Canon has announced the successor to the highly regarded EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens. Now named the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, this latest iteration aims to improve optics, minimum focusing distances, and image stabilization ability (check the press release below for all the details). The current version is a staple in nearly every pro photographer’s camera bag, and I feel quite certain that a good many are eagerly waiting to get their hands on the successor. The  EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM will be available this Spring.

Availability

• Check Amazon for availability

Specifications

Press Release

The new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM – Canon’s essential, high-quality, telephoto zoom lens for professionals

5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. The lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.

True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.

“Reuters’ photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”

Premium quality, premium performance

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.

A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.

A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.

Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use

As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.

Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.

High quality L-series accessories

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.

Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.

Yes it’s big and beautiful. Nikon has announced the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens, which sports Nikon’s latest iteration of vibration reduction good for four stops of vibration reduction. Dust and weather sealed, the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens will not come cheaply, no this is quite the budget buster, checking in at US $5,899.95, but for sports and wildlife photographers, it’s likely to be money well spent.

Additionally, Nikon has announced a new teleconverter, the AF-S TC-20E III, which is the first teleconverter to feature an aspherical element, designed to reduce aberrations. The 2x converter would turn the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens into a 600mm lens, but reduce its aperture 2 stops to f/5.6. The AF-S TC-20E III will cost US $499.95, and both products will begin shipping in January.

Availability

The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II is now available for pre-order at Amazon.

• Nikon 300mm f/2.8G AF-S ED VR II Nikkor Super Telephoto Prime Lens at Amazon: $5899.95

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Specifications

Press Release

NIKON CONTINUES PURSUIT OF OPTICAL EXCELLENCE WITH TWO NEW PROFESSIONAL-GRADE NIKKOR PRODUCTS

The New AF-S 300mm f/2.8 Lens and TC-20E III Teleconverter Focus on Super Telephoto

MELVILLE, N.Y. (December 9, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today announced two new NIKKOR optics that deliver the pinnacle of image quality for professional photographers who demand super telephoto capabilities. The new, fast aperture AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II super telephoto lens and AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III deliver images with stunning edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity throughout the frame. Continued refinements and new technologies such as Vibration Reduction (VR) II and optimized autofocus (AF) modes in the lens enhance functionality and improve performance for discerning FX and DX-format digital SLR photographers.

“The latest edition of the NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8 lens advances one of the most popular fast-aperture focal lengths for sports, nature and wildlife photography, demonstrating Nikon’s commitment to professional photographers through the continued development of the optical fidelity and sharpness for which NIKKOR lenses are famous,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Offering compatibility with a wide range of NIKKOR optics, including the new 300mm f/2.8, the TC-20E III teleconverter enables photographers to greatly extend the versatility of a variety of zoom and telephoto lenses they carry.”

Whether photographing nature in the wild or the battles at a line of scrimmage, the 300mm f/2.8 is an essential tool for photographers who require the highest level of image quality for publication and printing. This 300mm lens effectively leverages a host of Nikon core technologies, including Nikon VR II image stabilization, specifically engineered for each lens design for maximum performance. VR II instills confidence by counteracting image blur introduced by camera shake and telephoto magnification, allowing users to shoot up to four shutter speed stops* slower than otherwise possible, overcoming many of the challenges of handheld shooting. If tripod shooting is preferred, the Tripod Detection Mode will detect and compensate for tripod-specific vibrations.

This professional lens is constructed of die-cast magnesium for maximum durability and is strategically sealed to resist dust and moisture, with protective Meniscus glass to safeguard the lens’ front element. The optical formula features three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for superior sharpness, color and image quality, while minimizing chromatic aberration. Additionally, an aspherical element is used to promote image integrity throughout the frame, suppress coma and minimize distortion. The lens also features Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology which enables high-speed autofocus performance with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation. Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat prevents instances of ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity.

