Seeing through a bright, close-focusing prime

[Romy Ocon]

Just convinced myself to get the Sigma 24mm f1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro, an affordable prime known for its bokeh, close focusing (magnification = 1:2.7) and wide open sharpness.

For somebody who learned composition through the compressed perspective of supertelephotos, a wide prime with a thin DOF is a totally different ball game. One has to think first before framing the shot, and analyze which elements need to be included and which should be kept out of the frame or thrown away in the distance so these will melt in the bokeh.

Here's snapshot of my worn-out watch - 1DM2 + Sigma 24 1.8, f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/25 sec, camera held solely by my right hand, AI servo using an off-center AF point, resized full frame, available indoor light.




;D ;D

Romy

[Manny Illana]

looks like you're hooked into something new. congrats on the new glass romy!
looking forward to seeing more pictures taken with it.

[Romy Ocon]

Thanks, Manny.

Here's a young birdnut playing in his computer - 40D + Sigma 24 mm 1.8 DG macro, 1/20 sec, f/1.8, ISO 400, hand held, available light, resized full frame:

[Neon Rosell II]

that's a paper thin DOF wide open!! and no distortions whatsoever towards the side of the photo. How is it on smaller apertures?

Nice take on the Birdus lunaticus fledgling.

Would this lens be also good for taking landscapes?

[Manny Illana]

nice pic of the fledgling! i'm looking towards purchasing myself a 50/f1.2 or the f1.4...
i already have the 50/f1.8 but it's not quite tack sharp as the 1.4 per reviews...
besides, after my recent backstage sorties i need something more apt for the extremely low light situations..... at times darker than candlelight....

[Romy Ocon]

Thanks, Manny and Neon.

Jun 13, 2008 23:45:36 GMT Neon Rosell II said:

that's a paper thin DOF wide open!! and no distortions whatsoever towards the side of the photo. How is it on smaller apertures?

Nice take on the Birdus lunaticus fledgling.

Would this lens be also good for taking landscapes?

It's even sharper between f/5.6 and f/11, and of course it can do landscapes well too.

However, it's designed mainly for wide open shooting in low light (with ISO 1600, f/1.8 and shutter speed ok down to 1/20 sec, you can shoot in almost any lighting condition). Its close-focus ability can make many opportunities for eye-popping photos - just shoot the subject at extremely close range and everything else melts into glorious bokeh.

[Mark Itol]

It looks like we'll be seeing shots from a wide-angle perspective from Ka Romy. Congratulations on your new lens.

[Romy Ocon]

Thanks, Mark!

Here's a quickie shot of my trusted lighter.... with focusing this close and aperture this wide, the star of the show is really the DOF. The subject and BG are mere supporting players... ;D ;D

40D + Sigma 24 mm 1.8 DG macro, f/1.8, ISO 320, 1/25 sec, available indoor light, camera on table, resized full frame:

[Ed Matuod]

Amazing and the best part...it's affordable. I should have grab that instead of the Canon 28-70 USM zoom lens (it's on the way now, shipping) and it's a used one. anyway, i might use it for portrait and some landscape shot. congrats on your new toy!