Photog on a budget: Canon 35/2 IS vs Sigma 35/1.4 ART

jacson wrote:

Sorry I'm late (working).
To offer some more info, I'm definitely a fan of shallow depth of field. With 35mm (as opposed to maybe 85mm), the dof drop off going from 1.4 to 2 is more significant for sure. And I guess I'm just worried I won't like the separation as much at the aperture.

However, from all that you all have told me, it is worth it. Also, I definitely hadn't considered AFMA issues with the Sigma, which is making me heavily rethink that decision. Because from what I've heard since it came out, you can hardly get a copy that doesn't require it. So that's a big factor (no point to a lens that sharp if you're out of focus).
But with the 35/2 being so sharp plus IS, which will be helpful for my late night excursions, I think that will be the one I go with. Thanks a ton for the input.

I've got the Sigma 35 1.4 Art and have used it on my former 5d II and current 6d. I love it. I did have the play the Sigma lottery to get a good copy (i.e. One that did not require "massive amounts of MF adjustment). For me, the 3rd try was a charm. Still, I had to use the Sigma dock to really dial in the sharpness. So, you would probably need to factor this into the purchase ($50) if you change your mind and opt for the Sigma.

One thing to keep in mind. The dock has 4 separate adjustments that you can make on the 35 to help correct front/back focus at various distances: 1 foot, 1 foot to 1.5 feet, roughly 2-3.5 feet, roughly 4 feet to infinity. The last distance is the tricky one. Mine required a different adjustment factor at the closer end of this last range than it did towards the infinity end of the range. So, I had to pick which end of this range was more important to me in terms of razor sharp focus at 1.4. Apparently this is common with the Sigma 35. Roger Cicila at Lensrental commented on this in his write up of the dock. See link below. Something to be aware of.

I love the Sigma though...a great option. It is very shap wide open. Stop down "just a bit" to f/2 or f2.8 and IQ is off the charts...very sharp and contrasty.

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/06/sigma-optimization-pro-and-usb-dock/