[Space Walker]

Can anyone tell what is the main applications of this lens? Is it good for portrait? What's the difference comparing to the standard zoom? Thanks.

[beancurdbean]

main applications of this lens
-- used for most photos (except shot birds) and strong at indoor & dim birds..etc.

also good for portrait, easy to take whole body with background & still have boken if half body (of course has distoration if too close)

If compare to a $3000 standard zoom:
-- f1.4 compared to f2.8
-- much better photo quailty
-- lighter and smaller
-- faster AF

but no zoom

[tam_dominic]

Main difference is the large aperture F1.4 which is suitable for low light situation.

A cheap 50mm F1.8 is better for portrait.
Comparing 50mm F1.8 with 30mm F1.4, both the field of view and the depth of field of 30mm is larger.

Standard zoom lens cannot give such large aperture.