Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit

Comments about Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit:

This lens is fantastic, even though it is a little heavy it is far superior to the lighter weight alternatives. This is the lens that is now always fixed to my D700, not having a zoom is no problem , I just move my feet a bit. Great lens , buy it ..

Comments about Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit:

A very good lens, but it can have AF problems. I sent the first copy back to WEX because of very bad focus problems. Basically, the lens focused accurately within 3m, but couldn't focus at longer distances, even stopped down to f8.0. Any focus adjustment meant that close range focus was off.

The second copy is much better, though still a bit problematic on my d800 with the outer focus points. I guess that's because of field curvature.

However, the lens is very sharp at 1.4. Even on the d800 it holds up quite well. At f4-f11 it is incredibly sharp.

The Sigma is the largest and most expensive 50 for the Nikon system, but it is fantastic. Build quality if great, and focus is fast and silent.

Comments about Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit:

I bought this lens after trying a rental copy and being impressed with the results; it's perfect for isolating subjects and low-light photography. I use it on a crop sensor, where it becomes an excellent portrait lens for people and wildlife (if you can get close enough).

The downside is Sigma's QC. I had to send my first copy back because of severe front focus. The replacement also front focuses (+8), but I've decided to put up with it. I wouldn't recommend purchasing this lens unless your camera allows for autofocus fine tuning. I should note I haven't experienced problems with other Sigma lenses.

Comments about Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit:

Having recently purchased studio lighting to expand my hobby I was interested in purchasing a 50mm prime for portrait shots. I researched the net looking for reviews on Nikon fit 50mm. Digital Rev have been carrying out a number of comparisons for lens Bokeh. In their view the sigma beat the Nikon so I decided to purchase the Sigma 50mm. Straight from the box the lens is large, which I like and feels very solid. With this solidity comes some extra weight but I believe this adds to the feel of the lens and is quite balanced with my Nikon D80 and battery grip. I have only used the lens for a couple of shoots but I am amazed at the versatility that is afforded by such a low F stop at 1.4. When using for close ups you can achieve less than an inch for DOF with a gradual blurring into the background and foreground. The bokeh when the lens is fully open is so creamy that it realy helps isolate the subject in focus and makes for very dramatic pictures. The lens is also quick in focusing as the focus ring only rotates approx 90 degs. I have found this to be accurate to date but you can overide if required. So far I love this lens and I believe it can only improve my photography. I am excited to the prospects of what I can achieve with this lens.

Comments about Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit:

I do a lot of indoor and portraiture photography, so I went hunting for a 50mm 1.4 prime.

Now like all 1.4 primes, it's a fixed lens which doesn't zoom at all, and it has a very shallow depth of field (take a picture of two people and they had better be aligned to the centimetre if you want them both in focus!).

For the cons; small amounts of chromatic abberation ('CA') can become noticeable under certain conditions. It's very large and heavy by prime standards, and of course it's quite expensive.

For the pros; It can work with minimal light, it has a very smooth and pleasant bokeh (out-of-focus blur), it has HSM and thus can be used with cameras with no in-body auto-focus, it has a very shallow depth of field which makes portraits, or any kind of artistic photography for that matter, look stunning, and it has a very, very sharp resolution. Images are crisp.

I am very satisfied with this lens.
(The CA is the only reason i didn't give it 5 stars)

Comments about Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit:

I purchased this fine bit of glass over a couple of weeks ago, and what i love about it is its low f number and the auto focus on my D60. Its sharp, got great build quality (as you would expect from sigma), and all in all everything i need. Well worth the money in my eyes.

Comments about Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit:

What I like about this lens. Well quite a bit! .It's ability to shoot in really low light and still keep a respectively a low iso is something else, the bokeh is from another planet (a nice planet!!!) A couple of portraits I've done are 'WOW'. I got it for is low F number and it was well worth it. It's sharp at f1.4 as well..

I even drove up to Norwich and picked up it from the showroom, very helpful chap behind the counter let me try out four other lenses, I was gutted the sigma 105mm macro was not in, but my bank was glad:)
Maybe next time?

Comments about Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM - Nikon Fit:

I bought this as I have a D40x and wanted a 50mm prime that would autofocus (the Nikon 50mm are manual focus only on the D40/D40x/D60). It was more than I wanted to spend but I haven't regretted it at all. The first thing you notice is how solid the lens is - great build quality. The images have been equally impressive and I have been having great fun experimenting with the depth of field. This lens has hardly been off my camera since the purchase.