When are you going to retest the Zeiss Otus 50/1.4, since you were not satisfied with the example you had ? Thanks !
polizonte
February 3, 2018 7:53 am
One of the sharpest lenses I have owned and sold. Didn’t mind the weight, focus, etc. but a $949 lens should at least have a mount gasket. My inexpensive, not weather sealed 60mm f/2.8 G has traveled with me to Maine, Colombia and Aruba, and closer to home, taken a few kayak trips. My Micro, nowhere as sharp as the Art at normal/non-macro distances, has never had a dust problem. I do not purposely expose my equipment to the elements but after one week in dusty Aruban “outback” ( a family member born and raised on the island ), with no lens changing during our visit, signs of sensor dust appeared in my photos @ f/8. If an aftermarket gasket were available or if Sigma were to offer to retro fit one, I would buy another 50mm Art.
Tirupati Rao
August 26, 2017 6:37 am
Hi ! Excellent Review !! Is it a good all round lens ? Can you suggest for me which is the best walk around lens for my Nikon New D850. I have 70-200 f2.8E FL ED lens.
Duffy Doherty
March 20, 2016 9:37 am
Hi Nasim, Somewhat along with Daniel I am confused about some of the Imatest graphs. The Sigma 50mm F/1.4 Art shows at 3000 or above from F/2.8 through F/5.6. Now if you look at the graphs for the Nikon 24-70mm F/2.8G, it shows the nikon at or above 3000 from F/2.8 through F/11, and F/4 through F/5.6 at 3500 or so and F/8 at maybe 3350 or 3400? Now, back in the Sigma review you say “the Zeiss Otus reached the most impressive score over 3200, which is a record-breaking result in our lens testing experience.| I have both the Nikon 24-70mm F/2.8G and the Sigma 50mm F/1.4 Art. Both are terrifically sharp lenses, but the Sigma is astonishing! Clearly to my eye it exhibits superior sharpness to the Nikon. (Not to mention DXOMark, but they show the Sigma is far sharper) How are we supposed to rely upon your lens reviews and the related Imatest graphs? I value your opinion, insight and testing. I am troubled by these anomalies however. Thoughts? Duffy
Daniel
February 18, 2016 12:17 pm
Hi Nasim,
you state, that the imatest result of 3200 (Otus) is a record, have you overlooked the Nikon 50mm F1.2 or did you test that lens later? According to you, the Nikon 50mm F1.2 AI-S has peak sharpness of 3600. Is it true, that it is sharper than the Otus in midframe or are there some differences in the measuring process?
Daniel, I apologize for the misinformation, but at one point a year or so back, I changed the way I measure data with Imatest (I posted about that in a couple of reviews) – I no longer use Lightroom and use DCRaw for RAW file conversions. Because of this, the scores have changed. Otus is still the sharpness king, but I have not yet updated some of the reviews with the newer numbers. I am planning to do that later this year.
Thanks a lot, I am looking forward to the new comparable numbers. It would have been amazing, if the old, simple and compact design was sharper than the Otus. I’ll look for your posts about the changes in measurement, maybe that will enable me to compare those numbers.
Jacek Jarzabek
June 17, 2015 8:42 am
I’m so excited – I am getting my copy tomorrow (along with 24mm art) – so far, based on the 35mm performance I can tell that this lens will be sharp and I am sure it will have minor focusing issues (I quickly learned to do quick 3-5 shot bursts on d9 or d21 AF-C with 35mm). I think I will not worry about 50mm as much since I usually do manual focus assist anyways and 24mm will be used for landscapes anyways (mostly) – I wonder if bios update will help focusing issues (but lets not forget that zeis is manual focus) – really excided :)
sceptical1
April 4, 2015 6:03 am
Something funny happened re this lens last night and it leaves me a bit frustrated. First, I love the Sigma 50mm Art. It is probably the only lens I have ever purchased out of sheer indulgence. I use it all the time to photograph pets (frequently indoors in their homes with available light, frequently augmented by a speedlight / softbox with human stand) I get great results consistently. So, now for the bad news. A couple weeks ago I was asked by a friend of an old friend to take some live concert pictures. I have never photographed a live concert and I know it’s a challenging environment. Low light and I can’t bring my own…so I figured I would get some practice and some free professional advice from a colleague that specializes in concert photography. Last night I went to a club that features multiple rock acts on weekends. It’s a great venue IMO for one big reason – you can get a lot of practice and because my colleague is their regular photographer, I could get close. I came with two D7100’s, one with the Sigma 50mm Art and the other with a Nikon 70-200 2.8. He came with a D750 and a D7100. One had a Nikon 70-200 2.8 (the D750) and the D7100 had a small 50mm lens that I didn’t notice at the time. I brought my Macbook to review the photos between shows and afterward. Okay, here is what happened….I am not happy right now with the 50mm Art. Right off the bat, I noticed some unexpected hunting in the poor light. Then I looked at the results and I was in a bit of a panic. Most of the photos were simply not sharp. Then I looked at my friends pictures and finally noticed what he was shooting – a Nikon 50mm 1.8g! We had a short discussion where he explained that this small cheap lens focused faster and more accurately then his own Nikon 1.4 and Nikon 85mm 1.4. I almost fell over. He graciously loaned me his lens and he switched to his 85 1.4. Astonishingly, my keeper rate went literally through the roof in comparison. So, much as I love the Sigma 50mm, the cheap Nikon is better for this environment.
