Updated text (March 2012): The Sigma 50mm 1.4 purchased for the 2nd time, bolted to the Nikon D3s and ... I'm still excited. Mag not take the eye the camera with this lens. what happened? Year ago about 1 I had already been tested as an objective (see the section "Original text" below). Had - as I know from today's perspective - probably a copy with its own characteristics regarding the sharpness from Aperture 2.0.. But a lot of blur at 4.1 to 8.1. Somehow it has the incipient spring 2012. irritated again to start me now a try with this lens. For I am delighted with the Sigma 85mm 1.4 at full frame and go to my personal photo developing more and more to concentrate on myself to a few key aspects of the motif design: light, background, picture effect, close = Being there. And Bokeh has emerged as one of my personal all-important stylistic device. Compared with the Sigma 85mm 1.4 offers a wider angle of view 50 1.4, a significantly narrower close range, a slightly higher magnification, the - with the 500 Achromat Canon - magnificent macros allows. The use of the 50s with maximum aperture can therefore open up a wider range of photographic opportunities. The desire was stronger there again to try with this lens, because we read all the many forums in peace by, quickly notice that the Sigma 50 mm 1.4 applies the full format as very creamy. Otherwise, the statements of many users are contradictory, I could confirm in my original text personally. 2. The current experiment with this lens, a different copy than a year ago, I can say almost, that I have my own personal dream lens found. I no longer give her. This copy of the Sigma 50mm is knackscharf already in Aperture 1.4 and the bokeh is kind of soft, that you promptly sees the soft foam of a tasty and well-smelling espresso right to feel, taste, smell. A dream lens, if you just look for something: the image effect, the lives of a few elements, a creamy bokeh, which was faded out from the main subject, making it almost become a matter of the main motif. An impression as I do not want to miss him. A lens that opens up new possibilities to me. And a lens, showing not to give up the first time, but a new attempt to venture with a new specimen and can be a positive surprise. By the way, I have no time at zero any bond, Koperation or something to or with Sigma or whoever. Am fairly free from any constraints, bonds, partnerships. Rise in itself rather original objectives and that would at the D3s also Niko lenses. However, anyone who wants to develop his photographic possibilities through specialized art work by background and bokeh, should be quiet times taking the time one or two Sigma 50mm 1.4 or 85 mm to take 1.4 in the choice of viewing. It's a win. I forgot what? AF focusing, which hit the spot ... all strengths of this lens. What? It will be too heavy and clunky? Never, when you see what is so of free design options has. And honestly, who like me has a D3s always there, is quasi married so and they only reluctantly evening next (and not in) specifies the bed itself, but not knabert around to a few grams lens weight. Hammer lens (!!!) which every really every euro cents, is worth more than twice.
Original text: Five days I could Sigma 50mm 1.4 test, at Nikon D3s, D700 and D7000. Would like to keep, have me but then it decided to return. It was planned to use this fast lens to an equally strong ISO camera just in av. L-range. The expectation that the open aperture really leads to good imaging results, has not been confirmed. On all 3 cameras the image impressions with Aperture 1.4 and 1.6 were very soft, rather blurred. Aperture 1.8 is quite sharp, sharp crack from 2.0. But it is precisely the open aperture 1.4 and 1.6 are essential for my kind of av.-L.-photography (fotographiere much animals, nature in twilight area). Unfortunately, the present copy of my Sigma 50mm 1.4 - because of weaknesses in the area of 1.4 and 1.6 - not usable (unlike the '85 1.4 from Sigma, which is already producing at 1.4 tack-sharp results). Of course it has its use from 1.8, it is then only with the 50mm 1.8 D comparable Nikon; because this Nikon lens is (contrary to what one reads in various forums) with my ex. at least as sharp as the present Sigma at the same aperture. The Nikon has only a considerably better value for money with a market price of just over 100 euros. The handling (feeling of the lens in hand plus treatment) of 50 Sigma is excellent, the Bokeh outstanding (at 1.8 and 2.0 but not sehbar better than the Nikon 1.8 D), only 1.4 and 1.6 seems the whole picture from the Motive Softig move in the bokeh. AF is fail (at least on the considered by me cameras) also in light borderline situations, the front, back focus were not found.
Should I someday again have the opportunity to 50mm a Sigma to test 1.4 and it would already Sharpen at 1.4, it would be one of my desired lenses. Then the review would lead to a maximum score, necessarily.
Incidentally quick note to a comparison with the Nikon 50mm, 1.4 AF-S G. This lens I had tested in 2010. It showed no benefits (in terms of picture quality) compared to the Nikon 50mm 1.8 D, so it was also sold relatively quickly.
Ultimately, I have not found and used as the 50mm 1.8 D, which simply has the best price-performance and handling weight ratio no better lens in this focal length.
That was the original text which I as such even just leave, because you so can best see the development. And why should you tweak something-written.
The conclusion is: try quietly several times. It is worth it. The image results are beyond all doubt. It is great fun with the Sigma 50mm 1.4.