The AF-S 300mm f/2.8 lens features a host of professional focusing features that further enhance functionality. Photographers can now select from three focus modes to match shooting conditions, including manual mode (M) and autofocus with manual priority (M/A) mode, and the new A/M mode. The A/M mode enhances AF control with fast, secure switching from automatic and manual focus to adapt to personal shooting preference and techniques. Additionally, users can also activate the AF Recall Mode at the press of a button that allows for instant return to a predetermined point of focus to capture anticipated shots confidently.

Nikon’s professional grade teleconverters, including the new AF-S TC-20E III are ideal companions to the new NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8 and other select lenses to create an affordable and portable gateway to extended telephoto photography. The new TC-20E III effectively doubles the focal length of select lenses, and is the world’s first teleconverter to feature an aspherical element to virtually eliminate coma and other aberrations even at wide apertures.

Price and Availability
The AF-S X NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers with an estimated selling price of $5,899.95. The Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III will be available for estimated selling price of $499.95**. Availability of both products is scheduled to begin in January, 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

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* As determined in Nikon performance tests
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Pentax has announced the PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR lens, which features a weather-resistant construction that would be well suited with one of Pentax’s weather resistant camera bodies, like the Pentax K-7. The PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR offers an equivalent focal length of 153mm and allows users to get up to 5 inches to their subject matter. The PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR will ship in January for $849.95

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PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR

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Press Release

GOLDEN, COLORADO (December 9, 2009) – PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the smc PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR lens designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. Combining a high-quality exterior finish with PENTAX-original weather-resistant construction, this new macro lens is especially useful for the demands of outdoor photography.

This PENTAX macro lens features a high-grade, aluminum barrel with the high-quality, exclusive exterior design and finish unique to the PENTAX D FA series lenses. Further, the entire mechanism of the focus ring has been reviewed and upgraded to assure flawless manual-focus operation. For improved performance, the PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR is the first PENTAX interchangeable macro lens featuring a completely rounded diaphragm blade to create a natural, beautiful bokeh at wide apertures, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources.

PENTAX WR lenses feature simplified weather-resistant construction to repel water and moisture. Combined with a PENTAX weather-resistant K-7, K20D, K200D or K10D digital SLR camera body, the lens performs well in damp, inclement outdoor conditions including rain, mist, water spray and splashes.

The lens also features the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) surface coating to repel dust, water and grease and to minimize fingerprints.

Other significant features of this latest WR lens include:

* Mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this lens offers a focal length equivalent to 153mm in the 35mm format for high-quality, true-to-life images, while minimizing flare and ghost images. The maximum life-size magnification allows photographers to capture dramatic close-up images with great ease.
* A working distance of just over five inches (13 cm) facilitates close-up photography of subjects including flora, insects, and wildlife.
* The PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system.
* An image circle to accommodate 35mm film-format camera image size.
* Compatibility with the macro adapter included in the PENTAX AF160FC dedicated Auto Macro Ring Flash.

The PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR lens will ship in January 2010 for USD $849.95.

Sigma has announced an optically stabilized version of their 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro lens. The optical stabilization added to the lens will provide (according to Sigma) four stops  of stabilization in a focal length equivalent of 24-105mm. Minimum focus is pegged at 8.7 inches and the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM offers a maximum magnification of 1:2.7. The “DC” badging means this lens is intended for APS-C DSLR owners, but this will make a compelling choice for folks shooting with cropped Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, and Sigma mounts. The 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM is now available in stores for $680 (MSRP).

Availability

Amazon is already offering pre-orders on the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM. Note the pricing is a very reasonable $449.

• Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Sony Mount Digital SLR Cameras at Amazon: $449

Specifications

Press Release

Sigma Corporation adds unique, anti-shake technology to award-winning 17-70mm lens
‘Ultimate standard lens’ now available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Sigma mounts

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2009 – Sigma Corporation (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce its newly upgraded 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens.

This large aperture, standard zoom lens contains state-of-the-art enhancements, including the company’s own Optical Stabilization (OS), anti-shake technology that offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Once again, only Sigma has made it possible for Pentax and Sony shooters to utilize an anti-shake system in either the lens or the camera body.

