Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

If you're looking for a great 35mm prime, and are willing to risk a non-Nikon brand, this is an outstanding lens. I bought this after reading so many positive reviews by professional photographers, and after determining 35mm was what I wanted for a general purpose walk around lens. I also knew I didn't want to spend the price of the Nikon 35.

Of course we won't know how this holds up over time, but on appearance and in use he build quality looks solid. This is no plastic lens, and is has heft to it. Performance is fast and accurate. And tack sharp after a few clicks of AF tuning in my D600 and D800.

I have had no issues with it on either body, but have not really used on the D800 (I am down sizing to a D600). Buying a non-Nikon brand is always a trade off. First, the resale value is usually a fair amount lower.

And second, and perhaps most important, is compatibility. There can always be a firmware update that causes a problem down the road. So I have usually opted to pay more for Nikon lenses, even though there are some outstanding lenses by other manufacturers. The Sigma 35 is one where price difference, performance, and build quality seems to trump the trade off's.

If you buy the Nikon 35 you won't be disappointed, and if you are, you can sell it and not loose to much. But the Sigma 35 is one of those instances where you can get a lens that rivals or exceeds a top rated Nikon lens, and at a meaningful savings to boot.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Used with flower photography and casual portrait photography so far. Very sharp even at 1.4. Using it on D800 so my occasional missed focus blame could be either lens or camera. I have not tested yet on chart. Focus is quiet but somtimes a little erratic.
Nice contrast with perhaps a little harsh bokeh, but I am not a bokeh freak so it does not bother me. Nice color rendition on flowers, which can be tricky and nice sharpness. Nice narrow DOF at 1.4 or 1.6 for a somewhat wide angle. This can be great for landscape shots. A little heavy, but not too large and very solid. All in all a nice lens.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Went with this over Zeiss 35 f2 because of autofocus for some subjects. Tests and initial shooting look excellent. No focus shift, very sharp, some slight forward field curvature, excellent rearward bokeh and good forward bokeh. Well made physically (and nice looking). Fine focus adjust required +16 on D800E. It will be interesting to adjust that with Sigma USB dock when available. Allows manual adjustment of focus while in Auto setting (like Nikon M/A). Is IF as opposed to the Nikon 35 1.4G which is RF, so not as good for focus stacking (entrance pupil moves with focus distance). No vignetting with one B+W filter attached. I was not sure about Sigma quality, and I'll know better after a full Summer of shooting in Alaska, but looks very good so far. Excellent price.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Wonderful,beautifully balanced, ultra-sharp. Exquisite 35mm lens for Nikon D800E

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

My first non-zoom lens in years, this lives up to all its excellent reviews with stellar image quality and excellent autofocusing. I use it with a Nikon D600.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Outstanding optical quality. Great build (although time will really tell). I have not tried the Nikon 35/1.4 so I cannot compere, but I own a bunch of Nikon glass (24/1.4, 85/1.4,14-24,24-70,70-200VR2) and the optical quality is on par with these and better in many cases.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

This lens is sharp edge to edge, fast focusing a treat to use. Better than any Nikon 35mm that I've used.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

This is the perfect lens to be used wide open at f/1.4. Get it if you'll use it wide open, else get the 24-70. The images are tack sharp and the bokeh for a 24mm is just buttery. It has become my go to lens for events.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

I've been wanting this lens for a long time. I also own the Sigma 50 1.4 (soft wide open) and the Sigma 85 1.4 (amazing lens, my other favorite). This lens is sharp wide open, even sharper stopped down, and has beautiful rendering. You can also get pretty close to your subject, which is awesome. Silent and quick to focus, too.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

In fifty years of owning Nikon equipment, from the infamous Nikkorex to the D800, this is the first non-Nikon lens I have owned. I have been using it primarily for indoor and outdoor candid shots. Focusing under the conditions I've used it with has been fast and accurate. I did check for focus accuracy with a chart before using and it didn't exhibit any back or front focus issues. The construction appears to be good; it doesn't seem to mate quite as smoothly as my Nikon lenses, not that there are any problems with the final fit. This lens along with my Nikon 50 mm f/1.4 combined with the high ISO capability of the D800 really allow for so many opportunities for candid natural light photography

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

What more can I say about this lens that has not been said already. This definitely became my favorite lens after just using it for a few shoots. It is the lens that will always stay on my camera.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

This lens is sharper hands down then the Nikkor 35 f/1.4G at larger apertures. By f/5.6 or so they become more or less equivalent. If you need a sharp low-light lens, this is it. This lens has received lots of rave reviews and they are deserved. Chromatic aberration is also better controlled than on the Nikkor as are linear distortions at any aperture. The only area where this lens laggs the nikon equivalent is in corner light fall-off. The difference is gone at f/5.6 and actually is better on the Sigma at f/8 and smaller apertures. Overall the best lens Sigma has ever made.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

sharp but not the best at catching focus in low light. i use D800 with af-on 3d tracking focus and hit my critical focus in 90% (nikon lenses) to my shots. this lens in low light will get it right 60% of the time.

