Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM A Lens Review

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM A Handling and features

With a weight of only 435g, this lens is quite lightweight, especially when the solid build with a brass lens mount is taken into consideration. As a result the lens makes a perfect companion for the Canon EOS 600D used for testing. The lens is finished with a metallic glossy finish in parts, which reinforces the quality feel of the lens.

A silent HSM focusing motor powers the focusing mechanism, which is very quick to confirm focus. However, with the test camera, this lens struggled to focus consistently using phase-detect autofocus, so contrast detection and live view was required during testing to ensure accurate focusing at fast apertures. We tested two samples of the lens, and corrected the focusing issues using the Sigma USB Dock. Focusing is performed by moving the rear group of elements, so the 62mm filter thread does not rotate, making this lens ideal for use with polarising and graduated filters.

Full time manual focus can be applied by simply adjusting the focus ring at any time. Manual focusing is a pleasure as the focus ring is quite heavily damped, and very smooth to operate. Closet focusing is 30cm from the sensor plane, which is typical for a lens of this type.

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