This lens’ predecessor, the 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM, was deemed a “Best Buy” recommendation for photographers wishing to purchase a standard zoom lens as part of the Canadian Association for Photographic Art’s (CAPA) “Best Lens of the Year” awards.

“Aside from the OS technology, which is key when shooting with mid-range and high-end class DSLRs, this lens stands apart from the crowd because of its impressive zoom range,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “It has a 4x zoom range that is equivalent to 24-105mm lenses in full-frame formats. That, coupled with the OS technology and a macro function, makes it the ultimate standard lens for serious photographers who want top-notch image quality and functionality at an affordable price.”

With a large aperture of F2.8 on the wide end and F4 at the tele end, as well as a macro function with a minimum focusing distance of 8.7 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, this lens is ideal for a wide range of photography. The lens’ Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) also ensures a quiet and high speed auto focus, while its rounded, seven-blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas to provide the optimal Bokeh effect. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarizing filters.

Three aspherical lenses and one Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass element provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations when shooting with this lens. Additionally, the Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to produce high-contrast images.

The 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens is currently available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Sony (D) and Pentax mounts for $680 MSRP in stores nationwide.

To locate an authorized Sigma dealer near you, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

About Sigma Corporation
For nearly 50 years, Sigma Corporation’s expertise and innovation has driven the company’s core philosophy of “knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,” with an emphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax.  Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

Zeiss has introduced a new line of lenses, the ZF.2 series, for Nikon mounts. This new series of lenses include an electronic interface, meaning the ZF.2 series is now compatible with the cameras aperture and shutter priority, and program modes. Previously the Zeiss lenses were for manual use only. The lineup includes 8 new lenses:

• 18mm f/3.5
• 21mm f/2.8
• 28mm f/2.0
• 35mm f/2.0
• 50mm f/1.4
• 50mm f/2.0
• 85mm f/1.4
• 100mm f/2.0

6 of the lenses will be available this month, while the 28mm and 100mm will be released next spring. Prices are expected to range from $725 to $1,843.

Additional Resources

• Carl Zeiss Web Site

Press Release

Maximum image quality meets the comfort of automatic control

Carl Zeiss presents a new series of lenses: ZF.2 for F bayonet

Thornwood, NY – Optics specialist Carl Zeiss today announced its introduction of a new series of lenses for the semi-professional market: the ZF.2 with F bayonet for digital SLRs. Thanks to its electronic interface (CPU), these new ZEISS lenses support all-important operations such as the automatic mechanisms for time, aperture setting and program. The CPU also supports manual exposure settings, including those for camera casings that are not AI-compatible. Since the lens now transmits the EXIF data such as manufacturer, date, metering system and exposure to the camera, photographers no longer need to set the parameters manually. These quicker and faster handling capabilities of the ZF.2 lenses are especially useful under hectic shooting conditions.

ZEISS lenses truly come into their own in situations that demand extreme photographic creativity and maximum image quality. Carl Zeiss’ established fixed focal length lenses are known for their high light sensitivity and precise manual handling, leaving the photographer in full control. The new ZF.2 series will be especially interesting for photo enthusiasts who value creative, high-quality images combined with the comfort of automatic settings.

Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG: “The ZF.2 lenses are ideal tools for photographers who want to concentrate more on the subject than on their camera equipment. Whether at a wedding, a toddler’s first steps or impressions from faraway countries, these lenses are perfect for photographers who want to capture once-only moments quickly and accurately. These situations demand first-class technology that captures spontaneous actions without too much effort and delivers fantastic images each time.”

The ZF.2 lenses are available in eight focal lengths, six of which will be available from the end of November: 3,5/18, 2,8/21, 2/35, 1,4/50, 2/50 and 1,4/85. The Distagon T* 2/28 ZF.2 and Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZF.2 will be introduced in Spring 2010. “We are currently reworking and optimizing the Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF. As a result, it will be available for other mounts somewhat later,” says Klottig.

