Pentax 645D “Out of the Freezer” 40 Free and Fantastic Presets For Lightroom

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Introduction

9 comments

Posted by Patrick on Sep 19, 2009 in Cameras, Featured Content, Lenses

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Introduction

Initially, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM seems like a puzzling addition to Sigma’s lens lineup. On the one hand every manufacturer has at least one lens like it in their respective libraries, and second, the Sigma f/1.4 EX DG HSM doesn’t check in cheaper than the competitors (at least amongst the f/1.4 variants). Still for lens collectors, in particular fans of the “normal” or “standard” length, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is a welcome addition, in the respect that it seems to embrace the philosophy of the normal lens, catering to typical usage more so than lab results. This isn’t to say that on a technical level that the Sigma 50mm is lackluster in any respect, and at least on paper the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM boasts specs that would satisfy most wish lists. For example, let’s compare the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM to Canon and Nikon’s offerings.

Specifications

Lens nameSigma 50mm F1.4Canon EF 50mm F1.4Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4DSony 50mm f/1.4
Street price$499$399$329$369
Focal length50mm50mm50mm50mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4f/1.4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22f/16f/22
Angle of view46.8 degrees47 degrees47 degrees47 degrees
Lens construction6 groups, 8 elements6 groups, 7 elements6 groups, 7 elements6 groups, 7 elements
Closest focus distance45 cm45cm45cm45cm
Maximum Magnification0.14x0.15x0.15x0.15x
Aperture blades9877
Filter attachment size77 mm58mm52mm55mm
Dimensions84.5 mm × 68.2 mm, (3.33in x 2.69 in)73.8mm diameter x 50.5mm length, (2.9 x 2.0 in)64.5mm diameter x 42.5mm length, (2.5 x 1.7 in)65.5mm diameter x 43mm length
(2.6 x 1.7 in)
Weight520g (18.3oz)290g (10.2 oz)230g (8.1 oz)222g (7.8 oz)

Analysis

As you can see, the Sigma offers a very competitive choice here, but I’m sure you’ll also notice that it does come in a bit more expensive than the other lenses as well. Clearly “is it worth it?”, would be logical question to ask. Well, we’ll be spending the next month with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM and will answer that in an upcoming review. I can say that I’m really enjoying the lens, it’s responsive, has a beefy focus ring, splendid bokeh, and terrific center sharpness. It’ll be important to keep in mind that this is a 50mm for 50mm fans. It doesn’t have perfect corner to corner sharpness, nor is it free of some degree of distortion. But this isn’t a lens for architecture, or brick wall tests. Instead this is a lens that can be used wide open at f/1.4 with sharp and contrasty results. Thus far it seems to be an excellent “normal” lens, and for APS-C shooters, it would make for a wonderfully fast portrait lens (at 75mm equivalent length). I can only see one drawback thus far, and that would be the size of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM. It’s a large lens, much larger than the 2 options in the comparison above. The size is due to the extra glass intended to improve optics, but if you’re usage of primes is primarily based on their “stealth factor”, then the Sigma may not be for you.

I’ve included a few samples below with an emphasis on wide open use. In our next installment we’ll start comparing the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4. Stay tuned.

Image Samples

Availability

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is widely available at your favorite camera retailers

Continue the Discussion

facebook-logo-square

Join us on Facebook! Become a fan of Neutralday today!

Become a fan of Neutralday on Facebook. Interact with us and stay updated on what's coming next at Neutralday, photography news, and other fans' insights.

twitterlogo

Follow us on Twitter! Grab our tweets right here.

Follow Neutralday on Twitter. Insights on the cameras we're reviewing, and frequent photography related news, thoughts, and links.

Support Neutralday by shopping at our preferred retailer, B&H Photo

Explore Similar Posts


9 Responses to “Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Field Notes: Introduction”

  1. Mike says:
    September 21, 2009 at 7:31 am

    Could you also post the Sony 50mm 1.4 in the chart as well? Its street price fits right between Canon and Nikon. 55mm filter. Lightest of them all. Otherwise, similar to the other “classic” 50 designs but for Alpha mount.

    reply
  2. Jesper says:
    October 19, 2009 at 7:26 am

    Thanks for the article.

    Looking forward to the comparison with Canon 50mm 1.4. :)

    reply
    • Patrick says:
      October 19, 2009 at 8:25 pm

      Jesper,
      Working on that and the review of the lens right now, it takes awhile to get all this stuff together, and the D300s review took a good week, so I’m working hard here, but sometimes on the site it doesn’t look it.

      reply

Leave a Reply