With all the capabilities built into the newer Sony bodies, almost no buttons or switches are needed on a lens, if someone likes that. I have a custom button set for AF/MF. In manual exposure operation, I have a wheel on the battery grip and the rear for easy aperture and shutter speed selection. And that's about all I need. So, it's interesting that at the same time lenses are finally getting their aperture rings back, the body does away with the need. As for this lens and it's simplicity, it's looks fantastic. Compared to an old Nikon F2, totally manual in operation, these new lenses really make the job easier, yet can be tamed to work manually. On my bucket list.
When it comes to features, I tend to believe that focus hold buttons aren't useful (they never feel well placed), and even on Fuji I find aperture rings annoying, as I usually end up changing aperture without noticing. Additionally, as pertains to this particular lens, I that much more approve of Sigma having withheld these features so that the 'holy trinity' of the 23/30/56 will have a consistent feature set between them (I think it's reasonable to expect that people might buy those as a set).
I personally love an aperture ring and focus hold buttons, but I take your point. At the same time, however, the reality is that the competition is adding these features, so I do think that Sigma has to adapt to changing conditions (which they have clearly done with their ART series lenses).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Which is fair enough of course, and the point you made in the video, but I think that the major point truly is that Sigma probably made the design not to include those due to these features being absent on its other 1.4 APS-C primes in the interest of design consistency. Plus, those lenses are smaller than the equivalent Fuji lenses, and so there comes a point where having those features could either lead them to have to make the lenses bigger or have so many rings on the barrel that it becomes difficult to put on/remove (thinking of the Voigtlander 40/1.2 SE here), which is not a good feel for a lens designed to be interchangeable.
Please do a review of the Samyang 35-150, comparing it with the Tamron equivalent. Sadly currently there seems to be issue of sample variation or bad copies of both brands seen in reviews already published.
I have one. The autofocus is great. I find the image quality more than adequate for my use (weddings and events). I also have the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 and have done comparisons with that. Wide open the Tamron 28-75mm is very slightly sharper and with more contrast. I could only notice the difference with the image at 100%. My guess is that the Tamron 35-150mm would have slightly superior image quality.
What's your opinion on the sigma 23m vs the Viltrox 23m? My Main question: Is the Sigma worth the extra cost? Thanks for your extremely detailed and helpful videos.
There’s no question that the Sigma is a more sophisticated lens optically. Sharper, lower levels of CA, more reliable autofocus, and it does have a weather sealing gasket. So yes, I would say that it is probably worth the extra money if you can afford it.
Hi Dustin, thank you so much for your amazing reviews... Which lens do you prefer more, personally? This, or the canon RF 35mm 1.8 macro? Thanks so much!
Hmmm, that's a difficult question because you are talking not only about two different systems but also APS-C vs full frame. I like the versatility of the Canon lens (the macro component is useful) but wasn't wowed by the overall rendering. Some people love it, though.
Would you say that the 30mm has better bokeh though, as its rendering with a bit more compression? I’m also weighing whether or not to sell my 30, but i’m imagine the bokeh might make up for the other shortcomings
@@nikoolix that’s unfortunate because there are millions of people out there using M-mount cameras and the majority of the work on the lens is already done. It’s easy money and a great compliment to one of the best cameras Canon has made to date, the M6ii.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Remember that strange young man who stood at your doorstep some weeks ago? That was the one Sony sent you. They misread your request and sent you a loner.
Fuji retail prices for their lens are absolutely ridiculous. They do usually have good build quality with aluminum and aperture rings but optically they are never worth the price they ask for. Always buy them used.
@@Patrick-vi9xr some of the Fuji's APS-C gear is more expensive than some of the Sony's full frame gear. Fuji 23mm f/1.4 isn't more expensive than Sony GM 35mm, or Sony GM 24mm.
This video is sponsored by Ridge Wallet's new Travis Matthew designs. Visit ridge.com/dustinabbott and use code "DUSTINABBOTT" for 10% off
With all the capabilities built into the newer Sony bodies, almost no buttons or switches are needed on a lens, if someone likes that. I have a custom button set for AF/MF. In manual exposure operation, I have a wheel on the battery grip and the rear for easy aperture and shutter speed selection. And that's about all I need. So, it's interesting that at the same time lenses are finally getting their aperture rings back, the body does away with the need.
As for this lens and it's simplicity, it's looks fantastic.
Compared to an old Nikon F2, totally manual in operation, these new lenses really make the job easier, yet can be tamed to work manually. On my bucket list.
It's definitely a good value lens.
When it comes to features, I tend to believe that focus hold buttons aren't useful (they never feel well placed), and even on Fuji I find aperture rings annoying, as I usually end up changing aperture without noticing.
Additionally, as pertains to this particular lens, I that much more approve of Sigma having withheld these features so that the 'holy trinity' of the 23/30/56 will have a consistent feature set between them (I think it's reasonable to expect that people might buy those as a set).
I personally love an aperture ring and focus hold buttons, but I take your point. At the same time, however, the reality is that the competition is adding these features, so I do think that Sigma has to adapt to changing conditions (which they have clearly done with their ART series lenses).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Which is fair enough of course, and the point you made in the video, but I think that the major point truly is that Sigma probably made the design not to include those due to these features being absent on its other 1.4 APS-C primes in the interest of design consistency.
