23/03/2026 1:51 am
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Im trying to pick a Sigma lens for street stuff around NYC and Im stuck. My logic was that the 35mm 1.4 Art is the gold standard but then I read some forums saying its way too heavy for walking all day and might be too narrow for tight sidewalks.
So I was thinking about the 24mm instead but people say the distortion gets weird with people in the shot? Ive got about 650 bucks for a used copy before my trip next month. I want that Sigma sharpness but Im worried about the weight. Is the 35mm really that bulky for a full day or is there a better sleeper Sigma lens for EF mount?
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23/03/2026 2:35 am
Regarding what #1 said about the weight, theyre 100% right. In my experience, that Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Canon EF is a total tank but the results are gorgeous. Quick tip: snag a used copy to save cash and get a Peak Design Slide Camera Strap Black. Over the years, I've found a thick sling makes heavy Sigma glass way more manageable for long NYC blocks.
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23/03/2026 1:51 am
Honestly, ive spent a lot of time lugging the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Canon EF around Manhattan and you definitely need to be careful with your neck. It is a total brick. The images are gorgeous, obviously, but by mile five youre really gonna feel it. If you're worried about those tight sidewalks, the 35mm can feel a bit cramped sometimes when things get crowded. I might suggest looking at the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Canon EF instead if you want that wider vibe, but make sure to keep subjects away from the edges. The distortion makes faces look pretty weird if you arent careful with your framing. Personally, I think the 35mm is worth the struggle for the look, but just maybe grab a padded strap before your trip... trust me.
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30/03/2026 3:50 pm
Honestly, the weight thing is such a headache. This totally reminds me of my cousin who tried to save some cash by lugging his entire EF kit through London a few years back. He was so determined to get those pro shots without spending extra on a lighter setup. It turned into a whole thing though:
- his strap actually snapped halfway through the trip
- he spent half the time sitting on benches resting his back
- he missed a bunch of street performers cuz he was too tired to lift the gear I have no complaints with my own kit. Usually, I am happy with how it works well on the street, but watching his ordeal was something else. He kept saying how much he loved the glass but his face told a different story tbh. Its wild how much a few extra pounds can ruin a trip when youre trying to stick to a budget... just a total mess.
