Comments on: 35mm f1.4: a classic rules again:Sigma, Rokinon compared: part one

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:15:33 +0000

The Sigma looks good.

A note about the 400 film being 3200 of today. On medium format BW film you can shoot ISO 3200 film just fine and with grain about the same as noise on 2008 era DSLRs RAW file at the same ISO.

By: Steve Greig

Steve Greig — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:47:31 +0000

Thanks Mike for that AF calibration

By: mike.kobal

mike.kobal — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:50:48 +0000

Thanks John, this lens totally rocks.

By: mike.kobal

mike.kobal — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:50:28 +0000

thanks Derek! I agree about the size, both lenses are big and heavy. I liked the Zeiss also until I tried the Sigma, seriously, if you have the chance, go to a store and mount it and take a few snaps.

By: mike.kobal

mike.kobal — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:05:15 +0000

Hi Steve, I use a large ruler and put a narrow piece of electric tape on it, similar to this device, just home made, I usually check it for the distance most common for my subjects. On a precision lens like the Sigma it was easy, after that, everything was always tack sharp. It could be problematic with cheaper zooms, when the calibration for the wide and tele vary.

By: Steve Greig

Steve Greig — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:58:33 +0000

Hi Mike, just read your review on the Sigma 35mm 1.4. Thanks. Could you please tell me briefly what your simple technique is for assessing front/back focus on a lens like that, and fine tuning the AF. Just buying a D600 next week – my first camera that can do this. Thanks, Steve.

By: derek

derek — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:09:36 +0000

I forgot to say I loved all your photos here especially the boys, it is a very cool shot!
and thanks a lot for your time.

By: derek

derek — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:02:14 +0000

the big issue for me with the Rokinon 35mm is that even without the AF it is huge , almost, even a bit bigger than the Nikon and almost reaching to the size of the Zeiss 35mmf1.4,which I sold because of the annoyingly huge barrel size.

I personally prefer the Zeiss 35mmf2ZF2 over any of the off brand 35mm f1.4 lenses, maybe it’s just me , though.

By: John Valliant

John Valliant — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:12:51 +0000

Amazing sharpnes and colors.