Riverdale Park -- 1D IIn & Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX HSM. click to see larger.I have had the Sigma 50mm f1.4 for a little while now, but haven't really used it extensively. Not because I don't like it. On the contrary, I really like this lens. Many people seem to have issues with the focusing on this and other Sigma lenses, but I guess I am lucky that the last two Sigma lenses I own (the other one is the 15-30mm f3.5-4.5) didn't have this problem. In fact, the Sigma is a much nicer lens than the Canon 50mm f1.4, in terms of build and optical quality.
But, this lens is really larger than it really need to be. 77mm filter size for a 50mm f1.4 lens is just, well, unprecedented. I know no other lens with the same focal length and maximum aperture having this ginormous filter size. Look at the Pentax FA 50mm f1.4, it has a 49mm filter size.
I meant to compare this lens with the Canon 50mm f1.2L, but could never find the drive to do it. Lens testing is never my cup of tea. There is one thing that the Sigma is better than the Canon 50L. The Sigma does not have focus shift when stopped down at minimum focusing distance. Other than this, the 50mm f1.2L is almost perfect.
Overall, I like the Sigma. It's a bit pricey for a 50mm f1.4, but is worth the price in my opinion.
The large front element is a feature of the design, it's why the Sigma doesn't have much in the way of vignetting, even wide open.
ReplyDeleteAside from the 1/2 stop difference the Sigma 50/1.4 is much closer to the 50L than the Canon 50/1.4 in design.
Adam, agreed, but if they would use better glass in their design, the front element does not need to be this large. But, I am just nick picking. I really do like the Sigma 50/1.4.
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