It is valuable to get an artists perspective on gear. I tend to stay away from off brands completely, instead buying primary brand lenses. Between Sigma and Tamron, it is the second one that is introduciung exceptionally competitive lenses to the top camera brands. Sigma is known for short lived aperture mechanisms and "loading" lenses with (too many) glass elements. In the case of this video, the Sigma lens has 8 elements, while Nikon just 7. While in the picture of a vase @6:50 I'd rather prefer the better contrast and 3D effect of a Nikkor image, I fully respect your sensitivity and preference for nuance. All the best.
You are absolutely right, I also use Nikon lenses 90% of the time. I mainly use the Sigma in the studio or on special occasions outside when I absolutely need the best resolution. I've had some issues with Tamron lenses in the past, hence my reluctance towards Tamron. We'll see how long the Sigma lens will last.
Well done comparison. I'm still shooting on my D850 and generally only use the sharpest lenses but they're all so big and heavy. I actually don't own a 50mm, preferring instead the 35 and 85. However, I just decided to buy that Nikon 1.8G because I think I'll enjoy it more going out about. Like you said, a lens is more than sharpness.
Hi Larry, this 50mm lens from Nikon is fun to use because it's so light. Technically the Sigma is superior and gives more 'sparkle' in the image but it is so heavy to walk around with.
Great and concise review! Thanks. I have had the Nikon 50mm f1.8 for 9 years now, its an absolute workhorse. Even though color fringing bothers me sometimes, but most people don't notice it like I do, so its alright. I would invest in a sigma 50mm f1.4, but like you suggested, I directed that budget in to buying another piece of glass, but this time for wildlife (200-500mm f5.6) Great painting by the way, cheers!
Finally a great comparison between the two! I am a painter too and I mainly need lens for taking photos of my paintings in studio with a D800. Based on your comparison, I will save some money and buy the nikon, plus a new tripod and few other things. Do you use any filter? A tutorial on how to take photos of paintings would be great. I.e. what lights to use and how to position them etc. It would be also a great way to showcase your beautiful paintings. Cheers!!!
Am grateful for this comparison, and am definitely buying the Nikon 50 mm f1.8 lens . It is obviously well worth the money , and will not weigh me down !
Great comparison sir. Just want know your thoughts, im planning to get 50mm lens but im considering this nikon 50mm 1.8g and sigma 1.4 ex dg hsm lens. If you choose only one which is good all around lens.thanks
with lens sharpness, by now I consider it not very important as any lens of today is sharp or can be stopped to an aperture to get sharp. However I look for things like contrast. In all terms, I used to compare test shots very closely but my photos rarely look like test shots. Like test shots quickly reveal sharpness falloff in the corners. For photos, it might even be an advantage to have the corners less sharp, as the subject is closer to the center. With the Nikkor 50 1.4G (I know you tested 1.8G here), it never gets as sharp if compared at same aperture as the 1.8G. But portraits look quite good with the 1.4G lens.
I have the 24-120 f/4 which is some 700 grams and already a burden on my neck. I use the 24-120 because of its very high flexibility but for prime lenses I know I have to stay under 700 grams. The 800 grams of the Sigma 1.4 Art lens could be optically sublime but I would use it not very often.
Thanks Wim for sharing this video, I found it quite informative. I do have Sigma art lenses (28/1.4, 105/2.8 macro) and I do recognise your points. They have exceptional optical quality while being a monster. However, for me the 50mm focal length represents the general purpose EDC use case in which I am looking for the optimum of the size&weight, IQ and price factors. Recently I recognized that Nikkor 50/1.8G is the best compromise for that use case. In fact, after purchasing it I realized how good it is for landscapes having its sweet spot at around f11-13 as opposed to f4-5.6 that most of the lenses have. Yes, it does have to be AF fine-tuned, but that is a simple, 10min protocol. Some users noted how horrible the lens to lens optical variation is of this lens, but so far I did not get any significant disappointments beyond the strong CA below f4.
ooohhh up to now I found one balance review, thanks , I am amateur just for me and my family, but I like the photography, and one question did you think that it is really good option go for this nikon 1.8 instead of 1.4, both in Nikon? I have a nikon D5500
I would clearly go for the 1.8G lens instead of the 1.4G. I think you will have a lot of fun with this lens. If you want even more 'character' in your photos, I can also recommend the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4. This is a manual focus lens and has no autofocus, but it blows the Nikon (f1.4 and f1.8) and Sigma 50mm lenses out of the water. The Voiglander also works on your Nikon D5500. But in summary, if you prefer autofocus, go for the 1.8G lens from Nikon.
