I actually find Lloyd Chambers reviews and examples very useful. He often shoots a variety of subjects at various distances, many apertures, posts high resolution images and makes it very easy to quickly compare results from the various lenses he is testing.
Re price...that is certainly not the only important factor, often not even in the top five for me. But when a company like Sigma offers a better lens for half the price (or even much less) than the competition, I think that is a good thing.
Gary
I agree about the aperture comparison series are quite useful and I also read some of his reviews. I just became careful about the conclusions.
Years back he criticized the Leica S2 system for inaccurate focus (I dont doubt he had some issues) and without saying its AF is perfect it is far better than what I read in the review. The next thing is sample variation, we all say there is sample variation and then we make conclusions based on one lens-camera combination.
Can one say that the Sigma is better in general?
The user experience indicates it is sharper/shows more resolution. And i understand it has less distorsion. So 2 important factors for the Sigma.
On the other side the Nikon 35/1.4G is far from being soft.
Some say Bokeh is not important for a 35mm lens and they use a 85mm lens for bokeh. A 85mm lens doesnt help me in rooms where I can not have a long distance, and it doesnt help me if I want a less compressed image and include the environment in the image. So for me Bokeh is important also in a 35mm lens. From what I see I might slightly prefer the Nikon in Regards of bokeh (even though I dont think the Sigma is bad in regards of bokeh).
Flare resistance is also an area where the Nikon has the better reputation and shooting into/vs the light can be quite interesting.
Another reason why I believe the Nikon could be the better lens for me: I expect it to be consistent in color and "look" with other Nikon lenses I own, plan to own.
Remember how many people do like the Leica M pre-asph Summilux 35/50/75 lenses? (Even though I admit to not own them anymore because of too much focus shift for my taste)
As soon as I will have more experience with the Nikon I will post back and let you know if and how happy I am with the lens and if it fulfills my expectations (or if it doesnt).
Regarding review sites...it is one factor influenceing my decision but just one factor of many and I might repeat myself but I find they forget many factors when looking at a lens. Still it helps a lot to have them and to look at sample images and to be warned about some weak sides.
Last word regarding the Sigma: I understand it is a very good lens and for a good price too and I appreciate the recommendations for the Sigma. Sometimes you still have to follow your stomach (and eyes)