Favourite walkaround prime on Sony apsc?

sunhorse · Feb 16, 2021

The 24 f/1.8 is a favorite for me. It's small and light, making it a great walk-around lens.

I love the rendering of this lens, the bokeh is decent and my copy is pretty sharp. Bonus: its close focus is pretty good too, and can easily be used for food shots.

I bought mine used in great condition for half the price of new. I might have hesitated at the full price, but this was a no-brainer.

--
Ramesh

math guy · Feb 16, 2021

Martin_99 said:
I forgot to ask about Viltrox features and usability. Everything works as native Sony lens? Eg. magnification when MF, IBIS etc? What about support of the lens in RAW software, mainly automatic vigneting/distorsion correction? Do updates of the lens through USB cabel works corectly? What is your experience?

Thanks!

Following up on my previous reply...

Updating the firmware was super easy. The lens has a micro USB port on it, so you don't even have to use the camera to update it. You just download the update file from the Viltrox website, plug the lens into the computer, and drag the file from the download folder into the lens folder.

As I mentioned before, the lens profile from Viltrox only works for jpegs in Lightroom. It says that it works for raw files in Photoshop, but I didn't try that out. I shoot raw all the time, so that profile isn't useful to me. If I get to the point that I need to correct my images regularly then I'll just make my own preset. But to show what the preset does for those who do shoot jpegs, here are two images. The first is a jpeg converted from raw with no changes at all. The second shows the results of the lens profile corrections with no other changes. The most obvious difference is that it corrects the vignetting, but it also made a small distortion correction.

--
-- Joe S.
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein
https://www.flickr.com/photos/183511745@N03/

PhotoFactor · Feb 16, 2021

snapa said:
PhotoFactor said:

Funny, I was going to say my old Sigma 30 f2.8.

It's fast enough, small enough, and very sharp. It's also a good focal length.

Click to expand...

I only have the old Sigma 30 f2.8 prime, and it takes great pictures every time I use it.

Although I only use three lenses, I use the FE 70-300 92%, the 18-135 6%, and the Sigma 30 the other 2%. Those three lenses are all I need at this time, and I'm happy with all of them. I guess you can call me a minimalism, I can take it. ;-)

Here are only three folders taken I saved with the Sigma 30 f2.8 I'd like to share.

A motorcyle show, and a Chinese festival and a Renaissance Festival , to show why I like it so much. I can't see how the Sigma 30 f1.4 or any other 30mm len could do much better. Oh yeah, it also only cost me $139 bucks!

I beat you there. I got the Sigma 19 and 30 2.8's on a closeout deal before they did the upgrade to the "shiny finish" versions. The old versions, new, the pair, was $199!

snapa · Feb 16, 2021

PhotoFactor said:
snapa said:

PhotoFactor said:

Funny, I was going to say my old Sigma 30 f2.8.

It's fast enough, small enough, and very sharp. It's also a good focal length.

Click to expand...

I only have the old Sigma 30 f2.8 prime, and it takes great pictures every time I use it.

Although I only use three lenses, I use the FE 70-300 92%, the 18-135 6%, and the Sigma 30 the other 2%. Those three lenses are all I need at this time, and I'm happy with all of them. I guess you can call me a minimalism, I can take it. ;-)

Here are only three folders taken I saved with the Sigma 30 f2.8 I'd like to share.

A motorcyle show, and a Chinese festival and a Renaissance Festival , to show why I like it so much. I can't see how the Sigma 30 f1.4 or any other 30mm len could do much better. Oh yeah, it also only cost me $139 bucks!

Click to expand...

I beat you there. I got the Sigma 19 and 30 2.8's on a closeout deal before they did the upgrade to the "shiny finish" versions. The old versions, new, the pair, was $199!

As you can see from my gear list, I also own the Sigma 30 EX DN, the older and better version, I will never get rid of it. I did own the older Sigma 19 EX DN, but it was not nearly as good as the 30mm, not even close. I tested it against my 16-50 kit lens at 19mm, and could hardly tell the difference from f3.5 and above. Maybe I got a bad copy(?), but I retuned it. My 18-135 at 19mm at f3.5 is as good or better than my old Sigma 19 EX DN.

BTW, here is one more folder with a few Sigma 30 f2.8 pictures I took for a friend of her Halloween party. All taken without a flash, hand held. She loved the pictures I took for her. I think this lens is the best bang for the buck prime ever made for the price, size, sharpness and IQ, period.

Sympa · Feb 16, 2021

I owned the Sigma 30/2.8 and I miss it sometimes. Small, sharp and quick AF.

I also tried the 19mm, but it was not comparable at all. Clunky AF where you viewfinder image changes size, chromatic aberration (noticeable colored edges at the side) and not "prime" sharp.

Bender79ita · Feb 17, 2021

Although it's a very close call with the 20mm f2.8 pancake (because it's wider and way more portable), the 30 f1.4 simply offers superior versatility when it comes to depth of field and portraiture.

