Lens Summary
Brand: Sigma
Also Known As: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony Alpha
Release Date: 2014-01-06
MSRP Price: $949
Made in: Japan
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: The staple Sigma 50mm 1.4 DG HSM has been redesigned and reengineered to set a new standard for the Art line. With a large 1.4 aperture, the Sigma 50mm 1.4 prime lens is a pro level performer for shooting everything including portrait photography, landscape photography, studio photography and street photography. A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet, smooth and accurate autofocusing and paired with Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass and Super Multi-Layer coating, the 50mm 1.4 is a high performance lens for the modern DSLR sensors. 13 elements in 8 groups allow for unsurpassed performance even at wide apertures and close-up photography is easily managed with a minimum focusing distance of 40cm. The Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens is the new exceptional standard, standard prime.
Photography Life Review Summary: Overall, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art has a good balance of optical performance, features and price in my opinion. The only real disadvantage that I can think of is its large size and weight, but at the same time, I also understand that it would not be possible to produce such a lens without all the elements that correct so many optical aberrations, adding to the weight and bulk. The same goes for the exotic Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4, which is even larger and heavier in comparison. For some, the ability to shoot wide open at f/1.4 without having to worry about compromising sharpness and contrast is a big deal, and that’s where the Sigma shines. Although 50mm is not the best focal length for portraiture, many photographers love the “nifty fifty“, because it is not too short or too long when used on a full-frame camera body. If you are one of them, I would highly encourage you to check out the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art. Read the full Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Review by Photography Life.
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Mount Type | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony Alpha |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | 35mm full-frame |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.18x |
| Optical Stabilization (Image Stabilization) | No |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 46.8° |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 13 |
| Lens Groups | 8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (Rounded) |
| Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 3 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 |
| Super Multi-Layer Coating | Yes |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.40m |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | No |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 85 x 100mm |
| Weight | 815g |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
Lens Construction
MTF Chart
Sample Images
How about comparison sigma art 40mm?
I’ve had this lens for a little over a year and I must say it’s the sharpest 50mm lens I’ve ever used – especially from f/2 to f/8. I have several Nikon 50mm lenses for digital, infrared digital and film (50mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4 AIs, AF 50mm f/1.8D, AF-S 50mm f/1.8G), and after a lengthy comparison test, it simply blows the doors off all of them.
It’s a great match for the high resolution of my D850, where legacy lenses can show faults, and it’s truly stunning with Tmax 100 and Velvia 50 film on my Nikon F100. In comparing my scans, it even looks sharper than my old Leica M2’s Summicron 50mm f/2.
In my opinion, there’s simply no 50mm made by anyone that’s better optically. If you don’t mind the bulk and weight, get one. If that bothers you – and you’re a Nikon shooter – get the super light AFS 50mm f/1.8G, which comes pretty close in sharpness at f/5.6.
I’ve had this lens for a little over a year and I must say it’s the sharpest lens I’ve ever used, and certainly the sharpest 50mm. I have several Nikon 50mm lenses that I use on digital, infrared digital and film (50mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4 AIs, AF 50mm f/1.8D, AF-S 50mm f/1.8G) plus several SMC & Super Takumars, and after a lengthy comparison test, it simply blows the doors of all of them.
It’s the only lens I have that out-resolves my D850, and it’s truly stunning with Tmax 100 and Velvia 50 film on my Nikon F100. And in comparing my scans, it even noticeably outperforms my Leica’s Summicron 50mm f/2.
Bottom line: there’s simply no optically better 50mm made by anyone. If you don’t mind the bulk and weight, get it. If that bothers you – and you’re a Nikon shooter – get the super light AFS 50mm f/1.8G (not the less sharp 1.4), which lags in performance at all apertures, except f/5.6.