Lenses | S Studio by Shai Coggins

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The Sigma EX 30mm f1.4 DC HSM

20 March 2008 – 10:40 pm

Day 71 - Project 365 - 11th Mar 08: SIGMA EX 30MM f1.4 DC HSM

When I first got my Nikon D40x, I only had my kit lens. And, I knew from the start that I wanted a prime lens.

So, I’ve researched the best first prime lens for my D40x. I came down to two choices (and a bit): the good ol’ classic Nikon 50mm f1.8 (or the more expensive 1.4, as that bit) - or the Sigma 30mm.

The Nikon 50mm is a well-loved, well-recommended piece of glass. From most reviews I’ve read (like Ken Rockwell’s), no Nikon owner can go wrong with it. It’s one fine lens. And, the fact that you can buy it for less than $100, it’s a steal.

The one thing that stopped me from buying the Nikon 50mm as my first prime lens is that it doesn’t auto focus with the D40x. Being a newbie to DSLR photography, I knew that I still have a lot to learn and to practice when it comes to manual focusing. And, knowing that my main subjects (an active pre-schooler + a baby) will never sit still long enough for me ’til I get the focus right, I knew I needed a lens that will be easier to focus with my camera.

Enter the Sigma 30mm f1.4. It’s one of the few lenses in this range that will auto focus on the D40x. There were 2 things that seemed to be against this lens: 1) Some people have said to experience some quality issues in some copies (primarily, some focusing issues). They either needed to repair or replace them; and 2) It’s way more expensive than the 50mm (it costs around $350-450, depending on where you buy it).

After more research (a sample review), I decided that the 30mm, the auto focusing on the D40x, plus its low light capabilities made me think that it will definitely be worth the investment. So, I went ahead and purchased it.

I’ve never regretted it. It’s definitely one of my favourite lenses. I especially love it for portraiture. I can take photos with this lens without using any flash even under low light conditions.

I also heard that some people use this lens when they take band or performance photos. I’ve never tried it myself but have seen some photos taken in these situations.

By the way, the Sigma 30mm also works with Canon cameras. All the same features, except they have a Canon mount, of course.

Anyway, there are two Flickr groups on the Sigma 30mm f1.4 that I know of: this one and this other one. They’re not extremely busy, but you can find some useful reviews, samples and other discussions on this lens.

Here are some sample photos that I’ve taken using the Sigma 30mm f1.4:

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Arts, Crafts and Creativity, Gadgets, Gadgets | Also tagged nikon d40x, photography, prime lens, sigma, sigma 30mm f1.4 | Comments (13)

My New Nikkor 55-200mm Zoom Lens

2 March 2008 – 9:36 pm

It took about 2 months to wait for my zoom lens to arrive. It was meant to be part of my original Nikon D40x kit, but apparently, there was a shortage of the Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED VR lens in Australia at one time. Or at least, that was what my camera seller told me.

In any case, the 55-200mm VR has finally come. And yes, this is now the fourth glass added to my photography gear. And, here are some sample shots:

Overall, I’m quite pleased with it. I love that even though it’s a zoom lens, it’s still pretty compact. It doesn’t overpower my small Nikon D40x. And, it’s quite fast. I love that I can also do portraits with it. I think it will especially be a good portrait lens, if I want to have a bit of space between me and the subject matter.

Well, I’m looking forwarding to testing this lens out a bit more. To see what else I can do with it.

If you want to read a more comprehensive review of this piece of glass, read Ken Rockwell’s review of the 55-200mm VR.

And yes, I’m now only lusting for 3 more lenses. Heh. But, seriously, once I get a decent wide angle lens (possibly, a Sigma 10-20mm) next, I should be okay for a long while. After all, a Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor is really more of a ‘wishful thinking’ lens. And, a longer zoom lens (Nikon 70-300 VR is sort of reasonable, but the alternative Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR is more along the lines of ‘wishful thinking’ too) - is still way out of the question at this stage.

Note: For those who’re not familiar with the terminology, VR stands for Vibration Reduction. It basically helps to remove ‘camera shake’, especially if you’re shooting without tripods. Canons, I believe, uses the term IS (or Image Stabilizer) for the same technology. While some photographers swear by this new technology, some pros like Scott Kelby actually advised against using this in his Digital Photography Book.

PHOTO COLLAGE/MOSAIC NOTES:

1. Day 61 - Project 365 - 1st Mar 08: Sailing in Glenelg, 2. Bath Time for Birds: Views in Glenelg, 3. Scrambling for Food, 4. Clock in Glenelg (Closer), 5. Clock in Glenelg, 6. 1st Mar 08: Views in Glenelg, 7. Gotta Be First…, 8. Daylight Moon, 9. Glenelg Jetty View, 10. Day 61 - 365 Days - 1 Mar 08: Natural Head Dress, 11. Day 59 - Project 365 - 28th Feb 08 : ELECTRIC BLUE, 12. Day 54 - Project 365 - 23rd Feb 08 : BIRD ON WIRES

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Arts, Crafts and Creativity, Gadgets, Gadgets | Also tagged nikon, nikon 55-220mm VR, nikon d40x, photography, zoom lens | Comments (6)

Getting in to Macro Photography

21 January 2008 – 3:59 pm

Macro photography is something that I’ve always wanted to try. And, I found out that there are 5 different ways to do macro photography:

1) Get a dedicated macro lens. (Definitely the best option, but probably most expensive.)
2) Get a tele-converter or extension tubes that will work with existing lenses. (Works with varying degrees of success, depending on cameras and lenses used.)
3) Use close-up filters. (Possible, but not really the best.)
4) Maximise the use of existing lens and just use “macro shooting mode”. (Unless existing lens has good semi-macro possibilities, it’s not the most ideal solution.)
5) Use a reversing ring to reverse existing lens. (Can work well, but will depend on the type of lens. And can be cumbersome for newbies.)

Well, after looking at the various options, I decided to go for option #1. But, since I didn’t want to spend too much money on this, I had a look around at various cheaper options. And, I found that one of the best things about the D40x is its ability to work with older, non-AId lenses.

So, I decided to get myself an old Micro Nikkor lens from eBay (Nikon 55mm f3.5), based on some recommendations from more experienced photographers and D40/x users. No, it doesn’t autofocus on the D40x, but apparently, it’s one good little old lens. And, I was told that I don’t really need autofocus with macro work anyway. And, besides, it’s a good, cheap option. I mean, there are other Nikon lenses that will work well with the D40x, but they’re way out of my budget. So, it’s the 55mm 3.5 for me.

So yeah, not only am I going to have to learn macro photography techniques - I will have to learn the very basic art of manual focusing. Scary.

Anyway, I did some test shots, and here are some results…

Manual focusing will definitely take some time to get used to. I’m not really happy with these shots, but I don’t mind sharing so I can show you that yes, I am all for just giving it a go.

Will share more findings and lessons as they come. If you’re in to macro photography and would like to share some tips or feedback, would love to read all about your thoughts and ideas.