new lens

[jands0607]

I'm about 95 perent sure I'm going to buy the Sigma Wide Angle 28mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF Macro . But I thought I might get the opinions of others more experienced first.

My problem is I'm trying to shoot portraits (as a hobby) inside my house in a small room. It's only about 10' wall to wall. I have a D90 the 18-105mm kit lens, and a 50mm 1.8 prime. I love the nifty fifty, but in this small room it's too close.

The Sigma has great reviews, although I realize it's not meant to be the best portrait lens. I was just wondering what other people's opinions are. Is there another lens better suited for my situation? I certainly would be using the Sigma for some other things, like street photography too. I also like the Macro capabilities, although not completely attached to it. Thanks for your thoughts.

[inkista]

Any specific reason the AF-S 35mm f/1.8 isn't in your sights instead?

The thing is, a 28mm lens is likely to show more barrel distortion than a 35, which could be a PITA with portraits.

[jands0607]

Originally Posted by inkista

Any specific reason the AF-S 35mm f/1.8 isn't in your sights instead?

The thing is, a 28mm lens is likely to show more barrel distortion than a 35, which could be a PITA with portraits.

No, actually I don't have a good reason. For some reason I kept getting drawn to that Sigma. For one the Macro, and also it just seems like more of a "big boy" lens. I know that's a dumb reason, I'm just explaining my emotions. The good thing about the 35mm is that filters, etc would be cheaper. Plus, as you mentioned, the barrel distortion would be less. Sigh... I'm back on the fence! Thanks inkista!

[OsmosisStudios]

Hell, if you want a "big boy" lens, the Sigma 35/1.4 EX would be a better choice.

[TFord.LTTP]

I don't think the barrel distortion would be a huge issue, you should be able to find the numbers to correct it in software on the web, but for portraits at a close distance it's going to cause an unflattering effect on facial features and bodies. I'd really look more strongly at one of the 35mm options if I was you since that will be more neutral at least since you don't have space to really work in ideal lengths.

[jands0607]

Thanks for everyone's inputs. I think you are right, I should stick with a 35mm. Osmosis, I can't seem to find a Sigma 35mm. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks again.

[OsmosisStudios]

My bad: Sigma's lens is actually a 30mm f/1.4. Here's a review for Canon, but the same applies to the Nikon mount version.

[jands0607]

Found it, thanks. If we are worried about distoring things with the 28mm, wouldn't we still be worried at 30mm?

Eventually I would like to get a Full-Body - I say eventually. That could be 2, 5, 7 years from now. I'm not in any hurry. Should I be thinking about that now with my lens choices?

[TFord.LTTP]

Well neither the Nikon 35mm 1.8 or Sigma 30mm 1.4 will work properly on a full frame body, presuming that's what you're referring to, as they are both crop sensor lenses. I'm not a big fan of third party glass, never had a particularly bad experience but always been much happier with Nikon and Canon lenses.

If you're lucky enough to still have any camera shops around you then you might be able to get your hands on the Sigma to try out before you purchase it, and at least around here Best Buys carry the 35mm. Of course the best is to always buy from somewhere with a good return policy since you won't know how much you like it until you're using it for real.

[jands0607]

Originally Posted by TFord.LTTP

If you're lucky enough to still have any camera shops around you then you might be able to get your hands on the Sigma to try out before you purchase it, and at least around here Best Buys carry the 35mm. Of course the best is to always buy from somewhere with a good return policy since you won't know how much you like it until you're using it for real.

Yeah, I live in Turkey so unfortunately it's not quite so easy to go to the nearest camera shop. I'm thinking of trying though - getting a Turkish National to take me to one and see what I can do.