Lens Compatibility with Digital SLR Cameras

CAN 35MM SLR LENSES BE USED ON DIGITAL CAMERAS?

In most cases, the answer is yes. If you have a lens for a fairly recent 35mm SLR camera, it can be used on a new digital SLR from the same maker. (See the information below under the various camera brands for specific details about using existing lenses on new cameras.) If the 35mm camera lens produces good, sharp, contrasty images on film, it will produce good digital photos, too. One big difference is the angle of view. The imaging sen- sor in most digital cameras is smaller than 35mm film, measuring about 23 x 16mm. Therefore, wide-angle lens- es for 35mm camera are not as wide when used on a digital camera, but telephoto lenses are stronger. With 35mm cameras, a 50mm lens is the “normal” focal length that gives you about the same view as the human eye. Below 50mm, the view gets wider, above 50mm it becomes telephoto and draws the subject in closer. For digital cameras, this “normal” focal length is about 32mm, so an old 50mm lens from your 35mm camera will be a short telephoto (equal to 80mm) when used on a digital. An 18-200mm zoom lens for a digital camera has about the same wide coverage and telephoto magnifying power as a 28-300mm lens on a 35mm camera. To convert the equivalent view of a 35mm lens when used on a digital camera, multiply by 1.6X.

A few high-end digital cameras, such as the Canon EOS 1Ds and EOS 5D have full-frame sensors. Since these sensors match the 24mm x 36mm size of 35mm film, there is no conversion factor when they are used with 35mm lenses.

LENS CONVERSION FOR VARIOUS CAMERA FORMATS

 

Extreme Wide

Wide Angle

Normal

Short Tele

Moderate Tele

 

97 degrees AOV

75 degrees AOV

46 degrees AOV

27 degrees AOV

12 degrees AOV

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digital SLR

12mm

18mm

32mm

56mm

128mm

(1.6X factor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35mm Film

19mm

28mm

50mm

90mm

200mm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6x6cm Film

40mm

50mm

80mm

150mm

350mm

 

 

(88 deg.)

 

 

(30 deg.)

(13 deg.)

AOV = angle of view

6x6cm = 2-1/4 x 2-1/4" format on 120 film

DIGITAL-ONLY LENSES

Since the future of SLR photography is digital and since most digital cameras have sensors that are smaller than 35mm film, manufacturers are making digital-only lenses. The primary difference is the reduced area of coverage provided by digital-only lenses. These lenses have the same mounting style as 35mm format lenses and they can be mounted on 35mm camera bodies (except Canon EF-S lenses), but they will not cover the full image size. This causes vignetting around the edges of the 35mm image, especially at the widest end of the lens zoom range.

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Sigma CAN 35MM manual Can 35MM SLR Lenses be Used on Digital CAMERAS?, Lens Conversion for Various Camera Formats
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CAN 35MM specifications

The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens has established itself as a versatile masterpiece in the world of photography. Designed for both full-frame and APS-C cameras, this prime lens is a member of Sigma's prestigious Art line, emphasizing exceptional optical performance, outstanding build quality, and innovative technology.

One of the key features of the Sigma 35mm F1.4 is its fast maximum aperture of F1.4. This large aperture allows for excellent low-light performance, making it suitable for indoor photography and night-time scenes. It also provides a shallow depth of field, allowing photographers to create stunning bokeh effects, isolating subjects from their backgrounds with unparalleled precision.

The lens incorporates advanced optical technologies, including aspherical and special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements. These elements work together to minimize various optical aberrations, such as spherical and chromatic aberrations, resulting in sharp, clear images across the entire frame. With an emphasis on edge-to-edge performance, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 delivers exceptional sharpness even at wide open apertures.

Another notable characteristic of this lens is its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) technology, which ensures fast, quiet, and precise autofocus. This feature is particularly beneficial for capturing spontaneous moments or shooting video, where noise can be a distraction. The lens also includes a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, enhancing the quality of out-of-focus highlights for pleasing bokeh.

The build quality of the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is robust, featuring a rugged, weather-sealed construction that can withstand various shooting conditions. A high-quality thermally stable composite (TSC) material is used, which helps in maintaining optical performance under temperature fluctuations.

In addition to its impressive optical performance, this lens also supports Sigma's USB Dock, allowing photographers to update firmware and fine-tune autofocus settings according to their preferences. This feature offers a level of customization that is appreciated by serious photographers.

Overall, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens stands out due to its impressive array of features, including a bright aperture, excellent build quality, and advanced optical technologies, making it an essential tool for professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.
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