It's somewhat the lower limit of what I would consider acceptable for standard portraits (ideal being the 56 or 85). Budget friendly, sharp, chromatic aberrations are decently controlled even at f1.4, easy to resell, there's nothing not to like except perhaps the size (but it's a f1.4).

I've shot thousand of pictures with the Nikkor 35mm f1.8 DX, the feeling is the same with the Sigma 30 f1.4. It really could be my only lens if it had to. Only wish it had OSS for the occasional video clip.

geopapa · Feb 17, 2021

Sympa said:
I owned the Sigma 30/2.8 and I miss it sometimes. Small, sharp and quick AF.

I also tried the 19mm, but it was not comparable at all. Clunky AF where you viewfinder image changes size, chromatic aberration (noticeable colored edges at the side) and not "prime" sharp.

I also had a brief experience with the sigma 19mm. Can't say I didn't like it although inferior to the other of the 2.8 trio I particularly liked the closer focusing distance and the size. Unfortunately it fell off the table and this caused the motors inside to break.. I don't know if it is worth it to give it for repair. Searching for an affordable alternative with close focus I pulled the trigger and ordered the kamlan 21mm 1.8 manual focus. It's very very under-reviewed for some reason but there are reports that's it's optically better than the zonlai and the viltrox 23mm (which is a nice lens but not having short mfd is a put off). We'll see when it arrives.

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/146655216@N05/

geopapa · Feb 17, 2021

Bender79ita said:
Although it's a very close call with the 20mm f2.8 pancake (because it's wider and way more portable), the 30 f1.4 simply offers superior versatility when it comes to depth of field and portraiture.

It's somewhat the lower limit of what I would consider acceptable for standard portraits (ideal being the 56 or 85). Budget friendly, sharp, chromatic aberrations are decently controlled even at f1.4, easy to resell, there's nothing not to like except perhaps the size (but it's a f1.4).

I've shot thousand of pictures with the Nikkor 35mm f1.8 DX, the feeling is the same with the Sigma 30 f1.4. It really could be my only lens if it had to. Only wish it had OSS for the occasional video clip.

Hands down my most used and favorite lens. For a general walkaround though 19-24mm is more versatile.

--

George Papamichail

Explore George Papamichail’s 151 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Martin_99 · Feb 17, 2021

What do you think, do Sigma/Tamron/Samyang show some interest in near future in apsc range 20-25mm, similarly like Viltrox?

Or maybe some new lens from Sony, like 35mm FF?

snapa · Feb 17, 2021

Martin_99 said:
What do you think, do Sigma/Tamron/Samyang show some interest in near future in apsc range 20-25mm, similarly like Viltrox? Or maybe some new lens from Sony, like 35mm FF?

If Sony/Sigma/Tamron/Samyang made a new high quality AF, small, 16-22mm f1.8/2.0 prime for APS-C in the $250-300 range, I'd be very interested in it. I don't know why Sony has not updated their old 16 or 20mm pancake lenses, but it's about time they did, IMO. Even if the update was not a pancake lens, something (anything) new and improved would be nice to see.

Martin_99 · Feb 17, 2021

snapa said:
Martin_99 said:

What do you think, do Sigma/Tamron/Samyang show some interest in near future in apsc range 20-25mm, similarly like Viltrox? Or maybe some new lens from Sony, like 35mm FF?

Click to expand...

If Sony/Sigma/Tamron/Samyang made a new high quality AF, small, 16-22mm f1.8/2.0 prime for APS-C in the $250-300 range, I'd be very interested in it. I don't know why Sony has not updated their old 16 or 20mm pancake lenses, but it's about time they did, IMO. Even if the update was not a pancake lens, something (anything) new and improved would be nice to see.

Craig Gillette · Feb 17, 2021

Not a prime only guy. My favorite walk-around is the 18-135. I do have the Sigma 30/1.4 and really like it. My only other prime is a rather fast wide but it wouldn't be reasonable walk-around. I really do find the 30mm somewhat long and would think that something around 24mm on aps-c (35mm or so ff) or so would work better as a single focal length for me. I've actually tried the 30mm as a walk-around a couple of times but didn't enjoy it. At Disneyland, it was kind of too long, but that's a rather compressed and crowded spot. The other time was better but not being used to only using a single focal length, missed the convenience of variable focal range. I did like the quality of the Sigma and size wise it's not too bad, the f1.4 being useful,too.

SonyOB · Feb 17, 2021

same here

Though oftentimes I need the reach of the 18-135 which is a great daylight performer outside.

--
Words are wind.

Sympa · Feb 17, 2021

There is the Samyang 24/2.8 FF which is cheap and APS-C sized. But its size seems to mean image quality is not impressive.

PhotoFactor · Feb 17, 2021

Sympa said:
There is the Samyang 24/2.8 FF which is cheap and APS-C sized. But its size seems to mean image quality is not impressive.