Much depends on the budget of course. In addition, the choice of full frame (FX) or crop sensor camera (DX) is also important. With full frame you keep the 50mm, but with the crop sensor you get the effect of a 75mm lens due to the 1.5x crop factor. You can't go wrong with these Nikon cameras (in various budgets and possibly second-hand): Crop sensor cameras (DX): D7500, D5300, D500 Full frame cameras (FX): D750, D810, D850
The weight difference has to do with the aperture, it's just physics. So I wouldn't knock it for that. There's no way to have a small 1.4 because of the elements. The sharpness at 1.4 is also a good reason to pay the difference.
Of course, an f/1.4 lens requires more glass. But when you compare it to Nikon's AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G, which weighs approximately 280g, the Sigma remains quite heavy at 815g. Anyway, the Sigma is a great lens.
The Tamron is clearly the sharper lens of the two. Despite its strengths, the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD has its list of issues. The biggest problem, which can be a deal-breaker, is the strong green/purple fringing the lens exhibits as a result of poor longitudinal chromatic aberration performance. The effect is quite strong, and something that is quite difficult to address in post-processing software. In addition, the autofocus accuracy of the lens can be a bit of a mixed bag, especially uncalibrated, so I would strongly urge to calibrate it with the Tamron Tap-In Console. Although the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is sharper wide open than the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is sharper stopped down and has much better control of the chromatic aberation. So in the end I would choose the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G instead of the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD or AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G.
Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art is selling for $850 currently in late 2022, they can be had for around $450 lightly used. Where the Nikon 50mm 1.8g sell for $220 new and around $130 lightly used. I really wish you had the Nikon 50mm 1.4g to see if the Sigma is worth over twice the cost. Also wonder how the older Sigma 50mm 1.4 is against the newer "Art" series.
I had been using the Nikon 50mm 1.4 G for a while, but experienced significant focus problems with this lens. If you have a camera that can control AF-D lenses, then the 50mm 1.8 D (stopped down to f/2.2) is also a great choice. This lens is perhaps slightly less sharp, but renders a better three-dimensionality than the 50 mm 1.8 G and the Sigma lenses. Although that is more of a personal feeling. Above all, this 1.8 D is also dirt cheap.
@@WimBals Wim, thank you for the replay. I do have a few camera's that can do manual screw drive, so AF-D lenses are game. I recently purchased a lightly used Nikon D3 and seeing folks with the older 50mm 1.4 (1986-1991) lens really getting super great shots. I am leaning toward that or a 35mm f2 for the event (low light) shoots I do. Do you prefer the "D" over the "G" 50mm's? And have you had a chance to shoot the older 50mm AF 1.4, that you would recommend for or against it?
Strangely enough, my AF-G is gradually starting to replace, and supplement, with AF-D lenses. Why? In my opinion, these lenses give the image more of a 'sculptural' effect than the AF-G lenses. In addition, they also give me a better color rendering. You can see this in a video th-cam.com/video/6BwGf-jGbDk/w-d-xo.html where you can clearly see the difference. I also just ordered the 35mm f2, curious how it will be.
The Nikon 55mm f/2.8 AF MICRO-NIKKOR is also in the '50mm' segment and I have it myself. This is also an insane lens that is completely unknown to many. I also did a review about it once. th-cam.com/video/OyG3YbnxxoA/w-d-xo.html
This is a comparison in the f-mount series of lenses that are compatible with DSLR bodies. Although the new 50mm from Nikon will of course be good, I was unable to test it on a dslr camera for the reason mentioned above.
Just looked at prices. Sigma 50mm F1.4 is £870. The Nikon 50mm F1.8 is £230. (The Nikon 50mm F1.4 is still £410 cheaper than the Sigma) There is no need to spend another £640 For the Sigma. I have the Nikon, and it's just superb. Personally I think it's probably the best value for money for any lens. I take photos, I dont pixel peep. I also dont need F1.4. How many people do ? Buy the Nikon, and save £640. You won't see £640 worth of difference in your images, if any at all.
Enfin un vrai comparatif !! Merci beaucoup !!
Merci!
It is valuable to get an artists perspective on gear. I tend to stay away from off brands completely, instead buying primary brand lenses. Between Sigma and Tamron, it is the second one that is introduciung exceptionally competitive lenses to the top camera brands. Sigma is known for short lived aperture mechanisms and "loading" lenses with (too many) glass elements. In the case of this video, the Sigma lens has 8 elements, while Nikon just 7. While in the picture of a vase @6:50 I'd rather prefer the better contrast and 3D effect of a Nikkor image, I fully respect your sensitivity and preference for nuance. All the best.
You are absolutely right, I also use Nikon lenses 90% of the time.
I mainly use the Sigma in the studio or on special occasions outside when I absolutely need the best resolution.
I've had some issues with Tamron lenses in the past, hence my reluctance towards Tamron.
