Feedback on Nikon 35mm 1.4?

HelvegrHelvegr Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
edited December 15, 2013 in Accessories
Hi,

Just wondering if anybody has this lens that could maybe speak to a couple of things. I'm really just looking for something a bit wider than my 50 1.4, but with at least the same if not better autofocusing speed.

I've been shooting a lot of bands in very low light, typically at f/1.8, maybe f/2 if I'm lucky. I am so close to the stage, and often with limited movement, that my composition it often a little tighter than I'd like it to be. Thus looking at something a little wider. If the 35 had a better autofocus, I think it could be perfect.

Oh, BTW, it would be fit on a D4. Any owners that can give me their take on it?

Thanks!
Camera: Nikon D4
Lenses: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Lighting: SB-910 | SU-800

Comments

  • HelvegrHelvegr Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
    edited October 12, 2013
    Or maybe consider the 24mm? I'm reading some good things on the autofocus on that one. Hmm.
    Camera: Nikon D4
    Lenses: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4
    Lighting: SB-910 | SU-800
  • EphTwoEightEphTwoEight Registered Users Posts: 552 Major grins
    edited October 13, 2013
    Apparently the Sigma 35 has been rated by DxO and others as the sharpest 35mm 1.4 on either platform.

    I can tell you my Sigma 'S' has been consistently sharper than my Nikkor 70-200 2.8. (now that I have a working copy)
  • HelvegrHelvegr Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
    edited October 19, 2013
    Well, I've got a 3 day concert shoot coming up so I decided to rent the 24mm 1.4 and give it a try. Since I'm basically pressed up against the stage, I'm hoping the 24mm focal length will work nicely. And if the autofocus can keep up with backflips off the drum stage, I'll be in great shape!
    Camera: Nikon D4
    Lenses: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4
    Lighting: SB-910 | SU-800
  • babowcbabowc Registered Users Posts: 510 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2013
    I found that the 35 has a quicker af versus the 24..
    24 is a magnificent lens, though.
    Oddly, I find myself with the 35 moreso than the 24 though.

    In comparison, the 50's af is a sloth.

    Youll be glad you rented the 24!

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
    -Mike Jin
    D800
    16/2.8, f1.4G primes, f2.8 trio, 105/200 macro, SB900.
    It never gets easier, you just get better.
  • HelvegrHelvegr Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2013
    Thanks for that feedback. I'm glad to hear about the AF. Maybe I'll end up renting the 35mm at some point as well to see if either serve me better. I can already feel the love I would have for a fast prime with a quick AF.
    Camera: Nikon D4
    Lenses: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4
    Lighting: SB-910 | SU-800
  • HelvegrHelvegr Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
    edited December 14, 2013
    So I once again find myself thinking about the 35mm. I enjoyed 3 days with the 24mm and it is a wonderful lens, but I found it to really be too wide for me to use it on its own. It made a great companion to the 50mm when I was swapping them back and forth a lot. I could get the entire stage with the 24 and then swap back to the 50 for more individual shots.

    Now I'm back to thinking about whether or no the 35 could replace my 50 for this type of work. That "sloth" AF on the 50 is really a pain.
    Camera: Nikon D4
    Lenses: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4
    Lighting: SB-910 | SU-800
  • babowcbabowc Registered Users Posts: 510 Major grins
    edited December 15, 2013
    Rent it! haha
    -Mike Jin
    D800
    16/2.8, f1.4G primes, f2.8 trio, 105/200 macro, SB900.
    It never gets easier, you just get better.
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