Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM opinions needed

Holowlegs · 11-04-2009, 10:23 AM

Hello there

Any opinions on this lens, am looking at one at the moment and thinking about it.

Cheers Holo

sdb123 · 11-04-2009, 11:04 AM

I use one with my D700, absolutely fantastic lens IMHO. I've had great examples of both the 30mm f/1.4 (my favourite DX lens) and this lens. TBH on a cropped sensor I prefer the shorter focal length but the 50mm just sings on a FF camera.

jonnypb · 11-04-2009, 11:48 AM

I have the canon 50 1.4 which I'm more than happy with and it's a good upgrade from the 1.8.

I've had a few issues with sigma lenses as in poor quality, soft etc and would wonder if the Sigma 50 1.4 is worth nearly £100 more than the canon?

sdb123 · 11-04-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnypb

I've had a few issues with sigma lenses as in poor quality, soft etc

There's nothing poor whatsoever about the build quality of this lens.

I know a few people with the lens and have a good copy; I'm aware Radiohead (Guy) got one and it was a bit of a lemon....this can happen with any brand of lens thought, Nikon and Canon can be just as guilty.

**senu** · 11-04-2009, 2:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnypb

I have the canon 50 1.4 which I'm more than happy with and it's a good upgrade from the 1.8.

I have both too The f 1.8 is poorer build and poorer AF but the F 1.4 is not sharper

Quote:

I've had a few issues with sigma lenses as in poor quality, soft etc and would wonder if the Sigma 50 1.4 is worth nearly £100 more than the canon?

While Sigma has had QC problems I would take each copy of each lens in its own merits I have a Decent Sigma lens or 2.. no issues

YorkieBen · 11-04-2009, 5:26 PM

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is from what I have read the best 50mm prime you can buy

Holowlegs · 11-04-2009, 6:38 PM

Thanks for all the help.

Yet again Senu is the voice of reason

We all know about Sigma' QC problems, but I also own 2 Sigma lens and have no problems with them.

Got till Tuesday morning to think about it, was actually saving for a long prime but this has come up at a good price.

Cheers Holo

sdb123 · 11-04-2009, 7:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holowlegs

We all know about Sigma' QC problems, but I also own 2 Sigma lens and have no problems with them.

I honestly believe that the majority of the issues that you read with the really fast lenses (f/1.4) are down to user error....stick the lens wide open and not realise how shallow the plane of focus is. Must be an issue with the camera lens.

200sxsimon · 12-04-2009, 9:29 AM

I've had my sigma 1.4 for a while now and it's never let me down in terms of image or build quality. I would recomend it to anyone.

Thatsnotmynaim · 12-04-2009, 11:24 AM

Mine and my girlfriends favorite lens. I've had 2 of these, both were perfect. I sold my first one to raise some funds but missed it so much bought it again as soon as I could afford to. Much more useable than a 50mm indoors on a crop body. Obviously much more expensive than a 50 f/1.8, but if you're on a crop and are weighing up 50 or 30 f/1.4 get the 30mm.

iGiDK · 12-04-2009, 3:14 PM

Must say I'm quite interested in this lens, looks like a cracker!

Having owned the Canon 1.8 II and the 1.4, neither blew me away

sdb123 · 12-04-2009, 4:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjameson

Mine and my girlfriends favorite lens. I've had 2 of these, both were perfect. I sold my first one to raise some funds but missed it so much bought it again as soon as I could afford to. Much more useable than a 50mm indoors on a crop body. Obviously much more expensive than a 50 f/1.8, but if you're on a crop and are weighing up 50 or 30 f/1.4 get the 30mm.

Did you spot the title?

Thatsnotmynaim · 12-04-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdb123

Did you spot the title?

Yup.

RLPhoto · 18-04-2009, 6:36 PM

Very good lens. As with all lenses, you need to make sure you have a decent copy. I'd say its the2nd best 50mm you can put on a canon body without an adapter...and hugely cheaper than the 1.2L.

R.