amelo1414's reviews

  • Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    1.4 is a unique world, bokeh and low-light heaven. Affordable entrance into such a unique and privileged world. And yet, incredible build, light-weight, HSM, Sigma warranty, hood and pad included, gorgeous color rendition. “Normal”/”Human” perspec
    a few models may have front-focusing issues, odd 62mm filter, corner to corner sharpness reached until f8.

    There exist some photographic experiences difficult to capture in words. Some may have always wished to photograph at the 10mm range, others at the 400mm range. I have always wished to see through the camera what I see though my eyes; what could be termed the “human perspective”. The 30mm sigma 1.4 becomes the 50 mm “normal” lens in crop-sensor (1.6x) cameras such as the Rebel series. But besides the excellent build, gorgeous color rendition, wonderful HMS for spot-on focusing and solid construction, the lens opens the path to real low-light work and absolutely beautiful bokeh possibilities. Can you tell this is my first 1.4 lens?

    Of course there is the venerable Canon 35 2.0 which is more affordable (unless you can get a good sigma copy used, and they CAN be found), lighter, and extremely sharp but its bokeh leaves too much to be desired and its being 35 rather than 30 makes it a bit tighter than the real “human perspective”. On the other hand, for a serious comparison between the hugely admired but outstandingly expensive Canon 35 1.4 and the Sigma 30 1.4 (at least 3x less expensive than the Canon) the best option is to look at the results provide by lightrules at pbase:
    http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/30v35_2nd

    If you are into the human perspective, if you are into street photography, if you are interested in beautiful bokeh, if you have been touched by the history of the “normal” or “human perspective” lens, then the purchasing of a Sigma 30 1.4 is really a no-brainer. There is just something powerful about moving around knowing that many previous photographers employed this very focal length all their lives (Cartier-Bresson in particular, see http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/cartier-bresson.htm).

    ++++++++++

    PS. For an example of the differing focal lengths and aliens see:
    http://www.hash.com/users/jsherwood/tutes/focal/focal.html

    reviewed May 31st, 2009 (purchased for $380)

  • Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    price, price, excellent IS, extremely light-weight and portable, very good image quality all the way to 250mm, did I say light-weight?, truly inconspicuous
    If you do not shoot too much with telephoto, then NONE; if you do, then the con is that it is not the 70-200 f4 IS USM.

    Although previously owned the 70-200 f4 USM L (non-IS), found that the lack of IS truly was a negative element to the ACTUAL daily use of the lens itself. Of course the image quality of the L lens is absolutely GORGEOUS, and yet many images were not taken either because of the lack of IS (many cloudy days where IS would have been essential) or because of my decision to take other lenses given combined weight issues.

    With the 55-250 I have longer reach, absolutely essential IS for telephoto focal lengths, good quality bokeh, very good optical quality and ----for me----- the most essential thing, ease of transport so that one carries the lens at all times as a accompanying partner to other lenses. So, if the telephoto side of things is not your stronghold, then this lens is a great, affordable, convenient, and optically very good addition to your lenses.

    reviewed May 31st, 2009 (purchased for $180)