The prices for these new lenses will fall between $725 and $1,843.

With the new ZF.2 series, Carl Zeiss extends its acclaimed ZF family of lenses, for which there is still high demand and possibly long waiting times. “We will offer the ZF series as long as the demand lasts,” stresses Klottig.

Carl Zeiss has introduced the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE for EF mounts. The Distagon T* 2/35 ZE features a maximum f/2 aperture, all metal construction, and trademark Zeiss optics. The Distagon T* 2/35 ZE will start shipping November 16, and retail for $870.

Press Release

Thornwood, NY – A squirrel nimbly scampers along a moss-covered tree trunk. It has made a promising discovery amongst the fallen leaves of an oak tree. A deer emerges from the half darkness of the woods. A photographer documents the winter preparations of various woodland creatures. This requires a versatile, high-speed, easy to use lens that produces razor-sharp images of the details and the entire scenery.

Optical expert Carl Zeiss has now added an EF bayonet to its proven lens for photographic reporting: the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE. The high-speed, moderate wide-angle Distagon T* 2/35 ZE fits all analog and digital EOS cameras. Its classic 35 mm focal length is particularly well-suited for advertising, travel and nature photography as it captures dynamic perspectives with high depth of focus and few distortions. With a moderate wide angle of 53 degrees (horizontal), the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE can easily capture wide scenery without forcing photographers to consider perspective effects as design elements as they would have to with shorter focal lengths. The relatively short angle of rotation of the precision focusing mechanism enables fast but precise focusing when required.

For the growing number of photographers and videographers using DSLR’s for movie making, the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE is one of four prime lenses making a core set, joining the Distagon T* 2/28 ZE, Planar T* 1.4/50 ZE and Planar T* 1.4/85 ZE. These lenses are well suited for HD video applications due not only to their exceptional image quality, but for the smooth focus and long focus rotations.

The Distagon T* 2/35 ZE features high image quality for the entire aperture and focusing range. Thanks to its sophisticated optical design in which nine lens elements are perfectly aligned, it permits particularly high imaging performance across the entire image field.

When a tripod is not available, the fast f/2 aperture allows easily handling under low light, making perfect pictures possible even under difficult lighting conditions. Thanks to its special optical design and the Zeiss T* anti-reflection coating, this lens captures bright light sources without artifacts. The Distagon T* 2/35 is also perfect on-the-go thanks to its all-metal and extremely durable precision mechanics for which Carl Zeiss lenses are well-known.

This is ZEISS’ fourth wide-angle lens with an EF bayonet (ZE mount). It follows the recent introduction of the two ultra-wide-angle Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE and Distagon T* 2,8/21 ZE lenses, as well as the moderate wide-angle Distagon T* 2/28 ZE.

The Distagon T* 2/35 ZE will begin shipping on November 16th for a suggested retail price of $870. For more information, visit www.zeiss.com/photo.

Additional Resources

• Carl Zeiss website
• Sample images taken with the Distagon T* 2/35

We really enjoyed our time with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM and as such, it ended up spending a good deal of time on my Canon EOS 5D Mark II. There isn’t much to not like honestly. Focusing is similar to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4, build quality is solid, and it takes great pictures, especially those emphasizing the wider apertures. As it happens, in my own personal work, I typically do work wide open and in general try to exploit some of the qualities and at times the flaws of working with lenses at f/1.4-f/2.8. Because of that, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM fit perfectly well with my personal work, so I thought it be a good idea to show some of these examples, in the hopes that you might get a better idea of what the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM might do for you.

