Speed Poll

johnierebel wrote:

Great Bustard wrote:

johnierebel wrote:

Great Bustard wrote:

OK, we have the:

• Canon 35 / 1.4L II ($1799, 3.2 x 4.2 inches, 760g)
• Sigma 35 / 1.4A ($799, 3.1 x 4.8 inches, 665g)
• Canon 35 / 2 IS ($599, 3.1 x 2.5 inches, 335g)
• Tamron 35 / 1.8 VC ($599, 3.2 x 3.2 inches, 479g)

The current poll on 35mm lenses (which, unfortunately, did not include the Tamron since it was not announced at the time) shows 37% prefer the 35 / 2 IS, 20% the 35 / 1.4A, and 30% the 35 / 1.4L II.

While peoples' choice is a combination of many factors, I would like to think that the popularity of the 35 / 2 IS over the other candidates is based on size, weight, price, and IS, and that these factors outweigh both speed and IQ since the 35 / 2 IS is "fast enough" and has IQ that is "good enough".

So, with that in mind, I present a poll based on speed vs size, weight, cost, and IS.

Let's say Tamron's next lens is an 85 / 1.8 VC and Sigma's next lens is an 85 / 1.4A, and you are in the market for an 85mm prime. Let's further assume that the differences in size, weight, and price between the lenses is in the same proportion as with the 35 / 1.4A and 35 / 1.8 VC. Let's also assume that there is no significant difference in IQ stop-for-stop (e.g. wide open, the 85 / 1.8 VC may have "higher IQ' than the 85 / 1.4A, but both at f/1.8, the IQ is essentially the same).

Which would you choose? The 85 / 1.4A or 85 / 1.8 VC? Or would you choose faster still? The 85 / 1.2L II?

(P.S.: I am actually hopeful that Tamron might put out a 70 / 1.8 VC rather than an 85 / 1.8 VC.)

I went with the Sigma even though I think you over priced.

Under-priced, and, apologies. I took the prices off the B&H site and accidentally used the 18-35 / 1.8 price which was just above the 35 / 1.4A price on the page (should have written $899 rather than $799 for the 35 / 1.4A).

I was talking about your hypothetical 85mm1.4 A.

Ah. I priced it along the lines of $200 increments -- 35 / 1.4A for $799, 50 / 1.4A for $999, 85 / 1.4A for $1199. So, I would amend that to: 35 / 1.4A for $899, 50 / 1.4A for $949, and the 85 / 1.4A for $999, which prices the 85 / 1.4A even lower still. Of course, who knows what it will really cost or how big and heavy it will be.

Also I would think the canon 1.2 would be the largest & heavier.

The 50 / 1.4A is larger and heavier than the 50 / 1.2L and the Sigma 35 / 1.4A is larger and heavier than the 35 / 1.4L (but the 35 / 1.4L II is heavier, though not larger).