Riverdale Park

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.

Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM Update

Ryan -- Canon 5D & Sigma EX 50mm f1.4 @ f1.8.

Though not used heavily, I have used the Sigma 50mm f1.4 lens for a few weeks now. Generally I am very happy with the optical performance of the lens. The focusing is also fine on my copy, on both the 5D and the T2i. Focus is quite and fast (though not as fast as the 50mm f1.2L).

The Good

1. Very pleasing bokeh. This is a good portrait lens at wide apertures, on both full frame and APS-C sensor cameras.

2. Well made. Better built than the Canon 50mm f1.4.

3. Optically excellent. Usable wide open.

4. Comes with effective and good looking hood. It's a $#%#@ $60 CAD accessory for the Canon.

Two negative points

1. The paint, especially on the hood, comes off very easily. I normally set the camera/lens down with the hood, and now there is a line of visible where the hood sits on the surface. If you are baby your stuff, you should be aware of this.

2. Expensive. For a normal 50mm f1.4 lens, it's quite a bit more than the OEM Canon 50mm f1.4, although, the Sigma is a better lens optically as well as better made. Sigma products do not hold the resale value very well traditionally, so keep that in mind if you do change equipment often.

The Hood

The hood I was complaining about? It was all my fault. I am so used to Canon lenses where hoods fit by a light twist. The Sigma needs a considerable more force to twist it until it clicks. I did not turn it hard enough to lock it in place, thus it was very loose. All my fault and I am quite happy with the hood. It's long enough for effective shade. The snuggle fit should protect the lens better should it drop on the hood.

Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM Samples

Art -- 5D & Sigma 50mm f1.4 @ f1.4.


Hug Me Tree - 5D & Sigma 50mm f1.4 @ f2. Larger Picture.


Men at work -- 5D & Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM. Larger Picture.


Bicycle -- 5D & Sigma 50mm f1.4 @ f1.4. Larger Picture.


100% Crop from previous picture. This was taken at f1.4! Larger Picture.


Another 100% crop at f1.4. This pictures was taken about 25 meters away. Larger Picture.

Took some more pictures with the Sigma today. My impression is that this is one of the best 50mm f1.4 lenses I have used. Insanely sharp even at f1.4. Focus is quick and sure. So far I have not seen any focus problems. The loose hood continues to annoy me.

Wide open it's definitely better than the Canon 50mm f1.4. This lens slightly vignettes even with a huge front element and a 77mm filter size.

Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX HSM

I have used Sigma lenses on and off in the last 6 or 7 years. The 28-70mm f2.8, bad lens, possibly due to copy variance, as Sigma is famous for that. 20mm f1.8, very good lens, when it focused. I still have a 15-30mm f3.5-4.5. In fact, I have had it for about 3 years now. It's relatively cheap for the wide angle it provides. Excellent on 1.5x or 1.6x crop cameras, but the far edges are a bit soft on full frame.

When the 50mm f1.4 EX lens came out, I was intrigued by its radical design. This is probably the only 50mm f1.4 lens ever made with a 77mm filter size. Even the 50mm f1.2L lens I have, its filter size is only 72mm. The Canon 50mm f1.2L is heavier though.




Side by Side, Sigma 50mm f1.4, Canon 50mm f1.2L, Canon 50mm f1.4. Click on picture to see a larger version.

Took a few pictures with the Sigma today. Very impressed with its sharpness. It focuses perfectly on my 5D without any issues. Sigma EX lenses come with 10 year warranty, which should be a relieve in case of future compatibility issues.

One issue I have with the Sigma lens is the lens hood. It's way too loose. Maybe the hood I got is not the original hood made for this lens, as the lens I bought was an open-box one. The hood is too easily moved and could cause vignetting if not aligned properly.

Will be interesting to test this lens against the Canon 50mm f1.2L.


William with is Rubik's Magic. He can solve it under 3 seconds now -- 5D & Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX @ f1.4. Larger Picture.


Megan practicing piano -- 5D & Sigma 50mm f1.4 @ f1.4. Larger Picture.