Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM review
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art is a fast 'normal' lens designed for full frame SLRs, and one of the most hotly-anticipated lenses of 2014. Sigma shook up the moribund 'fast 50' sector back in March 2008 when it announced the 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, which we considered to be 'Highly Recommended' for its impressive optics, especially at larger apertures. This marked the start of string of excellent fast primes from the Japanese lens maker, including last year's stellar 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art (another winner of our top award).
The latest 50mm is unusually large and expensive for its type; indeed its $950 / £850 / €1000 price tag suggests Sigma is aiming at users who might otherwise choose the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm F1.4G, Canon EF 50mm F1.2L USM, or Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM. It bears a distinct family resemblance to the company's 35mm F1.4, but if anything is slightly larger, with a 100mm / 4" long barrel and 77mm filter thread. Its complex optical formula of 13 elements in 8 groups isn't based on a conventional double-Gauss design, like most 50mm primes are, but instead is of the retrofocal type.
This set of characteristics, along with Sigma's recent track record of making impressive optics, means that the 50mm F1.4 Art has inevitably invited comparison to the astounding Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 - quite possibly the sharpest lens we've yet seen. However, given that lens's $4000 price tag, it seems a little optimistic to expect quite the same qualities. But the Sigma offers autofocus via a ring-type ultrasonic motor (with full-time manual override), which means it wins out on practicality. The new lens's premium price point also means that it doesn't directly replace the older model, which we understand will continue to be sold for some time yet.
Headline features
- 50mm focal length
- Fast F1.4 maximum aperture
- Ring-type ultrasonic autofocus motor with full-time manual override
- Internal focus design
- Will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony Alpha, and Sigma SA mounts
Angle of view
The pictures below illustrate the 50mm F1.4 Art's angle of view on full frame and APS-C, taken from our standard position. As is Sigma's way, the lens is just slightly 'wide' for a 50mm prime (its measured focal length is 48mm), bringing it closer to a classic 'normal' view on full frame. On APS-C cameras it behaves like a short telephoto lens.
Full frame | 1.6x APS-C (~80mm equivalent) |
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Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art specifications
Price | • $950 (US) • £850 (UK) • €1000 (EU) |
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Date introduced | January 2014 |
Maximum format size | 35mm full frame |
Focal length | 50mm |
35mm equivalent focal length |
• 75mm (1.5x APS-C / DX) • 80mm (1.6x Canon APS-C) |
Diagonal Angle of view | • 47º (full frame) • 31º (APS-C) |
Maximum aperture | F1.4 |
Minimum aperture | F16 |
Lens Construction | • 13 elements / 8 groups • 3 SLD glass elements • 1 aspherical element |
Number of diaphragm blades | 9, rounded |
Minimum focus | 0.4m |
Maximum magnification | 0.18x |
AF motor type | • Ring-type Hypersonic Motor • Full-time manual focus |
Focus method | Internal |
Image stabilization | No |
Filter thread | • 77mm • Does not rotate on focus |
Supplied accessories* | Front and rear caps Petal-type Hood Soft lens case |
Weight | 815 g (28.7 oz) |
Dimensions | 85 mm diameter x 100 mm length (3.4 x 3.9 in) |
Lens Mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony Alpha |
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area
This lens review uses DxOMark data thanks to a partnership between dpreview.com and DxO Labs (read more about DxOMark and our partnership with DxO Labs). DxOMark is the trusted industry standard for independent image quality measurements and ratings. DxOMark has established this reputation with its rigorous hardware testing, industry-grade laboratory tools, and database of thousands of camera, lens and mobile test results. Full test results for this lens can be found at www.dxomark.com.
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital
Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help
you understand some of the terms used).
Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C. |
This article is Copyright 2014 and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.
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Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Auto Focus Lens for Pentax AF Cameras | CDN$ 529.00 |
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras + 3 Piece Filter Kit with Case + Lens Case + Celltime 5 Year Warranty | CDN$ 596.99 |
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