Does anybody know whether this Sammy or the Sony 20/2.8 is sharper?

migus · Feb 18, 2021

snapa said:
Martin_99 said:

What do you think, do Sigma/Tamron/Samyang show some interest in near future in apsc range 20-25mm, similarly like Viltrox? Or maybe some new lens from Sony, like 35mm FF?

Click to expand...

If Sony/Sigma/Tamron/Samyang made a new high quality AF, small, 16-22mm f1.8/2.0 prime for APS-C in the $250-300 range, I'd be very interested in it. I don't know why Sony has not updated their old 16 or 20mm pancake lenses, but it's about time they did, IMO. Even if the update was not a pancake lens, something (anything) new and improved would be nice to see.

APS-C needs new compact primes in the 16-50 range, to exploit APS-C's smaller more compact form factor.

However, one could see a 3rd party's predicament (Sony being too infatuated with its FF premiums) on such prime req'ts:

IQ => Exemplary please: The IQ should be above the old f/2.8 designs from Sony and Sigma, exceeding the old kit zooms, the 16-70, the 18-105 and beating the SEL18-135 (my MTF reference for premium kit zooms);
Size => Under 90-150gr, max. Because we already have plenty (lucky us!) of big (300-550gr; ~1lb.) fast /1.4 primes and zooms, which together with the ever increasing A6xxx cameras' bulk make for 2+ lb. ( >1Kg) systems hanging from our necks as 'walk-arounds". Or else many will resort to P&S, or the ever improving phone.
Cost => Stellar IQ @ 100gr. won't come under $400 in today's state of affairs following the audiophilia into stratospheric 'enthusiast' pricing.

While the latter pricing is a quite elastic 'utility' function, the former 2 req'ts on IQ and size are a tall order indeed. This may explain the perceived risks and the lack of small new E-mount primes. Even Fuji has just its WR 27mm in 2 versions, optically the same lens.

SonyOB · Feb 18, 2021

I have the Sam 35mm f/2.8 for FF. Sharp, yes, but prone to flare. Light. Good value certainly.

SonyOB · Feb 18, 2021

had that for Canon APS-C. Not optically perfect by all means but pleasing picture quality in low light full open.

It feels like a serious lens on the SL-1 body.

--
Words are wind.

dht · Feb 18, 2021

migus said:
snapa said:

Martin_99 said:

What do you think, do Sigma/Tamron/Samyang show some interest in near future in apsc range 20-25mm, similarly like Viltrox? Or maybe some new lens from Sony, like 35mm FF?

Click to expand...

If Sony/Sigma/Tamron/Samyang made a new high quality AF, small, 16-22mm f1.8/2.0 prime for APS-C in the $250-300 range, I'd be very interested in it. I don't know why Sony has not updated their old 16 or 20mm pancake lenses, but it's about time they did, IMO. Even if the update was not a pancake lens, something (anything) new and improved would be nice to see.

Click to expand...

APS-C needs new compact primes in the 16-50 range, to exploit APS-C's smaller more compact form factor.

However, one could see a 3rd party's predicament (Sony being too infatuated with its FF premiums) on such prime req'ts:

IQ => Exemplary please: The IQ should be above the old f/2.8 designs from Sony and Sigma, exceeding the old kit zooms, the 16-70, the 18-105 and beating the SEL18-135 (my MTF reference for premium kit zooms);

Size => Under 90-150gr, max. Because we already have plenty (lucky us!) of big (300-550gr; ~1lb.) fast /1.4 primes and zooms, which together with the ever increasing A6xxx cameras' bulk make for 2+ lb. ( >1Kg) systems hanging from our necks as 'walk-arounds". Or else many will resort to P&S, or the ever improving phone.

Cost => Stellar IQ @ 100gr. won't come under $400 in today's state of affairs following the audiophilia into stratospheric 'enthusiast' pricing.

While the latter pricing is a quite elastic 'utility' function, the former 2 req'ts on IQ and size are a tall order indeed. This may explain the perceived risks and the lack of small new E-mount primes. Even Fuji has just its WR 27mm in 2 versions, optically the same lens.

I would absolutely love new lens development in Sony APS-C, but your point about full frame is key here. FF drives higher margins for Sony, and I truly believe that they are afraid of cannibalizing FF if their APS-C offerings are too strong. For most people I believe APS-C is a superior all around choice, and Sony knows this too. Sadly, I think we will just have to make due with the limitations of the existing APS-C lens lineup.

migus · Feb 18, 2021

"FF drives higher margins for Sony, and I truly believe that they are afraid of cannibalizing FF if their APS-C offerings are too strong. For most people I believe APS-C is a superior all around choice, and Sony knows this too. Sadly, I think we will just have to make due with the limitations of the existing APS-C lens lineup."

Wise words, most likely the mantra also for Sony ... :-(

In daylight most static subjects offer enough photons to cleanly impress the smaller sensors in MFT and even phones (in photons/sensel vs noise level). No real need for multi-Kg FF gear for such apps.

Favourite walkaround prime on Sony apsc?

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