Check out Astronomical Photography Forum section of our forum.
Sigma 50mm f1.4 ART on Canon 7DMk2
Apr 7, 2015 09:32:33 #
I have been thinking about getting a 50mm Prime for some time now and have been researching and asking lots of questions. All of my other lens are Canon, but for this prime I've been leaning toward the Sigma 50 f1.4 ART Series. It's priced between the Canon 1.4 and the 1.2L, but by no means an inexpensive lens.
From what I've read this is by all accounts a fantastic lens in terms of sharpness and creamy bokeh, but one issue seems to keep cropping up - poor AF.
I've read lots of complaints about problems with AF using this lens, but mostly when focusing in low light or on subjects that are at a distance, where it is claimed to "back focus" (is that where the focus point is on stuff beyond the intended subject? )
I would be interested in hearing from folks here who own this lens, especially if you use it with a Canon 7D or 7DM2. Some of the complaints I've read were from early reviews - I'm wondering if the AF issues may have been from early examples that could have been fixed. Also wondering if it varies by camera type.
From what I've read this is by all accounts a fantastic lens in terms of sharpness and creamy bokeh, but one issue seems to keep cropping up - poor AF.
I've read lots of complaints about problems with AF using this lens, but mostly when focusing in low light or on subjects that are at a distance, where it is claimed to "back focus" (is that where the focus point is on stuff beyond the intended subject? )
I would be interested in hearing from folks here who own this lens, especially if you use it with a Canon 7D or 7DM2. Some of the complaints I've read were from early reviews - I'm wondering if the AF issues may have been from early examples that could have been fixed. Also wondering if it varies by camera type.
Apr 7, 2015 09:37:04 #
Odd, the reviews I read spoke of excellent AF on the Canon mount. Where were the negatives?
Apr 7, 2015 09:45:53 #
dsmeltz wrote:
Odd, the reviews I read spoke of excellent AF on the Canon mount. Where were the negatives?
The reviews citing issues with AF were not necessarily on Canons. In fact some of the reviews I've read didn't say what camera was being used. However, here's an example of a Canon user with AF issues using this lens: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1380488
That's why I'd like to hear from anyone here who uses this lens with a Canon, and especially with the 7D or 7D M2.
Check out Underwater Photography Forum section of our forum.
Apr 7, 2015 10:08:12 #
I have the Art 1.4 and have NO problems with it at all. I use it with both my 7Dii and 5Diii. Focus is fast and accurate. Shot quality is on par with my Canon 24-70 2.8ii, but just a tick under my Canon 70-200 2.8ii.
Apr 7, 2015 15:25:45 #
thelazya wrote:
I have the Art 1.4 and have NO problems with it at all. I use it with both my 7Dii and 5Diii. Focus is fast and accurate. Shot quality is on par with my Canon 24-70 2.8ii, but just a tick under my Canon 70-200 2.8ii.
Excellent! That's what I was hoping to hear! Did you have to do any micro-adjustment?
Apr 8, 2015 08:28:33 #
No I don't believe in micro-adjustment. Of course I have checked all of my lenses, but to date I have not needed to.
Apr 8, 2015 08:43:08 #
I just bought one for my Nikon D800, and have won 2 local newspaper awards with the images I've shot with it. I'm sold on this 50 f1.4 not only for it's sharpness, but also it's beautiful shallow DOF and resulting bokeh. A real winner.
Check out Infrared Photography section of our forum.
Apr 8, 2015 11:44:44 #
Basil wrote:
I have been thinking about getting a 50mm Prime fo... (show quote)
Optically, this is an excellent lens. Historically, Sigma lenses have had difficulty focusing on Canon cameras. This lenses is not any different. You either get lucky and get an good copy or you don't.
Read this review to start -
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-50mm-f-1.4-DG-HSM-Art-Lens.aspx
then do a google search on 'Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art focus problems'.
Users say you should test each copy you receive carefully and be willing to possibly go through several copies in order to get a good one.
