Sigma 50mm f1.4 - new batch = outstanding performer
- Thread starter Canonized
- Start date
heres one to show how sharp the lens is @ f1.4!
(at least to me its very sharp!)
focused around the eyes!...
can see the large version in my flickr!
I used to own a EF50mm f1.4. I liked how it performed after f2 but when wide open, it was horrible. It has a built in soft focus look if you like it. Build quality is a little better than the f1.8. Not much more. Its compact and light but has issues. The 50 f1.2 was my goal but also found to have issues causing me to go for the "Sigmalux" 50mm f.14. But a lot of the first batch was fraught with issues. I hunted and hunted and decided on the one at TK photo. Mine needs to return to the agents for calibrating now I discovered issues at focussing over 3m. But it does not happen all the time. So I am not in a hurry to go fix it.
But under 3m, it is almost identical in bokeh and image quality to the 50mm L. Not bad for something 2/3 cheaper.
Also - check out these links to learn more (taken from a post from POTN):
Ok, a list of reviews. Some in other than English I am afraid, but the pictures speak for themselves.
http://www.luciolepri.it/lc2/marcoca...uto/00_pag.htm
Scroll down to see a comparison in pictures of a bunch of 50 mm lenses, including the CZ 50 F/1.4 and the EF 50 CM.
Canon 50 mms compared:
http://translate.google.com/translat.../50mm/test.htm
A bunch of CZ 50s:
http://www.slrlensreview.com/web/car...lenses-94.html
And a bunch of Canon 50s at the same site:
http://www.slrlensreview.com/web/rev.../standard.html
Zeiss MTFs:
http://www.geocities.com/ilprode/TestZ.htm
Photodo CZ: http://www.photodo.com/product_837.html
Photodo Canon: http://www.photodo.com/product_1149.html
SLRGear 50L: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showp...ct/1000/cat/10
SLRGear CZ 50: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showp...ct/1144/cat/98
Motley 50L: http://www.motleypixel.com/reviews/index.htm
You can also check TDP of course: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/
Just got my copy recently. Sadly I wish I had my camera with me. I was very eager in getting the lens on that day as I had a shoot the next day. When I tested it in the shop , results weren't so bad.
Once using it with my body , I get a bit of front focusing issue. I'm not sure whether is it normal, but it jerks a bit when locking. It also gives off that "soft glow" at f1.4 , but at f2.2 it's alright. Other than that I'm loving the bokeh, and allowing me to shoot at lower-light.
Definitely better than my previous EF 1.8 , but unsure is the upgrade really that great. I wasn't liking the 1.4's CA thats why I chose this. Didn't seem to give off as much CA compared to Canon.
Once using it with my body , I get a bit of front focusing issue. I'm not sure whether is it normal, but it jerks a bit when locking. It also gives off that "soft glow" at f1.4 , but at f2.2 it's alright. Other than that I'm loving the bokeh, and allowing me to shoot at lower-light.
Definitely better than my previous EF 1.8 , but unsure is the upgrade really that great. I wasn't liking the 1.4's CA thats why I chose this. Didn't seem to give off as much CA compared to Canon.
I sent my Sigma to E-Centre to have it looked at. The support centre took only a couple of hours to recalibrate the lens. The technician agreed that it did not work well over 3m and once he calibrated it, I found that it works spot on and as sharp as near images. So now I am once again a satisfied customer of the Sigmalux.
Right now, despite all the L lenses I own, the Sigma is on my 5D2 all the time. 50mm is an important focal length for me esp for indoor home shots. I only take it off when I need speciality lenses. Otherwise for home captures of family members, the 50mm is my default length.
Right now, despite all the L lenses I own, the Sigma is on my 5D2 all the time. 50mm is an important focal length for me esp for indoor home shots. I only take it off when I need speciality lenses. Otherwise for home captures of family members, the 50mm is my default length.
For lens calibration, you need to make appointment first. Call them to arrange appointment
Yes, thats correct. They will insist on an appointment.
But its well worth the effort. They do a good job on the calibration.
But its well worth the effort. They do a good job on the calibration.
Here are shots with the newly calibrated lens.
f1.4
f1.6
f.2
Here is a shot of my wall clock at over 3 meters. Resized. and 100% crop. Shot at f.14
f1.4
f1.6
f.2
Here is a shot of my wall clock at over 3 meters. Resized. and 100% crop. Shot at f.14
At least for me, I think its worth the money. But there are many happy with their EF 50 f1.4. I was not and since calibrating the Sigma, I am even happier at how it performs. Do not forget that Sigma intentionally designed its 50mm to reflect today's photographer's demands on bokeh, sharpness, colour and reduced vignetting. Something Canon themselves only just dealt with in its 50L.
The Sigmalux comes very very close to the 50L in my opinion and as such is worth the premium it cost over the EF50mm.
So, yes, well worth the buy - IF you have a good copy.
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*gasp*... Save... Me... I'm... Poisoned... *gasp*...
BBB virus... Haha...
One question... Other than trusting the words of the shop... Any way to verify that this is a new batch lens?... e.g. serial number, etc?...
I mean... the lens could have been sitting in a warehouse for months before reaching the stores, right?...
BBB virus... Haha...
One question... Other than trusting the words of the shop... Any way to verify that this is a new batch lens?... e.g. serial number, etc?...
I mean... the lens could have been sitting in a warehouse for months before reaching the stores, right?...
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Let me poison you a little, so that you can make a correct decision. No post processing needed.
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My 30mm f1.4 (newly bought from HK) is tack sharp. No focusing prob, or soft not sharp. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Like another user, i like it so much that it is on my cam most of the time.
On my Olympus, it is a 60mm f1.4.
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