 |
When Sigma rolled out their Art primes there was a big rush to adopt these lenses as the new standard in image making. I fully agree that the Art series (some of which I own) are absolutely incredible lenses at any price— and even more so given their value compared to top Canon, Nikon and Sony primes. But the Art primes sometimes sacrificed some photographic intangibles (i.e., things not listed in spec charts), in exchange for uncompromising sharpness wide open and corner to corner. This 50mm f/1.4 EX lens creates a beautiful rendering in out of focus areas of an image that is visually different from the new no-compromise prime lenses by most manufacturers. And this lens in particular is starting to receive more attention. I have a Nikon copy, and prompted by other photographer’s enthusiasm I mounted it to a D800 and started to experiment. This lens is an incredible mate for the sensor in the D800. Shooting in black and white, I feel like I have both a new camera and a new lens. Wide open the lens is sharp enough, but if you want razor sharpness, stop it down to f/4 to f/11. For lowlight B&W, I shoot at f/1.4 all the time, and I’m so glad I rediscovered this lens. In the race for incredible resolution wide open and corner to corner sharpness, we sometimes forget about the true art many older optics have to offer. I hope to find more gems like this lens that are selling for 1/4 to 1/10th the price of the brand new offerings from Canon, Sony and Zeiss. Mated to a FF sensor, this lens is an incredible tool.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
At f1.4 it is just acceptable, but I shoot within the studio, and it is splendid for me. Outdoors and specially when the sun is out you will notice some CA which disappears at 7.1 though. Off course the Nikon version will do the same, but will not look as professional as this Sigma. At the end, what really matters is picture quality and this lens delivers if you have the right conditions.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I purchased this Sigma 50mm f/1.4 prime on the recommendation of a family member (though I am Nikon, he is Canon - LOL). It is, in two words, absolutely incredible. The results are superb by any standards. At f/1.4 it is very nice, but from f/1.8 it is sharp sharp sharp with great contrast and near-perfect color rendition. The bokeh (blurred background) is beautiful and creamy, the best I have seen from any 50mm. Using this lens in low light generally does not require any flash unless there is very little to no contrast between the primary focal object and the background. Sometimes in the lowest of light situations focus in AF mode can act up, but if the camera is set to single point focus this generally handles that potential issue. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) on my version is as quiet as any of my Nikon AF-S lenses. The build quality is superb...it is fairly large and a bit on the weighty side, and for me, no worries. Fortunately, I have other glass that require 77mm filters, so there was no additional investment for that particular accessory. I purchased mine for less than the $500 MSRP but even at that full price it is a deal if you are looking for and want results. This is a beautiful high-end prime lens and definitely recommended.Read full review
This lens is one of the better 50mm lenses especially if you consider price. A lot of people don't know how sharp this lens is because it has never been tested by DXOmark. It is very sharp in the centers and wide open. The Bokeh on this lens is second to none on 50MM lenses. The lens is very heavy with all that beautiful glass and built very solid. Focuses fast and accurate on my Nikon D5300.(If you have a small body camera like the d5xxx series it will definitely be front heavy with the weight of this lens but not an issue for me) The lens is also a little more like a 45mm lens because it is clearly a little wider than other 50mm lenses which I like. The only negative about this lens is it is a little soft in the corners (which is probably do to its slightly wider design but if you use it on a aps-c sensor body it works great because it keeps you in the 'sweet part' of the lens. Buy It!Read full review
I use both FX and DX format cameras (Nikon D200 and D700). The lens performs excellent on both, but I prefer the native focal length of 50mm on full frame. Sharpness is great even wide open, but be reminded that your depth of field is very shallow at f/1.4 so be very careful of your focusing. No noticeable light falloff in normal shooting situations. The lens is a beast though, a bit heavy for a 50mm not for everyone; easily as big as the 85mm f/1.4. Built like a tank. Only downside for me is the 77mm filters. That just requires a little more saving for the filters - you do want to protect that beautiful front element.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Lenses
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Lenses
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
