Lens Spotlight: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM

This blog post is the first of a series where I'll review camera lenses that I've used. Kicking off this "Lens Spotlight" series, today I'm featuring the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM.This lens is fairly new, as it was announced back in October 2012 and released shortly afterwards. The retail price is $899 and while most retailers initially had it back-ordered due to high demand, the lens should be in stock now at most major retailers like B&H and Adorama. The high demand for this lens is not surprising, as the overall build, performance, and image quality is quite astounding.In comparison to its peers, like the Canon 35L or Nikon 35mm f/1.4G, this Sigma 35mm is a great bang for your buck. Not only do you save $500 - $800 in contrast to other 35mm f/1.4 in its class, I've been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The focus speed is fast and locks on even in darker conditions. I can't complain about the focus accuracy with this lens. The bokeh is also creamy and stunning. Some tests from other websites have actually shown that the bokeh from the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 is more pleasant than the Canon 35L and Nikon 35mm f/1.4G.This lens is perfect for individual or group portraits. It's more flexible than a 50mm or 85mm, enabling wider shots that encompasses more of the subject's environment. The 35mm focal length is not ideal for closer headshots but is definitely great for medium to full body photos. I've taken several photos of the lens itself and also posted a sample photo that was taken with the Sigma 35mm (shot at f/1.4).