"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...


Sigma now has available for most popular models of Digital SLRs this
gem:

30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM

"Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 30mm F1.4
EX DC HSM lens.

This large aperture 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens is designed to match the
APS-C size image sensors of digital SLR cameras. Two SLD glass elements
are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic
aberration.

Glass mold aspherical lens at rear group of lens reduces color aberration
and provides high-quality image results. From 40cm (15.7») minimum
focusing distance to infinity, this lens creates very sharp images with
high contrast.

The HSM models provide quiet high-speed auto-focus shooting, as well as
full-time manual focus. Large Maximum Aperture of F1.4 can perform
superbly in a great range of applications, including snapshots,
portraiture, indoor shooting and landscape photography."


It's about $375 in a mount to fit your SLR.

A 30mm lens on my Nikon is a 45mm lens, in other words, a "normal" lens.
But the attraction is the F1.4 - FINALLY a fast lens for a digital SLR.


On the other hand, Nikon makes a couple of very good prime lenses that are
great values. They offer an F1.4 50mm autofocus lens for only $270, and if
you don't mind going just a bit slower, an F1.8 50mm for right at $100, a
real steal. While these lenses would equate to 75mm in terms of a 35mm SLR,
and therefore are a bit longer than the Sigma lens, I would suspect that
they are superior glass over the Sigma lens, and can be had for less money.
Plus you get to keep your system all Nikon. One of these Nikon 50mm primes
is probably my next lens for my D70.