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07-14-2016, 02:55 PM   #1
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Sigma 50mm f1.4 (non Art) vs DA 55mm f1.4 for K-1

Hi, I'm a nifty fifty guy looking to buy a K-1 and these two lenses will be my top consideration. Is the DA completely usable for full frame? Is there any kind of test or direct comparison between them? Much thanks if anyone has those two.

07-14-2016, 06:48 PM   #2
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It would be an interesting comparison.
07-14-2016, 09:56 PM   #3
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just get DA*
07-14-2016, 10:32 PM   #4
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Hope to see that comparison. I always wanted to know the same thing OP asked...

07-15-2016, 12:17 AM   #5
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55 is sharper in the center, Sigma is more even across the frame regarding sharpness.
07-15-2016, 02:21 AM   #7
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55 will have weaker corners till f2, anyway. It also focuses a lot slower than the sigma. I own the 55 and am pretty happy with it though.

07-15-2016, 03:08 AM - 2 Likes   #8
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This reviewer thought the DA* was best:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/sigma/50mm-f1.4-ex-dg-hsm/review/

07-15-2016, 03:35 AM   #9
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tested both. both are good. kept the da* . corners are always softer than center of course, but it doesn't mean corners aren't sharp enough to have very decent results wide open.
07-15-2016, 04:34 AM   #10
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... and consider that the Sigma has less than 50mm focal length (it's about 45mm)!
07-15-2016, 05:50 AM   #11
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Look carefully at, do some research upon the Pentax 50mm f1.7. In almost all versions going back into the film era, it has been regular rated as the best overall ~50mm lens made by Pentax. Only 1/2 stop slower (how often do you expect to be using f1.4? how often do you need less DOF or 1/2 step higher shutter speed?) and significantly less expensive, maybe 1/4 the price of the f1.4. High speed lenses were once all the rage, the faster the better: f1.4, f1.2! f1.1!!! f0.95!!!!!!!), but you pay a great deal to get 1/2 to one stop more, and that stop almost always has the worst IQ.
07-15-2016, 08:30 AM - 2 Likes   #12
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I guess I've just always like the DA *55.

This is a shot on a K3.



And one on the K-1

07-15-2016, 10:59 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by lemonsoda Quote
... and consider that the Sigma has less than 50mm focal length (it's about 45mm)!
@Rondec: those images are wonderful, and I have no doubt both modern lenses are up to the job. I'm more interested in a same scene comparison to find out whether the DA is worth the cost.
@phat_bog : Do you still keep the test jobs? Would be great to see a same scene comparison.
07-15-2016, 09:36 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by WPRESTO Quote
Look carefully at, do some research upon the Pentax 50mm f1.7. In almost all versions going back into the film era, it has been regular rated as the best overall ~50mm lens made by Pentax. Only 1/2 stop slower (how often do you expect to be using f1.4? how often do you need less DOF or 1/2 step higher shutter speed?) and significantly less expensive, maybe 1/4 the price of the f1.4. High speed lenses were once all the rage, the faster the better: f1.4, f1.2! f1.1!!! f0.95!!!!!!!), but you pay a great deal to get 1/2 to one stop more, and that stop almost always has the worst IQ.
The 1.7 bests its other pentax rivals... Except the DA* 55mm.
07-16-2016, 09:26 AM   #15
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Ricoh needs to take the DA* 55mm and make it a true D-FA* 55mm F/2 with faster AF. I ended up with the Sigma 50 after trying a couple of DA* 55mm lenses. I was using the K-7 at the time and that may have been part of the problem, but I was getting better AF with the Sigma. On the K-1 the Sigma 50mm is a great lens. I really want more WR options and the Sigma doesn't give me that.
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da, dslr, f1.4, full frame, full-frame, k-1, k1, pentax da 55 1.4, pentax k-1, pentax k1, sigma 50mm f1.4, sigma 50mm f1.4 ex hsm
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