Lens Love | 35mm f/1.4 | Cinnamon Wolfe Photography

Lens: 35mm Sigma Art f/1.4
Nickname: The Knife
Started using it: Fall 2014
On my camera: 25-25% of the time
Bought it: new

There has been a lot of buzz in recent months concerning the Sigma Art series of lenses. Every time I saw someone mention it online, they oohed and ahhhhed like nobody’s business. I honestly don’t know that I have seen anyone say anything negative about either the 35 or the 50 Art lenses and actually don’t even hear any mediocre reviews. Everything has been over the top positive.

35mm | Cinnamon Wolfe Photography | Lens Love | NY&NJ

In the Fall of 2014 I had a friend hire me to photograph her child's birth. I knew that I would need a wide lens that would also open really wide in order to get good exposure in a dark birthing room. I would also be shooting a wedding soon and pretty much anytime you shoot indoors, the wider the lens and the lower the aperture the better. I decided to go ahead and invest in the Sigma Art 35mm for both of these events. I knew that even though I may not use it often on portrait shoots, that it would be a really good lens to add to my collection.

The reviews on this lens are spot on. I am constantly shocked by how sharp and fast this lens is. Its the heaviest of my three primes, but I find myself shooting with it more and more for some beautiful wide shots where I want to really highlight the environment around my client. It is also a dream for any indoor shooting because I can open it up and it is still crisp and amazing.

I am so incredibly impressed with this lens that instead of someday investing in the Canon 50mm f/1.2, I might instead invest in the Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 instead. The price difference is significant and I have a sneaking suspicion that the color, speed and sharpness of the Sigma would not disappoint. I am so excited to have the 35mm in my collection and I look forward to using it much more in the future!

Other lenses in the Lens Love series:

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Lens Love | 50mm 1.4 | Cinnamon Wolfe Photography

Lens: Canon 50mm f/1.4
Nickname: Trusty Dusty
Started using it: Fall 2013
On my camera: 50% of the time
Bought it: new

For anyone starting out in their photography journey, it will not take long for you to be introduced to a 50mm lens. They call the 50mm f/1.8 the “nifty fifty” for a reason. At just a little over $100, that nifty fifty lens will help you achieve results that (at the beginning) might kind of blow your mind.

I had a nifty fifty for a while, but it didn't take too long for me to upgrade to the f/1.4. For a couple hundred more dollars, it is a better piece of glass that will get you nice, consistent results. Being able to open up to f/1.4 is awesome, but I find this lenses sweet spot to remain at about f/2.8 and that is where I usually find myself with this one.

Image taken with a 50mm 1.4 lens | Image sample | Wedding table decor

This lens is fantastic for all occasions although being indoors you might find it a little too tight depending on the room. Its awesome for couples and families with older children, portrait time during weddings and even just a general walk around lens if you are traveling or sightseeing. The perspective on a 50mm lens on a full frame camera is extremely close to what we see naturally with our own eyes so the images have a very pleasant feel to them. The lens is relatively quick although from time to time I have had some trouble locking focus. Both the 85mm and the 35mm trump this lens also in sharpness. Despite that, because of its versatility, this lens does spend quite a bit of time on my camera.

sample image of a wedding bride and groom taken with a 50mm 1.4 lens

I will likely upgrade this lens in the future to either a Canon 50mm f/1.2 or the Sigma Art f/1.4, but in the meantime it was well worth the purchase price. Most photographers have at least one 50mm lens and for good reason. If you are just starting out and only have kit lenses and want to invest in some better class, definitely try the 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4. You will not regret it!