Is Sigma 50 1.4 a suitable lens for K5?

303170091 · 12-14-2013, 12:04 AM

I want to buy a portrait lens, is the 50 1.4 lens from Sigma a nice choice ?

photographyguy74 · 12-14-2013, 12:53 AM

Generally, 50mm lenses are not ideal for portraiture. A lens that is ideal is an 85mm f/1.8. However, you may be spending the same amount for a 50mm f/1.4. I would do some research for both lenses. I've heard that Sigma has some good lenses but I have not used one so I could not tell you anything about them. If you find an 85mm f/1.8 for cheaper or maybe even slightly more expensive than the 50mm f/1.4, I would choose that lens. Of course, it depends on your type of use and frequency of use for a lens. An 85mm lens will produce a more flattering look on a subject's face than a 50mm would. I do not know what other lens companies you are looking as far as lenses go but I think Sigma would be a decent choice but like I said, I don't have any experience using Sigma lenses. You could always read the reviews for a particular lens and compare it to a counterpart lens of a different company.

chti · 12-14-2013, 03:46 AM

I have the Sigma 50 1.4 and I also take it for portraits. I´m really satisfied with that lens. First I wanted to buy a Pentax FA 50 1.4, but when I compared both lenses at the store in Germany, I noticed that the Sigma was sharper wide open and that it produces less CA. Colors are really beautiful with the K-5 II and I like the bokeh. Built qualitiy is good, but it is quite heavy.

**iwillau** · 12-14-2013, 04:11 AM

I have both the Sigma 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.4, using both on my K5. Both are great lenses and I'd recommend them both. However I love the 85mm to death and it is my favourite lens by far! The 50mm produces some really good quality shots too but seems to be a bit soft in the centre sometimes. I don't do portraits though so can't really comment but I'd guess the 85mm might be a bit too long (my understanding is that 85mm was the choice for 35mm cameras. With the APS-C the 50mm is now equivalent to the 85mm previously).
So short answer: I think the Sigma 50mm, 1.4 would be a good choice!

Apapukas · 12-14-2013, 04:25 AM

Take a look at 70mm Ltd. It is a really great portrait lens

You should be able to find it used, but in excellent condition for ~425$.

12-14-2013, 12:04 AM	#1
303170091 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 1	Is Sigma 50 1.4 a suitable lens for K5? I want to buy a portrait lens, is the 50 1.4 lens from Sigma a nice choice ?

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12-14-2013, 12:53 AM	#2
photographyguy74 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Davenport, Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 331	Generally, 50mm lenses are not ideal for portraiture. A lens that is ideal is an 85mm f/1.8. However, you may be spending the same amount for a 50mm f/1.4. I would do some research for both lenses. I've heard that Sigma has some good lenses but I have not used one so I could not tell you anything about them. If you find an 85mm f/1.8 for cheaper or maybe even slightly more expensive than the 50mm f/1.4, I would choose that lens. Of course, it depends on your type of use and frequency of use for a lens. An 85mm lens will produce a more flattering look on a subject's face than a 50mm would. I do not know what other lens companies you are looking as far as lenses go but I think Sigma would be a decent choice but like I said, I don't have any experience using Sigma lenses. You could always read the reviews for a particular lens and compare it to a counterpart lens of a different company.

12-14-2013, 03:46 AM	#3
chti Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Berlin Posts: 62	I have the Sigma 50 1.4 and I also take it for portraits. I´m really satisfied with that lens. First I wanted to buy a Pentax FA 50 1.4, but when I compared both lenses at the store in Germany, I noticed that the Sigma was sharper wide open and that it produces less CA. Colors are really beautiful with the K-5 II and I like the bokeh. Built qualitiy is good, but it is quite heavy.

12-14-2013, 04:11 AM	#4
iwillau Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 76	I have both the Sigma 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.4, using both on my K5. Both are great lenses and I'd recommend them both. However I love the 85mm to death and it is my favourite lens by far! The 50mm produces some really good quality shots too but seems to be a bit soft in the centre sometimes. I don't do portraits though so can't really comment but I'd guess the 85mm might be a bit too long (my understanding is that 85mm was the choice for 35mm cameras. With the APS-C the 50mm is now equivalent to the 85mm previously). So short answer: I think the Sigma 50mm, 1.4 would be a good choice!

12-14-2013, 04:25 AM	#5
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627	Take a look at 70mm Ltd. It is a really great portrait lens You should be able to find it used, but in excellent condition for ~425$.