A greatly overlooked portrait lens...

Terminal Boy wrote:

I've just picked up one of the new "Art" versions of the 30mm as a general walk-around lens for my GM5.

Just curious, why did you pick that one over PL 25/1.4?

I tried to love the 12-32mm kit lens, but found myself either using it at 12-15mm and wishing it was faster or using it at 32mm and wishing it was slightly longer.

As I own both the 15mm f1.7 PL and the 35-100mm f4-f5.6, it made no sense to me to use the 12-32mm this way

I like your "tried to love the 12-32..."  Seems like I'm developing the same feeling, and you've found the words.

Terminal Boy wrote:

ikfoto wrote:

Terminal Boy wrote:

I've just picked up one of the new "Art" versions of the 30mm as a general walk-around lens for my GM5.

Just curious, why did you pick that one over PL 25/1.4?

I tried to love the 12-32mm kit lens, but found myself either using it at 12-15mm and wishing it was faster or using it at 32mm and wishing it was slightly longer.

As I own both the 15mm f1.7 PL and the 35-100mm f4-f5.6, it made no sense to me to use the 12-32mm this way

I like your "tried to love the 12-32..." Seems like I'm developing the same feeling, and you've found the words.

While the PL 25mm f1.4 would have given me the classic 50mm FF equivalent focal length, I already have the PL 15mm and couldn't convince myself to spend £430 for "another 10mm".

While the 30mm Sigma is half as fast as the PL 25mm, it's twice as fast as my "unloved" 12-32mm kit lens at the same FL.

That the Sigma 30mm only cost £130 meant I could see if I liked the 30mm FL without breaking the bank.

I'll post pics when I capture something that isn't just my playing around with aperture and focus modes...

I see your point, especially the cost considerations (I do remember your "BGAS"), and it's too late now that you've made up your mind on the Sigma.

But I must say, even if just for the record, that PL 15 -> PL 25 (which I both use) is not just extra 10 mm, or the joy of f/1.4. These 2 are entirely different beasts, each for its own purpose.

daddyo wrote:

..

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

A square crop of our little kitty, Max.

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Really nice capture.

Thank you for your post. I do panorama stitched photos of large groups on a regular basis especially when shooting for a large spread of a wedding album or when I have to shoot a large orchestra on stage and get everyone tack sharp.

I usually prefer to use a bit longer FL for this type of photography and 45mm f/1.8 is my favourite and always gets me very good results. The Sigma 30mm sounds like a great lens too and I have to test it one day. Would love to see one of your large group photos using this technique.

Cheers

Moti