The Sigma 50mm 1.4 is one of Sigma’s trademark lenses. They went all out when making this lens and they make it available for every single camera mount: Nikon
This lens is also Sigma’s fastest 50mm lens, which is quite surprising given Sigma’s long standing reputation in the Digital Camera industry. It was launched in the recent years compared to most manufacturers who launched similar lenses back in the 80s or 90s.
Because of this, it was interesting to see how much technology Sigma put into this lens during testing 
The first thing that you can immediately notice is its size. Featuring 77mm front filter, this is a huge lens. So far, it is the biggest prime lens that I have tested to date.
This lens is compatible with both cropped sensor and full frame DSLR camera.
When used with a cropped sensor DSLR, it has the equivalent angle of view of 80mm which will make it an excellent portrait lens.
When used with a full frame DSLR camera, this will become the perfect, fast normal lens.
The HSM motor also allows this lens to autofocus with Nikon’s entry level DSLR camera. The autofocus is fast and silent during testing.
If you are looking for a sharp lens that will give you sharp images with excellent low light capability, you are looking at the right one.
See the full review below to see the complete test result.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Sigma 50mm 1.4 Specs
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Official Name:
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Focal Length Markings:
50mm
Features:
EX – Excellent – Sigma’s designation for their high end lenses.
DG – Compatible with both full frame and cropped sensor DSLR camera.
HSM – Hypersonic Motor – Smooth and fast autofocusing. Also allows autofocus with Nikon’s entry level DSLR camera.
Full Technical Specs (from Sigma’s website):
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 6 / 8 |
| Angle of View | 46.8 |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 17.7in. (0.45m) |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
| Weight | 17.8oz. (505g) |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | 3.3 x 2.7in. (84.5 x 68.2mm) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 1:7.4 |
| Available for | Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus and Sigma |
Optical Performance
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Sigma 50mm 1.4 Sharpness
Center sharpness is very good, even at the widest aperture of f/1.4. The optimal aperture on this lens seems to be at f/5.6.
Borders are also very sharp. From f/1.4 to f/4 they are great. From f/5.6 onwards they are excellent!
See the full sharpness test table below.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 50mm | Great | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 50mm | Great | Great | Great | Great | Excellent | Excellent |
Distortion
Distortion is very well controlled on this lens and can safely be ignored.
See the distortion test result for this Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens below.
Sigma 50mm 1.4 Distortion Test
Vignetting
As to be expected, vignetting is only apparent at the widest aperture of f/1.4.
At the other apertures, they can safely be ignored and will not be visible.
See the vignetting test results below.
Sigma 50mm 1.4 Vignetting Test
Chromatic Aberration
When tested on a cropped sensor DSLR camera, the chromatic aberration figures were very low at any apertures.
It can be safely ignored in most shooting situation.
Chromatic Aberration Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Negligible
(4) Very Low
(3) Low
(2) High
(1) Very High
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 |
| 50mm | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low |
Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
The build quality of this Sigma EX lens is “Excellent” It is made from metal with the typical Sigma’s nice crinkle finish.
Focusing
The focusing ring is very smooth to operate. The lens does not change physical dimension during focusing.
The HSM or Hyper Sonic Motor mechanism makes the autofocus really fast and silent.
Image Stabilization
There is no Optical Stabilization built into the lens.
Compatibility
Being a DG lens, this lens is compatible with both full frame and cropped sensor DSLR camera.
The HSM motor will allow this lens to autofocus when used with Nikon’s entry level DSLR camera such as Nikon Nikon D40
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
The following are some images taken with this lens. Click any of them to enlarge the image.
Get the best price online from Amazon: Nikon
Conclusion
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Here are the conclusions for this review.
This lens is currently Sigma’s trademark 50mm lens and from the testing, it really deserves its reputation.
The lens is fast, sharp and has quick focusing. Another nice feature to have is the constant dimension during autofocus.
If I can name one downside, it will be the price. However, given this quality, I think the price is fair enough.
Below are the summarized conclusion for this lens:
Drawbacks
- Price
- Vignetting is slightly visible at f/1.4 (which is typical for ultra fast lens)
Positives
- Sharp on the center and borders at any aperture
- Distortion is well controlled
- Vignetting is well controlled
- Chromatic aberration is very low at any aperture
- Nice build and crinkle finish
- HSM mechanism is fast, accurate and silent
Good For
- Low light, indoor photography
- Normal lens for full frame DSLR
- Portrait lens for cropped sensor DSLR
Not So Good For
- Shooting wide
- All around lens
What Others Are Saying…
by “D. Jacobowitz”
Beautiful, sharp, fast, and fantastic bokeh! In a world of zooms, many people would find plopping down $500 for a 50mm prime – from a third party manufacturer, no less – to be a bit absurd. However, if you are a “prime person” – and you know who you are – you’ll love the performance of this lens…
Click here to see the full review
by “Andres Adauy”
Amazing value for the money! I’m a primary Canon user. I owned before the canon 50 mm 1.4, a trully excellent lens for the money too. But not to sharp wide open. You have to stop down at least to f2 in order to get good contrast and saturation…
Click here to see the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy this lens from Amazon (best price online):
If the mount you’re looking for is not available on Amazon, check out B&H Photo (Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus) or Adorama (Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus)
Do check out the following related post below if you want to see further options.
Hope you’ve find this Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens review helpful and I will catch you in the next review!
The Sigma 50mm 1.4 is one of Sigma’s trademark lenses. They went all out when making this lens and they make it available for every single…
The Sigma 50mm 1.4 is one of Sigma’s trademark lenses. They went all out when making this lens and they make it available for every single…
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
Have I Helped You?
Do you find this post helpful and think that you should have paid to read it?
If so, you can help me in return to keep the good karma flowing.
All you need to do is visit one of my partner from any of the links here: Amazon
I'd be thankful if you can drop them a visit. I'd be even more thankful when you actually purchase anything from them. It can anything be it camera, lens, TV or even underwear.
The funds that I got from them is what I will use to pay for this site's maintenance so people like you can get access to great information for free.
Now, If you don't want to purchase anything but want to drop some tips as a token of appreciation, I'll be more than happy to receive $5 donation from you. You can make the donation by clicking on the donate button below.
For those of you who have helped, I consider you my family in this vast photography world. Thank you very much!
I hope to be able to keep sharing my knowledge and expertise with you and you'll always have my best interest in mind.
Best,
Andrew Suryono
P.S: If you are into social media, join me on Facebook and Twitter from the link below. Don't be shy!
Andrew Suryono | Create Your Badge
|