That’s why I will always keep my Nikon 50mm f1.8G :) –
Hal Stewart
November 10, 2014 4:25 pm
Nasim – I have been considering one of the Sigma 1.4 Art primes for my D800 camera. I noted that the 35mm has a significantly higher MTF – particularly wide open when compared to the 50mm 1.4 Art lens. I am a little confused why the 35mm should be so much sharper than the 50mm. (I am assuming the higher numbers indicate a sharper image). If that is not the case perhaps a link to help me understand the MTF tables. I would use the lens for landscape photography. Loved the reviews. Thanks.
Jair Rodriguez
October 30, 2014 11:49 am
Hi Nasim, I was thinking to buy the nikon 85mm 1.4G but looking this sigma 50mm 1.4 ART, i don’t know wich one to choose, money it’s an important factor for me and i want also the nikon 300mm f.4, so buying the 85mm 1.4 I’ll not have extra money for the others lenses.
I know I am not Nasim but here is my two cents – Sigma now sells for 850 – why don’t you buy 50mm sigma art and 85mm f1.8G and still save 150-250? :) – I have 85mm f1.8G and it is sharp and for portraits it has an amazing bokeh (85mm f2.0 is pretty much equal to f1.6 or even lower of 50mm when it comes to dof. at around 2.5 85mm is extremely sharp and bokeh is just amazing… again – just my 2 cents
keano
October 9, 2014 1:37 am
Nasim,
I have rented the Sigma 85mm Art and thought it performed well but I have never tried a Nikon 85mm 1.8G and wondered our feeling on these comparing the price point and bokeh.
Last I have used the Nikon 50mm 1.4G with great results but I have heard repeatedly how well the 1.8G is. What is your feeling on the : Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art compared to the Nikon 50mm 1.8G? Sharpness and bokeh? I was going to pick up a 50mm 1.4G until I started reading so many reviews on the prior two. Thank you
When are you going to retest the Zeiss Otus 50/1.4, since you were not satisfied with the example you had ? Thanks !
One of the sharpest lenses I have owned and sold. Didn’t mind the weight, focus, etc. but a $949 lens should at least have a mount gasket. My inexpensive, not weather sealed 60mm f/2.8 G has traveled with me to Maine, Colombia and Aruba, and closer to home, taken a few kayak trips. My Micro, nowhere as sharp as the Art at normal/non-macro distances, has never had a dust problem. I do not purposely expose my equipment to the elements but after one week in dusty Aruban “outback” ( a family member born and raised on the island ), with no lens changing during our visit, signs of sensor dust appeared in my photos @ f/8. If an aftermarket gasket were available or if Sigma were to offer to retro fit one, I would buy another 50mm Art.
Hi !
Excellent Review !!
Is it a good all round lens ? Can you suggest for me which is the best walk around lens for my Nikon New D850. I have 70-200 f2.8E FL ED lens.
Hi Nasim,
Somewhat along with Daniel I am confused about some of the Imatest graphs. The Sigma 50mm F/1.4 Art shows at 3000 or above from F/2.8 through F/5.6. Now if you look at the graphs for the Nikon 24-70mm F/2.8G, it shows the nikon at or above 3000 from F/2.8 through F/11, and F/4 through F/5.6 at 3500 or so and F/8 at maybe 3350 or 3400? Now, back in the Sigma review you say “the Zeiss Otus reached the most impressive score over 3200, which is a record-breaking result in our lens testing experience.|
I have both the Nikon 24-70mm F/2.8G and the Sigma 50mm F/1.4 Art. Both are terrifically sharp lenses, but the Sigma is astonishing! Clearly to my eye it exhibits superior sharpness to the Nikon. (Not to mention DXOMark, but they show the Sigma is far sharper)
How are we supposed to rely upon your lens reviews and the related Imatest graphs? I value your opinion, insight and testing. I am troubled by these anomalies however. Thoughts?
Duffy
Hi Nasim,
you state, that the imatest result of 3200 (Otus) is a record, have you overlooked the Nikon 50mm F1.2 or did you test that lens later? According to you, the Nikon 50mm F1.2 AI-S has peak sharpness of 3600. Is it true, that it is sharper than the Otus in midframe or are there some differences in the measuring process?
