I almost wrote about those very promising new Sigma lenses, including the much-desired portrait (and many other things) configuration, 85mm F:1.4. This will be interesting for many, not the least users of full-frame cameras. Nikon and Canon have their own great lenses here, but this may be cheaper (though not dead-cheap, it's a pro lens), and for Sony full-frame users, I think the only option otherwise has been a Zeiss lens, which is brilliant, but expensive and is not autofocus.
Sigma says they have aimed at making it better than "original" lenses, but I think this, unlike with budget 50mm lenses, will be difficult, since the 85mm lenses out there are traditionally of top-notch quality.
So far as I'm aware, Sigma has made many good lenses, but I have often heard complaints of lax quality-control, and this was confirmed when I bought a 35mm 14 Sigma a couple years ago, it was so unsharp in the middle that I had to return it, something which is rare for me.
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Like many male photographers, I'm enchanted by swinging around big chunks of metal and glass, it feels like you're doing something very Real and Important. :-)
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There is also an upcoming Samsung compact
... Which has a tiltable screen, too rare in compacts. And has a very fast lens, and just looks really good (click for big pic). Promising.Miserere said:
I think the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is going to sell very well. I wonder how it will compare to the Canon 85mm f/1.4... Wait, there isn't one! And the f/1.2 is very expensive.
Nikon's 85mm f/1.4 is very long in the tooth by now, and also more expensive than the Sigma.
Sony's 85mm f/1.4 is probably ~50% more expensive than the Sigma will be. On the other hand, it is a Zeiss lens.
Pentax don't have a currently produced 85mm f/1.4.
Neither do Olympus.
In short, this lens can, and will, appeal to shooters from all brands, and when you're designing a lens as a 3rd party lens maker, you want the largest possible pool of buyers possible. (Having said that, Sigma haven't included 4/3 in the list of mounts they're planning to make available.)
But how does it smell? Following the example (YouTube) of my idol, Dr. NakaMats, nowadays I do all my camera buying decisions based on the smell of the camera.
ReplyDelete“Good smell is good camera. Bad smell or no smell, that is bad camera.” —Dr. Nakamats
Actually, Sigma lenses smell OK. I've never smelled a Samsung camera, though.
ReplyDeleteMost Samsungs I've smelled has given an overall impression of cherry blossoms, which is very nice, but also a background hint of sweat shops, which I didn't care for.
ReplyDeleteBut back to the main point: gear.
ReplyDeleteI think the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is going to sell very well. I wonder how it will compare to the Canon 85mm f/1.4... Wait, there isn't one! And the f/1.2 is very expensive.
Nikon's 85mm f/1.4 is very long in the tooth by now, and also more expensive than the Sigma.
Sony's 85mm f/1.4 is probably ~50% more expensive than the Sigma will be. On the other hand, it is a Zeiss lens.
Pentax don't have a currently produced 85mm f/1.4.
Neither do Olympus.
In short, this lens can, and will, appeal to shooters from all brands, and when you're designing a lens as a 3rd party lens maker, you want the largest possible pool of buyers possible. (Having said that, Sigma haven't included 4/3 in the list of mounts they're planning to make available.)
Next point: Samsung TL500. E., have you pre-ordered one yet? I know you, dude—you like shiny metal stuff :-)
I'm waiting for reviews. It may have significant flaws or summit. Also I'm pretty well served already.
ReplyDeleteGood point on lenses, will post.