Apr 8, 2015 12:27:16 #
Basil wrote:
I have been thinking about getting a 50mm Prime fo... (show quote)
So, other than perhaps budget, why not go with the Canon version. I'm using Canon's 50 f/1.8 and love it. Tack sharp and I'd say 98% accurate on focus time after time.
Apr 9, 2015 23:12:03 #
thelazya wrote:
I have the Art 1.4 and have NO problems with it at all. I use it with both my 7Dii and 5Diii. Focus is fast and accurate. Shot quality is on par with my Canon 24-70 2.8ii, but just a tick under my Canon 70-200 2.8ii.
Ditto. This is one of my favorite lens on canon 5dmkiii and 7d. I take it everywhere!
Apr 9, 2015 23:41:29 #
jimmya wrote:
So, other than perhaps budget, why not go with the Canon version. I'm using Canon's 50 f/1.8 and love it. Tack sharp and I'd say 98% accurate on focus time after time.
Fair question. Budget is of course part of the equation, but beyond I have seen several reviews, like this:
https://youtu.be/RqXM4JJG8lE
that state the Sigma blows the Canon and Nikon glass out of the water and come extremely close to the sharpness and contrast of a $4k Zeiss Otus. If the Sigma lens was not an option, I'd probably get the Canon 1.4 as I can't bring myself to spend $1600 for a prime (Even $949 for the Sigma is right on the edge for me and I'm still thinking about it.). If I do end up getting this lens (and that's not decided yet) it would be the only non-Canon lens in my bag.
Check out Underwater Photography Forum section of our forum.
Apr 10, 2015 08:40:58 #
I feel your hesitation. As I noted, I take this lens everywhere, but I also am the proud owner of several Canon L lenses
24-70 2.8
70-200 II 2.8
100-400 I
100-400 II
85 mm 1.2
24 mm tilt shift
This Sigma is top shelf and worth every penny. Good luck!
24-70 2.8
70-200 II 2.8
100-400 I
100-400 II
85 mm 1.2
24 mm tilt shift
This Sigma is top shelf and worth every penny. Good luck!
Basil wrote:
Fair question. Budget is of course part of the eq... (show quote)
Apr 10, 2015 08:58:31 #
Pockets wrote:
I feel your hesitation. As I noted, I take this lens everywhere, but I also am the proud owner of several Canon L lenses
24-70 2.8
70-200 II 2.8
100-400 I
100-400 II
85 mm 1.2
24 mm tilt shift
This Sigma is top shelf and worth every penny. Good luck!
24-70 2.8
70-200 II 2.8
100-400 I
100-400 II
85 mm 1.2
24 mm tilt shift
This Sigma is top shelf and worth every penny. Good luck!
A friend of mine has that Canon 85 1.2L and absolutely loves it! Pictures he takes with his 5DMIII of grand kids with that lens are just stunning! My hope would be, if I do get the Sigma and put it on my 7DM2, the results would be similar (50mm on a crop frame is equivalent to 80mm on a FF).
How would you compare your 85L with the Sigma 50? (Other than the obvious difference in focal length).
Apr 10, 2015 09:19:26 #
Keep in mind that Sigma sells a USB dock, ($59) for use with the "Art" and other series of their lenses, which allows a high level of customization of their lenses.
I'll be getting the dock since soon I'll be owning 2 Sigma lenses.
I'll be getting the dock since soon I'll be owning 2 Sigma lenses.
Apr 10, 2015 10:02:20 #
I rented the Sigma 50mm 1.4 and was quite pleased. First, it was fun to carry a lighter lens after all my heavy glass. Then it was fun thinking differently, cropping with my feet instead of zooming. Finally, in an unscientific approach, I posted several photos to Flickr [mixing some Sigma 50mm pics among others] and was surprised to see quick, enthusiastic responses to the Sigma 50mm images--several comments noting the sharpness. Still considering a purchase, but I do have a big birthday coming this Monday...
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.