Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Pro Reviews

The Sigma AF 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM struggles to deliver convincing performance on full format cameras. The center quality of the lens is certainly fine and even great from f/2 onwards. Unfortunately the border & corner performance is rather disappointing. It's downright soft at large apertures and never really better than good even at the very best setting (f/8). The amount of vignetting is quite heavy at f/1.4 but that's rather typical for such lenses. If you stop down to f/2.8 this will not be a real issue anymore though. The lens produces moderate barrel distortions which is a tad more than the standard in this lens class. Lateral CAs are very well controlled and not really field relevant. The bokeh is quite good for a 50mm prime, although not perfect either.

An amazing lens that is priced above the norm but delivers results that are similarly elevated. As it is available in a range of lens mounts, the greatest number of photographers have access to its immense power.

The Sigma 50mm ƒ/1.4 is an interesting lens, offering excellent resistance to chromatic aberration and low distortion. Corner shading isn't an issue when used on a sub-frame body, but on a full-frame body it's significant, and distinctive in that it never really goes away. So is the Sigma 50mm ƒ/1.4 the lens for you? In comparison to some of its contemporaries, it offers slightly better wide-open performance; for many people, this will be the deciding factor. If you're not shooting the majority of your 50mm shots at ƒ/1.4, then there are many more options; otherwise, the Sigma 50mm ƒ/1.4 could be an excellent addition to your bag.

Sigma are clearly marketing this optic as a premium alternative to manufacturer's own lenses. In some respects the higher price is justified, but in others it is not. How you use the lens as well as the camera system you use will be the biggest factors in determining whether this lens is good value to you. Without a doubt, this lens out performs some manufacturer's 50mm offerings, but not all of them. The sharpness in the centre is this lens' strong point, so if you tend to shoot at wide apertures this could be the lens for you. Pentax users after a bright 50mm should certainly consider this lens.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is twice the size and weight of other similar lenses and has a colossal front element promising superior peripheral brightness (reduced corner shading) and improved contrast at wider lens apertures. The finish and the controls are rock-solid. Sigma's HSM autofocus motors aren't quite as quiet as Canon and Nikon's, but the differences are small. This is a good, solid, top-quality lens, but there is both a weight and price premium to be paid.

It is hard not to be drawn to a fast prime - the short, fat, solid-feeling lens with very low-light capability is very attractive. So, I don't find it surprising that the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens has received a lot of attention in the early days of its availability. ..

The 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is the latest design from independent lens maker Sigma, announced in March 2008. It's a rare example of what is rapidly becoming an endangered species; an all-new, large maximum aperture, fixed focal length 'prime' lens, and (like Sigma's 30mm F1.4 DC before it) a hugely welcome addition to a market in danger of becoming saturated by identikit slow zooms. The 50mm focal length makes it a classic 'standard' lens for 35mm full-frame cameras...