This is my only non-nikon lens because of the 1.4, price, and insane sharpness.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

- Fast focus
- Pretty sharp at f/1.4
- Very bright
- Build like a tank (a bit heavy)
- Beautiful lens
- Very good walk-around lens

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

This lens gets all sorts of knocks on forums and in some reviews. Some say it doesn't focus with all points. All say it seems to focus with the center point and for me and those like me that use the center point anyway, buy this. Its super sharp! I can't tell you if my copy focuses correctly using every point since I didn't buy it and immediately test it to find out. I take photos, not evaluate products. I just went out and took pictures with it and it works perfect. Autofocus speed? Another thing people love to harp about but I don't think any will complain, its as good as anything I own.
Color and contrast are very pleasing besides the exceptional sharpness and it's sharp from 1.4 up thru the numbers. Center to corners. Build looks good but it is some sort of plastic like material and while the build is pleasing, the detail and quality there it remains to be seen how this lens holds up over time and heavy use. I plan to find out.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Posting a photo (JPG) right out of camera. Color, contrast, and sharpness are fantastic. Quick AF and solid build make this a great lens. I don't own the Nikon 35mm but do have the trinity to compare. So far I'm very happy from wide open to stopped down performance. Close focus distance allows for an impromptu macro lens on my D800. I couldn't justify the Nikon and was impressed with the reviews so for the money I thought I would give it a chance. Glad I ddi. I think anybody that buys it will feel the same. You have a winner here Sigma.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Just moved from Canon to Nikon and was looking for something to replace our 35L. This lens has been perfect.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Did some testing between this lens and a Nikon 35mm 1.4 at the camera shop. Not only did it blow away my old Nikon 35mm F/2 lens, this lens is sharper, similar build quality, better contrast and color vs. the Nikkor 35mm 1.4G. Sigma HSM motor is also very quiet, fast, and doesn't squeak like some of my AF-S nikkors. The only advantages of the Nikon is the perceived better resale value and weather sealing which the Sigma lacks. I have my 24-70G to use when it rains anyway. As always, B&H has super fast shipping and customer service, so I purchased my copy from them and it's just as good as the one I demoed.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1 Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras by Sigma

A Fantastic Lens, Better then my Nikon 35mm

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Purchased after the photography convention at Las Vegas. Build quality is superb and the image is just amazing. Very fast focus and sharp. Recently DxO mark rated this lens higher than Nikon35mm 1.4G lens or even schnider lens.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

If you're looking for a great 35mm prime, and are willing to risk a non-Nikon brand, this is an outstanding lens. I bought this after reading so many positive reviews by professional photographers, and after determining 35mm was what I wanted for a general purpose walk around lens. I also knew I didn't want to spend the price of the Nikon 35.

Of course we won't know how this holds up over time, but on appearance and in use he build quality looks solid. This is no plastic lens, and is has heft to it. Performance is fast and accurate. And tack sharp after a few clicks of AF tuning in my D600 and D800.

I have had no issues with it on either body, but have not really used on the D800 (I am down sizing to a D600). Buying a non-Nikon brand is always a trade off. First, the resale value is usually a fair amount lower.

And second, and perhaps most important, is compatibility. There can always be a firmware update that causes a problem down the road. So I have usually opted to pay more for Nikon lenses, even though there are some outstanding lenses by other manufacturers. The Sigma 35 is one where price difference, performance, and build quality seems to trump the trade off's.

If you buy the Nikon 35 you won't be disappointed, and if you are, you can sell it and not loose to much. But the Sigma 35 is one of those instances where you can get a lens that rivals or exceeds a top rated Nikon lens, and at a meaningful savings to boot.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Used with flower photography and casual portrait photography so far. Very sharp even at 1.4. Using it on D800 so my occasional missed focus blame could be either lens or camera. I have not tested yet on chart. Focus is quiet but somtimes a little erratic.
Nice contrast with perhaps a little harsh bokeh, but I am not a bokeh freak so it does not bother me. Nice color rendition on flowers, which can be tricky and nice sharpness. Nice narrow DOF at 1.4 or 1.6 for a somewhat wide angle. This can be great for landscape shots. A little heavy, but not too large and very solid. All in all a nice lens.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Went with this over Zeiss 35 f2 because of autofocus for some subjects. Tests and initial shooting look excellent. No focus shift, very sharp, some slight forward field curvature, excellent rearward bokeh and good forward bokeh. Well made physically (and nice looking). Fine focus adjust required +16 on D800E. It will be interesting to adjust that with Sigma USB dock when available. Allows manual adjustment of focus while in Auto setting (like Nikon M/A). Is IF as opposed to the Nikon 35 1.4G which is RF, so not as good for focus stacking (entrance pupil moves with focus distance). No vignetting with one B+W filter attached. I was not sure about Sigma quality, and I'll know better after a full Summer of shooting in Alaska, but looks very good so far. Excellent price.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Wonderful,beautifully balanced, ultra-sharp. Exquisite 35mm lens for Nikon D800E

