Sigma 50mm EX DG HSM F1.4 Lens First Impression

[mcjm78]

Seems like not many people talk about this lens. Maybe its been overshadowed by the great DA* 55mm?

Anyway, I just got my copy this morning. Bought it over the phone yesterday morning thru the supplier (CR Kennedy), and I really wanna praise their good service for sending it to me so fast. Very impressed!

Ok back to the lens. Its much bigger than the DA* 55mm that I've used for a week. My friend lent me a copy for a week 2 months ago. It was nice, but a bit pricey... hence I tried the alternative.

The overall impression: Nice build, quite heavy, big big filter size, good build petal hood. When mount on my K10d, it feels balanced. So thats good.

The only reason I wanna try this lens is for the performance at f1.4 and AF speed.
Yes.. at f1.4, it is sharp. Much sharper than the FA 50mm 1.4 i used to own. As compared to DA55, I think both are equally sharp at f1.4. To me anyway.

The AF speed is fast and quiet. I think it is slightly faster than DA55, but thats just my unscientific impression.

This is my dog shot in f1.4. The bigger version can be view from here.
Picasa Web Albums - Michael - Drop Box

[Ash]

Good stuff.
Perhaps we can get this lens added onto the lens review database for its first review.

[Miserere]

This lens made your dog's ears look really big. I wonder what you'd call that type of distortion...

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[jogiba]

The lens is huge with larger filter size than the Canon 85mm F1.2 !
Pentax 50mm F1.4 filter size 49mm, Canon 85mm F1.2 72mm and Sigma 50mm 1.4 77mm !

[Ash]

How heavy do you make it out to be?
Do you find much CA/PF on this lens?
What about build quality?

[pexi85]

It´s allready in review sektion... I have reviewed it and its awesome lens.

[mcjm78]

Originally Posted by Miserere

This lens made your dog's ears look really big. I wonder what you'd call that type of distortion...

.

I would call that nature's work. Thats how it is in real life

[mcjm78]

Originally Posted by Ash

How heavy do you make it out to be?
Do you find much CA/PF on this lens?
What about build quality?

hm.. can't really answer the first question scientifically, but it is slightly heavier than the DA* 16-50.

There are some CA at wide open, and if you look into my dog's eyes, you can see them. Slight green tint in the sparkle. Not too disturbing to me at wide open. Will shot more today stop down and tell you later.

Build is good. Typical Sigma EX build.

[RussellW]

I love this lens, and its on the k10d all the time as is the 10fisheye on the k20d.
btw, I can't stop using the fisheye it's addictive.

[tenpointnine]

The big 50 is my default lens just now. Yes, it's not the lightest thing out there but its other properties compensate for that.

[pingflood]

I own one in "evil" mount and it's a fantastic lens. Ultra-smooth out of focus areas, beautiful rendering overall, very very sharp.

[PScott]

I'm happy to hear that, i was actually looking for a 50 that was sharper at 1.4 than the FA50 (i love that lens but it makes me sad that 1.4 is soft...), i was actually getting myself a 50 f1.2 to see if it was any better

[flash1100]

Excellent! I wasn't aware this lens was available in Australia right now. Might have to give CR Kennedy a call. Perth CR Kennedy or Melbourne?

[ilya80]

Looks like a typical EX DG Sigma of the last.

Rich colors, sharp, smooth ( if not dull ) bokeh.

If you want AF this is a grand choice, congratulations!

However if you are content with MF there are more interesting lens to look out for, like Voightlander 58 1:1.4 SL or Pentax A 50mm 1:1.2

[Miserere]

I just wish Sigma would pay some attention to the size and weight of lenses like these. There is no reason a 50mm f/1.4 lens should have a filter size larger than 58mm, and that's being very generous.

Sigh...

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