Other Parts To This Series

• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Introduction
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Comparison with Canon EF 50mm f/1.4
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Image Samples
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Review: [Coming Soon]

Image Samples

The images I’m presenting have already been included in my personal workflow, and thus nearly all of these have gone through some aspect of post processing. My typical workflow is import and image correction in Adobe Lightroom, followed by color or black and white editing in Adobe Photoshop CS4. These images have not been edited to enhance lens effects, so sharpness, out of focus areas, and depth of field effects have not been enhanced selectively, so what you see is actually how the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM works. In addition, I’ve provide all the images below in their full size and unedited glory at our Flickr right here. What you’ll find in the images is the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM doing wonderful jobs at both throwing backgrounds out of focus, while presenting some delicate sharpness of in-focus aspecst of the images, like hair details, etc. Chromatic aberrations are fairly well controlled, and flare too, you really just have to shoot almost straight into the sun to pull in some flare. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM also manages vignetting well too, if you want vignette with this lens, you’ll generally have to add it in post. As always, you’re free to use the originals for personal use and investigation only. Click each image for a larger view.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/50 | Aperture:f/1.6 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:0.00 | ISO Speed:200

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/160 | Aperture: f/2.2 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.24 | ISO Speed:400 | Exposure Bias:+1 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/200 | Aperture:f/2.2 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:+0.17 ISO | Speed:400

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure: 1/125 | Aperture:f/2.2 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.33 | ISO Speed:400 | Exposure Bias:+5/3 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/200 | Aperture: f/7.1 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure: 0.00 | ISO Speed:500 | Exposure Bias:0 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/500 | Aperture:f/1.8 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:0.00 | ISO Speed:400 | Exposure Bias:-1/3 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/8000 sec | Aperture:f/1.8 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.08 | ISO Speed:500 | Exposure Bias:-1 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/160 | Aperture:f/1.8 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.42 | ISO Speed:800 | Exposure Bias:+1/3 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/30 | Aperture:f/2.0 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.50 | ISO Speed:400 | Exposure Bias:+1 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/250 | Aperture:f/1.8 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:0.00 | ISO Speed:400 | Exposure Bias:-1 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/200 | Aperture:f/1.6 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.08 | ISO Speed:250 | Exposure Bias:0 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:0.8 | Aperture:f/10.0 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:0.00 | ISO Speed:200 | Exposure Bias:+1/3 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1.6 | Aperture:f/16.0 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.17 | ISO Speed:200 | Exposure Bias:0 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/50 | Aperture:f/5.6 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:0.00 | ISO Speed:800 | Exposure Bias:0 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/160 | Aperture:f/8.0 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:0.00 | ISO Speed:200 | Exposure Bias:+1/3 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/640 | Aperture: f/8.0 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:0.00 | ISO Speed:200 | Exposure Bias:+1/3 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:2 | Aperture:f/16.0 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.33 | ISO Speed:200 | Exposure Bias:0 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/800 | Aperture:f/2.0 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.58 | ISO Speed:200 | Exposure Bias:+2/3 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/8000 sec | Aperture:f/2.0 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.67 | ISO Speed:200 | Exposure Bias:+2/3 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/80 | Aperture: f/1.6 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.17 | ISO Speed:100 | Exposure Bias:+1 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/200 | Aperture:f/1.6 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:0.00 | ISO Speed:100 | Exposure Bias:+1 EV

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Exposure:1/15 | Aperture:f/1.4 | Focal Length:50 mm | Exposure:-0.50 | ISO Speed:100 | Exposure Bias:+1 EV

Get the Lens

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is available in nearly all mounts at our favorite photography store, B&H Photo. Support our site and get great prices and service at B&H Photo.

Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens at B&H Photo Video The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens is a standard lens that provides a large maximum aperture of f/1.4. When used on digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size sensor, the equivalent focal length of this lens will be 80mm, which makes it an excellent choice as a bright medium telephoto lens. Price: $ 499 Free Shipping (USA)

Additional Availability

• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM at B&H Photo
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM at Amazon

I spent nearly a month with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM, but it only took a single outing with it to realize that I preferred it to the lens that spends the most time on my Canon EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM. It wasn’t any one big thing though, instead it’s the small things, all added up, that made the Sigma’s images look just a bit better than the Canon’s.

