50mm Lens for Landscape Photography
Dec 7, 2020 08:20:19 #
I had read somewhere about the beneficial aspects of using a 50mm lens for landscape photography. Recently, I tried my old Nikon FX 50/1.4D lens on a Nikon D850 to take a photo out of my bedroom window of an approaching storm. I was impressed with the results.
Doing some further reading, I learned that the SIGMA Art 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM is even a more superior lens to my old Nikon FX 50/1.4D lens. So, I’m tempted to get one to replace the old lens.
Has anyone had any experience with the SIGMA Art 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM lens, and is trading up worth it?
Thank you for your comments. Val
Doing some further reading, I learned that the SIGMA Art 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM is even a more superior lens to my old Nikon FX 50/1.4D lens. So, I’m tempted to get one to replace the old lens.
Has anyone had any experience with the SIGMA Art 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM lens, and is trading up worth it?
Thank you for your comments. Val
Dec 7, 2020 08:34:18 #
FWIW,Thom Hogan actively dislikes both the Nikon 50mm f1.8 and the 50mm f1.4, but gives a blanket endorsement to the Sigma ART series.
Dec 7, 2020 08:34:28 #
Sometimes a 50mm is perfect. Other times, a 24mm is needed. Sometimes, 85mm proves the best choice. It depends an awful lot on the subject matter, your closeness to the subject and your shooting style. It sounds like you don't use your current 50 often enough. A better play would be to shoot only with that lens for a week to month and then decide if you want to buy a more expensive version. An f/1.4 aperture isn't that useful for 'landscape'. Why pay a premium for a lens for a purpose of shooting in the f/5.6 to f/11 range?
Dec 7, 2020 08:45:37 #
You said you were impressed with the results with the lens on hand. What's the problem? You repeatedly included the FX in the description of your lens. What about the Sigma? How is the Sigma superior?
It's your money, I would be happy to spend it for you if that's really what you want. The 24~70 f 2.8 is part of the Nikon Triad and is a spectacular lens! And good for more than landscapes.
It's your money, I would be happy to spend it for you if that's really what you want. The 24~70 f 2.8 is part of the Nikon Triad and is a spectacular lens! And good for more than landscapes.
Dec 7, 2020 09:21:00 #
quenepas wrote:
I had read somewhere about the beneficial aspects ... (show quote)
I don’t know about the Sigma lens, but if you are happy with the results from your current 50mm, unless there is a significant upgrade in image quality, why change. Also, as mentioned before, a f/1.4 lens is not much use for landscape photography.
Dec 7, 2020 10:04:54 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
I would add a Nikon 20mm or a Nikon 14-24 for an alternate focal length.
Dec 7, 2020 11:05:02 #
Orphoto
Loc: Oregon
Always a treat to rediscover something you already own. I suggest using the 50 you already have for a few weeks and see what you think of that focal length. Now, if you are doing landscape work using a tripod and careful technique the sigma art 50 will be substantially sharper. However it will also be huge and heavy in comparison.
Shooting with high end prime lenses can be a great pleasure. Carrying a bag/pack of them can be a drudge if you go very far. If you do go this route consider keeping other lighter alternatives for combinations more suitable for extended walks. Even if you use slower zooms most of the time having a fast 50 available fills a niche.
Shooting with high end prime lenses can be a great pleasure. Carrying a bag/pack of them can be a drudge if you go very far. If you do go this route consider keeping other lighter alternatives for combinations more suitable for extended walks. Even if you use slower zooms most of the time having a fast 50 available fills a niche.
Dec 7, 2020 11:20:12 #
quenepas wrote:
I had read somewhere about the beneficial aspects ... (show quote)
Don't get GAS and enjoy your Nikon FX 50/1.4D lens.
Dec 7, 2020 11:46:32 #
quenepas wrote:
I had read somewhere about the beneficial aspects ... (show quote)
The Art is by many measures a better lens. This article has some comparisons that might be of interest to you:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/sigma-50mm-f1-4-dg-hsm-art/4
Dec 7, 2020 14:43:42 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Sometimes a 50mm is perfect. Other times, a 24mm i... (show quote)
Exactly. Why the f/1.4 max aperture if you are going to be shooting landscapes? You would probably want to stop down to f/8 or so anyway.Dec 7, 2020 14:47:14 #
Take a look at the Tamron 45mm f/1.8 SP VC lens. It's fully weather sealed, has a metal lens barrel, and has vibration compensation. Very few prime lenses have stabilization. It's great when you are hand holding the camera. I have the lens and use it mostly on my Nikon D750. It's a very impressive lens. I don't think the Sigma has weather sealing or stabilization.
Dec 7, 2020 16:43:51 #
JIM H
Loc: Broad Channel NY
Comparing apples to apples Nikon to Sigma. you can take a dozen 50mm Nikon and a dozen 50mm Sigma lens and you will find some are sharp as a tack right out of the box and some not as sharp. if your happy with your lens take it out and use it see what it can do. best thing about the images taken with a 50mm prime lens is that its the closest to what can be seen with the naked eye. I bought my first SLR with a 50mm lens as a high school freshmen back in 1964 and there has been a 50mm with every camera I have owned since.
Dec 8, 2020 05:48:05 #
SteveG
Loc: Norh Carolina
CHG_CANON wrote:
Sometimes a 50mm is perfect. Other times, a 24mm i... (show quote)
I couldn't have explained that any better than that! There is no one particular focal length that you would use exclusively for any particular type of image you may be taking. And f1.4 is basically useless for most landscape images. Well put!
Dec 8, 2020 05:59:24 #
Gene
Your Nikon stopped down to f/5.6 to f/8 is pretty close to the sigma...No need to spend money on a fast landscape lens.
quenepas wrote:
I had read somewhere about the beneficial aspects ... (show quote)
Your Nikon stopped down to f/5.6 to f/8 is pretty close to the sigma...No need to spend money on a fast landscape lens.
Dec 8, 2020 06:40:32 #
quenepas wrote:
I had read somewhere about the beneficial aspects ... (show quote)
50mm lenses have long been known to be among the "sharpest" lenses around, and your Nikkor 50 is legendary. I have one and can find no fault with it. That said, the PhotographyLife article that Gene points to is an eye-opener. I think we all expect that optics will improve and it seems we were right.
But I use my other lenses much more than I do a 50mm Prime. My Nikkor 50mm cost me less than $200, pre-owned. Not many preowned ART lenses for sale that I can see. So ask yourself; would the potential improvement in resolution detail be worth shelling out nearly $1000 if you were already "impressed with the results" in a hand-held shot out your window? Maybe it's just me ... I don't have that kind of money. If you do, Val, mazel tov.
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