Seems like a great lens. Do you know if Sigma made any in their new "ART" lineup? or, am I being a total noob, and that 24 1.4 IS from Sigma? I havn't looked for it because it isn't a lens that I would need in my shooting style.
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The 24 1.4 (The one mainly talked about at least) is from Canon, its actually II now as its the second generation. Its one of those fancy red ring primes. Sigma makes a 30, 25, 50 1.4 ART. They also make a few non ART lenses close. 24 1.8 (and a few 30 or 35mm 1.4), as well as a 20mm 1.8. I might do some reading up on it. Usually Sigma is fairly close to the others quality wise just cheaper. The Sigma 1.8 is actually about $1000 cheaper MSRP. I'm not very close to buying right now so I have some time to shop around and compare.
The "offbrand" Samyang 24mm 1.4 is supposedly VERY impressive and very close to the Canon. Like the Sigma, about $1000 cheaper too. Samyang, Rokinon, and Pro-Optic are all basically the same brand, I own their 14mm 2.8 and really like it.
yeah, I've shot with a few Samyang (Rokinon) lenses and have been very impressed. The lens that surprized me the most was a 14 2.8 Tokina lens. That thing was a tank of a lens, but was so nice, and rendered great.
I have the Sigma 50 1.4 and in all honesty is one of the best lenses I've shot with to date. It was my go to lens always before the 24-70 2.8. That lens is also a Sig, and I'm very impressed by them. I have compared both to their native brand brethren, and the 50 beats out every single one. I have compared it to my friends red ring prime and if it didn't beat it, it was at the same level. Haven't tried the Nikon varient though. I'd put my faith in that Sigma lens, but I can not speak for the new Art lineup. I know they had a 1.8 zoom but I believe it was for cropped sensor so I wasn't interested.
Anyhoo, I hope you do get one of those badboys and share your shots with us :)
Matt,
I want to add a lens to your wish list, The Nikkor 14-24mm 2.8. Obviously not as fast as the 24mm 1.4 but way wider and phenomenal optics. Plus, it attaches to the best astro photography body out there, the D800/810. If Astro photography is your thing, the ultra low noise, high ISO performance is untouchable by anything canon makes. Of course, the 14-24mm 2.8 is the ultimate landscape lens. I have one (still) stuborn Canon shooter buddy that uses that lens on his Canons with a adapter. He constantly complains about noise and cannot use anything higher than 3200....
I actually have a 14mm 2.8 lens in my collection, Canon of course. Its the Rokinon/Samyang/ProOptic (basically all the same 3rd party and make decent lenses for the price). I don't find myself using it unless I really have an open area to work with. In the front yard or backyard it would just capture to many trees and to much of the house/yard. If I went west it would 100% be in my bag though for this. I definitely want to advance and try some new gear for astrophotography though. My MkII was great when it came out, but its been passed and there are better low light options out there.
The good thing is I now have a star tracker mount to balance out the noise issue. With the tracker I don't have to shoot at such a high ridiculous ISO to get the shots which reduces me noise. Its a compromise, can't imagine what I could get with the tracker and some up to date gear.
You are right, with a star tracker you can do much longer exposures. I tend to shoot stars with foreground objects so I am limited to 25 seconds or so. I am in the West and the 14-24 is on the camera 75% of the time for landscapes and almost all night photography.
Matt, looks like a Kindred spirit here with Steve!:bandana:
Steve, would love to see some of your pics on the forums new media Center....hint hint:)
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/forumd...6-Photo-Centre
I'd rather be the guy that takes multiple exposures. Some of the sky and one of the foreground and then just stack them in post LOL. Ah the digital age.
Haha! I like anyone who shares my passion for photography! And a few who don't ;) And yes everyone should jump into that section! Not just for fish either!
Your wish is my command.Attachment 84946