordered the lens thinking it would be perfect for my upcoming group pano.

When the Sigma arrived it looked like it had never been out of its case. I was amazed at how small and light the lens was, and did a few test shots which really impressed me. The funny thing is that the lens is so small and 'toy' like that I decided to stick with my Pany for the group photo after all.

I broke out the Sigma yesterday and did a couple requisite portrait shots of my cat and dog. I am very impressed with the optical quality of this lens -- especially given the price it can be had for. I can see that this will be a great portrait lens for couples, small families, or even a full length individual portrait. It's like a baby Oly 45mm, only a hint slower optically.

Anyway, here are a couple of the shots I did yesterday. I think it is a much overlooked lens option.

I've read a lot of good comments & reviews of the Sigmas. But, I can never get interested in them because they're just f2.8, and I switch from zooms to primes for light gathering more than sharpness. In fact, I'm hoping we'll see more f1.4 MFT primes. Like you, I shoot in low light at events a lot.

Still, you've demonstrated a good use for that lens, and as I'm not a shallow-DoF aficionado in my portraiture, I'll keep it in mind for those times when my 45mm is too long.