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). Show
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 . 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
Angle of viewThe 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.  Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art specificationsPrice • $950 (US) • £850 (UK) • €1000 (EU) 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 Gear in this storyGear in this story
More about gear in this articleSigma has announced that five of its Sony E-Mount Art-series primes, announced earlier this year, are now shipping. After tens of thousands of votes over two rounds, the results are in. Late last year we asked you to vote for your favorite gear of 2014 in several categories, and last month we put the winners of those categories to an overall vote to find the best product of last year in your - our readers' - opinion. The voting was extremely tight, but we've counted up the votes and we're ready to announce the winners. Click through to see the results VOTING ENDS MIDNIGHT JAN 31st (Pacific) Late last year we asked you to vote for your favorite products of the 2014 in four categories: best lens, best high-end compact camera, best enthusiast ILC and best high-end ILC. Voting ran through January 20th and the results are in! Click through to see the results of our 2014 readers' polls, and for a chance to vote on the overall winner, which we'll announce next month. The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM 'Art' is a fast normal prime for full frame cameras, with an unusually complex optical design. However at $950 / £850 it's substantially more expensive than either its predecessor, or Canon and Nikon's 50mm F1.4 lenses. We've already published lab test data showing that it's optically excellent, but what does this mean in real-world use? Read our detailed review to find out. The 50mm F1.4 DG HSM is Sigma's latest fast normal prime for full-frame cameras, and one of the most hotly-anticipated lenses of the year. But how does it perform in real-world use? We've been using the lens for a couple of days, and put together a gallery of samples. We've concentrated on large-aperture shots to show sharpness and bokeh, but have also included several taken at smaller apertures. See photos Latest sample galleriesLatest in-depth reviewsThe Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR delivers a 35mm full-frame equivalent field of view and stands out due to its small size and weather-resistant build. However, it faces stiff competition from lenses with faster F1.4 apertures. In this review, we tell you what you need to know about this popular lens. The EOS R100 is the cheapest way to get into Canon's RF-mount system. But, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, since its older components make the R100 feel dated. The Nikon Zf is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera with classic looks that adds the latest Expeed 7 processor and features such as 3D Tracking AF to the $2000 price bracket. We're not sure the experience lives up to the looks. The Sony a9 III is the world's first full-frame mirrorless camera to feature a global electronic shutter with simultaneous readout. We've been using a full production version of this 120 fps sports camera, to see what you gain (and, perhaps, lose). The Aura Carver 10.1" HD Digital Frame is a great way to put your portfolio on display and a great way to surface forgotten memories. The colors are vibrant, and the build quality is solid, but the Carver isn't without a few quirks. Latest buying guidesIf you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites. What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best. 'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked. What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out. Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder. Is Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art worth it?I found it to be a very nice portrait option along with being a great general purpose normal lens. I'm very impressed with Sigma's HLA focus system and the improved performance it brings, and the fact that Sigma has kept the price point affordable makes the 50mm F1. Does Sigma 50mm 1.4 have image stabilization?Image Stabilization The Sigma 50mm F1. 4 DG DN Art Lens, like all other 50mm prime lenses, does not feature image stabilization, but with the f/1.4 aperture available, image stabilization is often not needed. Omitting the optical stabilization system reduces the size, weight, complexity, and cost of a lens. Is Sigma 50mm 1.4 for fullThe newest addition to the F1. 4 series, which has become synonymous with the Art line, is the SIGMA 50mm F1. 4 DG DN | Art, a large-aperture standard lens designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Is Sigma 50mm 1.4 weather sealed?Form Factor. The Sigma 50 f/1.4 has a solid build quality. It is weather-sealed to protect from splashes and the rain. The body features an aperture ring, a switch to toggle from manual focus to autofocus, and an AFL button. |