Other Parts To This Series

• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Introduction
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Comparison with Canon EF 50mm f/1.4
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Image Samples
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Review: [Coming Soon]

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM at f/2.8 (click for larger size)

Field Notes

A few details about the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM. It’s a big lens. Much larger than the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM. But it’s certainly handsome, and in more than one outing I’d be stopped by another photographer asking what lens I was using, something about its size or maybe the gold trim, it just seems to get noticed for some reason. Regardless, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is a well made item, very nice construction, with a beefy grooved focus ring for manual focus duties. On it’s advantages, some of these are subtle and hard to “describe” in words or even crops, but in general the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM has superior bokeh performance over the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4. The out of focus areas at the widest apertures are softer, smoother, almost as if they were airbrushed with a smaller nozzle when compared with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4. Center focus is better too, at f/1.4 – f/1.8 it has the appearance of more real detail, but comes off less contrasty than the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4. The Sigma has a shallower depth of field as well at those wide open apertures. As the aperture gets smaller, the Sigma gets sharper, until f/11 or so where things become much more subjective than objective. To be clear, the Sigma doesn’t offer any one big advantage, the out of focus areas are a little bit better, the sharpness is slightly better, the pictures too, are just a little bit better. If you’re a fan of 50mm lenses you’ll want one, unless you need something compact, then it’s a definite pass. If you’re shopping for your first 50mm though or are looking for a really nice portrait lens for your APS-C DSLR camera, the Sigma should be at the top of your list.

Comparison

Below, I’ve provided a series of 3 crops from the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM. Use the picture below this to get an idea of where these 100% crops are coming from. Yes they’re small, but the file dimensions from the Canon EOS 5D Mark II are a bit too large for much bigger. In the crops the Sigma example is on the left and the Canon is on the right. Please click on each thumbnail for the full size crop. I’ve supplied all of the images from both lenses at our Flickr. The Sigma series is here. The Canon series, here. Feel free to download them for your own personal use only.

The crop locations

Crop 1 (Center)
This was tricky, as both lenses focused in slightly different places at f/1.4, so I’ve provided this expanded crop here to show exactly what’s happening wide open with both lenses. Remember that black dot is where I’m focused. Clearly the Canon provides more contrast here, but if you look closely, the Sigma is holding the detail here, and the detail is “tighter”.

Sigma on the left, Canon on the right, both at f/1.4

f/1.4: That black dot is the focus point. The Sigma (on the left) is less contrasty here, but has more actual center sharpness, just less depth of field.	f/1.8
f/2.8: Things really spring to life here for the Sigma, again just more real detail.	f/5.6
f/8	f/11
f/16

Crop 2

f/1.4, again the Sigma is on the left, the Canon on the right. The Sigma is softer and the transition is better.	f/1.8. You can still see an "edge" in the Canon's crop, where the Sigma is more out of focus, which it should be.
f/2.8	f/5.6
f/8. The Sigma shows more "detail" to me, there's just a bit more information.	f/11

Crop 3

f/1.4. The Sigma looks much better here.	f/1.8
f/2.8	f/5.6
f/8	f/11
f/16

It’s important to remember, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is oriented at excelling in ways a 50mm is typically used, wide open. In other word if you use a 50mm prime lens for shallow depth of field effects, isolated areas of detail, and large amounts of out of focus areas, this is the lens for you. Of course it works great at narrower apertures, it just offers less distinction from the competion.

Get the Lens

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is available in nearly all mounts at our favorite photography store, B&H Photo. Support our site and get great prices and service at B&H Photo.

Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens at B&H Photo Video The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens is a standard lens that provides a large maximum aperture of f/1.4. When used on digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size sensor, the equivalent focal length of this lens will be 80mm, which makes it an excellent choice as a bright medium telephoto lens. Price: $ 499 Free Shipping (USA)

Additional Availability

• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM at B&H PhotoZ
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM at Amazon