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

My first non-zoom lens in years, this lives up to all its excellent reviews with stellar image quality and excellent autofocusing. I use it with a Nikon D600.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Outstanding optical quality. Great build (although time will really tell). I have not tried the Nikon 35/1.4 so I cannot compere, but I own a bunch of Nikon glass (24/1.4, 85/1.4,14-24,24-70,70-200VR2) and the optical quality is on par with these and better in many cases.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

This lens is sharp edge to edge, fast focusing a treat to use. Better than any Nikon 35mm that I've used.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

This is the perfect lens to be used wide open at f/1.4. Get it if you'll use it wide open, else get the 24-70. The images are tack sharp and the bokeh for a 24mm is just buttery. It has become my go to lens for events.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

I've been wanting this lens for a long time. I also own the Sigma 50 1.4 (soft wide open) and the Sigma 85 1.4 (amazing lens, my other favorite). This lens is sharp wide open, even sharper stopped down, and has beautiful rendering. You can also get pretty close to your subject, which is awesome. Silent and quick to focus, too.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

In fifty years of owning Nikon equipment, from the infamous Nikkorex to the D800, this is the first non-Nikon lens I have owned. I have been using it primarily for indoor and outdoor candid shots. Focusing under the conditions I've used it with has been fast and accurate. I did check for focus accuracy with a chart before using and it didn't exhibit any back or front focus issues. The construction appears to be good; it doesn't seem to mate quite as smoothly as my Nikon lenses, not that there are any problems with the final fit. This lens along with my Nikon 50 mm f/1.4 combined with the high ISO capability of the D800 really allow for so many opportunities for candid natural light photography

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

What more can I say about this lens that has not been said already. This definitely became my favorite lens after just using it for a few shoots. It is the lens that will always stay on my camera.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

This lens is sharper hands down then the Nikkor 35 f/1.4G at larger apertures. By f/5.6 or so they become more or less equivalent. If you need a sharp low-light lens, this is it. This lens has received lots of rave reviews and they are deserved. Chromatic aberration is also better controlled than on the Nikkor as are linear distortions at any aperture. The only area where this lens laggs the nikon equivalent is in corner light fall-off. The difference is gone at f/5.6 and actually is better on the Sigma at f/8 and smaller apertures. Overall the best lens Sigma has ever made.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

sharp but not the best at catching focus in low light. i use D800 with af-on 3d tracking focus and hit my critical focus in 90% (nikon lenses) to my shots. this lens in low light will get it right 60% of the time.

This is my only non-nikon lens because of the 1.4, price, and insane sharpness.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

- Fast focus
- Pretty sharp at f/1.4
- Very bright
- Build like a tank (a bit heavy)
- Beautiful lens
- Very good walk-around lens

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

This lens gets all sorts of knocks on forums and in some reviews. Some say it doesn't focus with all points. All say it seems to focus with the center point and for me and those like me that use the center point anyway, buy this. Its super sharp! I can't tell you if my copy focuses correctly using every point since I didn't buy it and immediately test it to find out. I take photos, not evaluate products. I just went out and took pictures with it and it works perfect. Autofocus speed? Another thing people love to harp about but I don't think any will complain, its as good as anything I own.
Color and contrast are very pleasing besides the exceptional sharpness and it's sharp from 1.4 up thru the numbers. Center to corners. Build looks good but it is some sort of plastic like material and while the build is pleasing, the detail and quality there it remains to be seen how this lens holds up over time and heavy use. I plan to find out.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Posting a photo (JPG) right out of camera. Color, contrast, and sharpness are fantastic. Quick AF and solid build make this a great lens. I don't own the Nikon 35mm but do have the trinity to compare. So far I'm very happy from wide open to stopped down performance. Close focus distance allows for an impromptu macro lens on my D800. I couldn't justify the Nikon and was impressed with the reviews so for the money I thought I would give it a chance. Glad I ddi. I think anybody that buys it will feel the same. You have a winner here Sigma.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Just moved from Canon to Nikon and was looking for something to replace our 35L. This lens has been perfect.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Did some testing between this lens and a Nikon 35mm 1.4 at the camera shop. Not only did it blow away my old Nikon 35mm F/2 lens, this lens is sharper, similar build quality, better contrast and color vs. the Nikkor 35mm 1.4G. Sigma HSM motor is also very quiet, fast, and doesn't squeak like some of my AF-S nikkors. The only advantages of the Nikon is the perceived better resale value and weather sealing which the Sigma lacks. I have my 24-70G to use when it rains anyway. As always, B&H has super fast shipping and customer service, so I purchased my copy from them and it's just as good as the one I demoed.

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1 Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras by Sigma

A Fantastic Lens, Better then my Nikon 35mm

Comments about Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras:

Purchased after the photography convention at Las Vegas. Build quality is superb and the image is just amazing. Very fast focus and sharp. Recently DxO mark rated this lens higher than Nikon35mm 1.4G lens or even schnider lens.