sigma 30mm f/1.4 dc hsm | A £359/$499

For APS-C cameras, this lens is made to measure with its substantial build and excellent performance

This is the only lens in the entire group that’s specifically designed for APS-C format rather than full-frame. As such, it only needs to produce smaller image circles. The net result is that it’s small and lightweight compared with some of the other f/1.4 lenses here. But, it’s almost exactly the same physical size as the Canon 35mm f/2 lens, but 100g heavier. Build quality feels substantial, like a scaled down Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art lens.

Similar features to its larger Sigma sibling include ring-type ultrasonic autofocus and a focus distance scale that’s mounted beneath a viewing panel. Neither lens has weather-seals but both are supplied with a hood and padded soft case. The optical path includes a double aspheric element, with the aim of minimizing spherical aberration, astigmatism and coma. The nine-blade diaphragm is well rounded and helps to maintain the quality of bokeh when narrowing the aperture. At the widest available aperture of f/1.4, bokeh is soft and the depth of field is tighter than from the competing Canon and Tamron 35mm lenses when they’re used on APS-C formats.

performance

Being reasonably compact, there’s not a great deal of room for the ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system. Autofocus speed is a bit on the sluggish side and, although only the rearward optical elements are moved during focusing, these elements are almost as big as the forward elements. Image quality is very good overall but, in our test, the Canon 35mm proved marginally sharper. Even so, it’s a superb APS-C format lens and great value at the price.