Plus, those lenses are smaller than the equivalent Fuji lenses, and so there comes a point where having those features could either lead them to have to make the lenses bigger or have so many rings on the barrel that it becomes difficult to put on/remove (thinking of the Voigtlander 40/1.2 SE here), which is not a good feel for a lens designed to be interchangeable.
great detailed review as always. Thanks keep up the good work. cant wait to try this one out
Hope you enjoy it!
Please do a review of the Samyang 35-150, comparing it with the Tamron equivalent. Sadly currently there seems to be issue of sample variation or bad copies of both brands seen in reviews already published.
I’ve got a request in to Samyang, but I’m waiting on a review copy.
@@DustinAbbottTWI oh great 👍👌
I have one. The autofocus is great. I find the image quality more than adequate for my use (weddings and events). I also have the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 and have done comparisons with that. Wide open the Tamron 28-75mm is very slightly sharper and with more contrast. I could only notice the difference with the image at 100%. My guess is that the Tamron 35-150mm would have slightly superior image quality.
What's your opinion on the sigma 23m vs the Viltrox 23m? My Main question: Is the Sigma worth the extra cost? Thanks for your extremely detailed and helpful videos.
The Viltrox 23 ca and loca is really awful, had it and sold it
There’s no question that the Sigma is a more sophisticated lens optically. Sharper, lower levels of CA, more reliable autofocus, and it does have a weather sealing gasket. So yes, I would say that it is probably worth the extra money if you can afford it.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you Sir!
It's too early in the day to be hearing the term "uber creamy"
j/k great review :D
LOL
Hi Dustin, thank you so much for your amazing reviews... Which lens do you prefer more, personally? This, or the canon RF 35mm 1.8 macro? Thanks so much!
Hmmm, that's a difficult question because you are talking not only about two different systems but also APS-C vs full frame. I like the versatility of the Canon lens (the macro component is useful) but wasn't wowed by the overall rendering. Some people love it, though.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you!
What iPad case have you got there? Looks great! And as always appreciate the info 👍🏼
It is a very nice case. I got it here: amzn.to/3LXK4LM
How does the AF perform when it comes to fast moving subjects (especially towards the camera), for example dog running towards the camera?
Thanks for the review. Will it be available for Z mount?
have you reviewed the fuji 23mm? If not, would/will you?
I'm working on it right now - it's in my camera bag!
is this lens compatible with compact gimbal like zhiyun crane m2s?
I don’t see any reason why not. It should be well under the weight limit.
Thanks!🥂
You’re welcome.
Wondering about selling my 30mm and picking this up. The 30mm is just a BIT TOO close for a walkaround lens.
I think that is a solid decision. this is a better lens than the 30mm, too
Would you say that the 30mm has better bokeh though, as its rendering with a bit more compression? I’m also weighing whether or not to sell my 30, but i’m imagine the bokeh might make up for the other shortcomings
Hi, in your opinion this lens is worth the upgrade from a fuji F2? Very nice review
I would say yes. It’s sharper, has a faster maximum aperture, and slightly better autofocus as well.
The 23 F2 is unfortunately not very sharp especially at f2 and f2.8.
This would be a great lens for the Canon M6 mark ii.
Yes. I don't know if M-mount is in the plans or not.
@@DustinAbbottTWI hopefully so. I like the R series camera that I bought, but still use the M6ii the most because it’s so compact and easy to carry.
@@stonewp Sigma isn't going to spend time and resources to make a lens for an abandoned mount (which the M-mount is).
@@nikoolix that’s unfortunate because there are millions of people out there using M-mount cameras and the majority of the work on the lens is already done. It’s easy money and a great compliment to one of the best cameras Canon has made to date, the M6ii.
Waiting for the review of the Sony 16-35 f4 PZ... twiddling thumbs... 🙂
Hmmm, I may have to request that lens again, as Sony never has come up with a loaner.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Remember that strange young man who stood at your doorstep some weeks ago? That was the one Sony sent you. They misread your request and sent you a loner.
LOL
It's interesting that Fuji asks almost 2x more than Sigma for a similar lens.
That’s part of why Fuji has been reluctant (until recently) to allow third party lenses. It ends up inevitably inviting price comparisons.
Fuji retail prices for their lens are absolutely ridiculous. They do usually have good build quality with aluminum and aperture rings but optically they are never worth the price they ask for. Always buy them used.
@@anonymousl5150 I've heard good feedback regarding the optical performance of Fuji 23mm f/1.4, but they ask too much for a Fuji APS-C lens.
@@tshev Agree, their aps-c gear is more expensive than sony full frame.
@@Patrick-vi9xr some of the Fuji's APS-C gear is more expensive than some of the Sony's full frame gear. Fuji 23mm f/1.4 isn't more expensive than Sony GM 35mm, or Sony GM 24mm.
How well does this cover a full frame sensor?
That’s a good question. I often do test that, but I don’t think that I did.
@anonymousl5150 For that you should buy the Sigma 24/2 contemporary.
Everythings not perfects that why you have a 5 year warranty. Send it back and get on that isn't bad.