Thanks und cheers,
Daniel
Daniel, I apologize for the misinformation, but at one point a year or so back, I changed the way I measure data with Imatest (I posted about that in a couple of reviews) – I no longer use Lightroom and use DCRaw for RAW file conversions. Because of this, the scores have changed. Otus is still the sharpness king, but I have not yet updated some of the reviews with the newer numbers. I am planning to do that later this year.
Thanks a lot, I am looking forward to the new comparable numbers. It would have been amazing, if the old, simple and compact design was sharper than the Otus. I’ll look for your posts about the changes in measurement, maybe that will enable me to compare those numbers.
I’m so excited – I am getting my copy tomorrow (along with 24mm art) – so far, based on the 35mm performance I can tell that this lens will be sharp and I am sure it will have minor focusing issues (I quickly learned to do quick 3-5 shot bursts on d9 or d21 AF-C with 35mm). I think I will not worry about 50mm as much since I usually do manual focus assist anyways and 24mm will be used for landscapes anyways (mostly) – I wonder if bios update will help focusing issues (but lets not forget that zeis is manual focus) – really excided :)
Something funny happened re this lens last night and it leaves me a bit frustrated. First, I love the Sigma 50mm Art. It is probably the only lens I have ever purchased out of sheer indulgence. I use it all the time to photograph pets (frequently indoors in their homes with available light, frequently augmented by a speedlight / softbox with human stand) I get great results consistently.
So, now for the bad news. A couple weeks ago I was asked by a friend of an old friend to take some live concert pictures. I have never photographed a live concert and I know it’s a challenging environment. Low light and I can’t bring my own…so I figured I would get some practice and some free professional advice from a colleague that specializes in concert photography. Last night I went to a club that features multiple rock acts on weekends. It’s a great venue IMO for one big reason – you can get a lot of practice and because my colleague is their regular photographer, I could get close. I came with two D7100’s, one with the Sigma 50mm Art and the other with a Nikon 70-200 2.8. He came with a D750 and a D7100. One had a Nikon 70-200 2.8 (the D750) and the D7100 had a small 50mm lens that I didn’t notice at the time. I brought my Macbook to review the photos between shows and afterward. Okay, here is what happened….I am not happy right now with the 50mm Art. Right off the bat, I noticed some unexpected hunting in the poor light. Then I looked at the results and I was in a bit of a panic. Most of the photos were simply not sharp. Then I looked at my friends pictures and finally noticed what he was shooting – a Nikon 50mm 1.8g! We had a short discussion where he explained that this small cheap lens focused faster and more accurately then his own Nikon 1.4 and Nikon 85mm 1.4. I almost fell over. He graciously loaned me his lens and he switched to his 85 1.4. Astonishingly, my keeper rate went literally through the roof in comparison. So, much as I love the Sigma 50mm, the cheap Nikon is better for this environment.
That’s why I will always keep my Nikon 50mm f1.8G :) –
Nasim – I have been considering one of the Sigma 1.4 Art primes for my D800 camera. I noted that the 35mm has a significantly higher MTF – particularly wide open when compared to the 50mm 1.4 Art lens. I am a little confused why the 35mm should be so much sharper than the 50mm. (I am assuming the higher numbers indicate a sharper image). If that is not the case perhaps a link to help me understand the MTF tables. I would use the lens for landscape photography. Loved the reviews. Thanks.
Hi Nasim,
I was thinking to buy the nikon 85mm 1.4G but looking this sigma 50mm 1.4 ART, i don’t know wich one to choose, money it’s an important factor for me and i want also the nikon 300mm f.4, so buying the 85mm 1.4 I’ll not have extra money for the others lenses.
Thanks
I know I am not Nasim but here is my two cents – Sigma now sells for 850 – why don’t you buy 50mm sigma art and 85mm f1.8G and still save 150-250? :) – I have 85mm f1.8G and it is sharp and for portraits it has an amazing bokeh (85mm f2.0 is pretty much equal to f1.6 or even lower of 50mm when it comes to dof. at around 2.5 85mm is extremely sharp and bokeh is just amazing… again – just my 2 cents
Nasim,
I have rented the Sigma 85mm Art and thought it performed well but I have never tried a Nikon 85mm 1.8G and wondered our feeling on these comparing the price point and bokeh.
Last I have used the Nikon 50mm 1.4G with great results but I have heard repeatedly how well the 1.8G is. What is your feeling on the :
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art compared to the Nikon 50mm 1.8G? Sharpness and bokeh? I was going to pick up a 50mm 1.4G until I started reading so many reviews on the prior two.
Thank you
there is no sigma 85mm Art – are you referring to 85mm f1.4 DG HSM?