You have read correctly! I had the opportunity to test Sigma’s fast APSC fixed focal length, the 30mm f/1.4 ART. It is too early to draw any conclusions, except that the new finish actually looks as valuable as initially seen on product images and also feels accordingly. Zeiss-like, if you ask me. The surface is smooth but matt and thus no fingerprint-magnet. 😉
Unlike the old 30mm f/1.4 EX, which came with a focusing distance of 40cm, the ART focuses at up to 30cm. Around the focusing distance, the AF of Sigma’s SD1 Merrill treads carefully and reacts almost like a contrast AF system. Which is to say that, if in doubt, it switches back and forth 2 – 3 times until it is completely certain. There’s a good reason for this – at a distance of 30cm and at aperture f/1.4 the depth of field is ultra-thin. If you fail to expose immediately after focusing, you can’t help but move the DoF forward or backward by mere breathing. You got to be careful. 🙂
As soon as I find the time to test the lens more thoroughly, I’ll provide you with more information and will compare it to the EX. Until then, you can view the first photos (available on Flickr in full resolution) I shot with the 30mm f/1.4 ART. I hope you like them! 🙂
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Foto[GEN]ERELL 
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