We'll see how long the Sigma lens will last.
Thanks so much. I am still confused on my choice, but now I have your video to watch over and over.
Great I could help, greetings Wim
Straight forward, very detailed review. Very well done!
Thanks a lot!
Well done comparison. I'm still shooting on my D850 and generally only use the sharpest lenses but they're all so big and heavy. I actually don't own a 50mm, preferring instead the 35 and 85. However, I just decided to buy that Nikon 1.8G because I think I'll enjoy it more going out about. Like you said, a lens is more than sharpness.
Hi Larry, this 50mm lens from Nikon is fun to use because it's so light. Technically the Sigma is superior and gives more 'sparkle' in the image but it is so heavy to walk around with.
Great review ! It’s 2024 and I just acquired the Sigma art lens for $260 used for my Nikon Z6II.
Glad you like the video. That’s a great great deal.
Nikon for me, love your paintings, I love cats and surreal art, well produces video.
Thanks Michael!
I work with an art gallery in The Netherlands and also sell my work through my newsletter.
Idk abt u sir but I'd consider u a pro photographer and your art is definitely pro work 👌
Thank you for your kind words!
Great and concise review! Thanks.
I have had the Nikon 50mm f1.8 for 9 years now, its an absolute workhorse. Even though color fringing bothers me sometimes, but most people don't notice it like I do, so its alright.
I would invest in a sigma 50mm f1.4, but like you suggested, I directed that budget in to buying another piece of glass, but this time for wildlife (200-500mm f5.6)
Great painting by the way, cheers!
Thanks for your comment!
Good video, Nice pics and nice Artwork.Well done!
Love to hear that!
Finally a great comparison between the two! I am a painter too and I mainly need lens for taking photos of my paintings in studio with a D800. Based on your comparison, I will save some money and buy the nikon, plus a new tripod and few other things.
Do you use any filter? A tutorial on how to take photos of paintings would be great. I.e. what lights to use and how to position them etc. It would be also a great way to showcase your beautiful paintings. Cheers!!!
Thanks 😊
Am grateful for this comparison, and am definitely buying the Nikon 50 mm f1.8 lens . It is obviously well worth the money , and will not weigh me down !
Great comparison sir. Just want know your thoughts, im planning to get 50mm lens but im considering this nikon 50mm 1.8g and sigma 1.4 ex dg hsm lens. If you choose only one which is good all around lens.thanks
Then I would definitely go for the Nikon 50mm 1.8 G lens.
@@WimBals thanks very much.🙏
with lens sharpness, by now I consider it not very important as any lens of today is sharp or can be stopped to an aperture to get sharp. However I look for things like contrast. In all terms, I used to compare test shots very closely but my photos rarely look like test shots. Like test shots quickly reveal sharpness falloff in the corners. For photos, it might even be an advantage to have the corners less sharp, as the subject is closer to the center. With the Nikkor 50 1.4G (I know you tested 1.8G here), it never gets as sharp if compared at same aperture as the 1.8G. But portraits look quite good with the 1.4G lens.
I’ve had the 50mm 1.4 G for a while and it’s a good lens indeed, however I have replaced it with the 58mm 1.4G.
I have the 24-120 f/4 which is some 700 grams and already a burden on my neck. I use the 24-120 because of its very high flexibility but for prime lenses I know I have to stay under 700 grams. The 800 grams of the Sigma 1.4 Art lens could be optically sublime but I would use it not very often.
The Sigma is more of a studio lens due to its size and weight.
Thanks Wim for sharing this video, I found it quite informative. I do have Sigma art lenses (28/1.4, 105/2.8 macro) and I do recognise your points. They have exceptional optical quality while being a monster. However, for me the 50mm focal length represents the general purpose EDC use case in which I am looking for the optimum of the size&weight, IQ and price factors. Recently I recognized that Nikkor 50/1.8G is the best compromise for that use case. In fact, after purchasing it I realized how good it is for landscapes having its sweet spot at around f11-13 as opposed to f4-5.6 that most of the lenses have. Yes, it does have to be AF fine-tuned, but that is a simple, 10min protocol. Some users noted how horrible the lens to lens optical variation is of this lens, but so far I did not get any significant disappointments beyond the strong CA below f4.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
我整考虑购买哪只镜头好呢？非常感谢！Thanks！
Sigma 是最好的镜头，但重量很大，而且比 Nikon 50mm 贵。
ooohhh up to now I found one balance review, thanks , I am amateur just for me and my family, but I like the photography, and one question did you think that it is really good option go for this nikon 1.8 instead of 1.4, both in Nikon? I have a nikon D5500
I would clearly go for the 1.8G lens instead of the 1.4G.
I think you will have a lot of fun with this lens.
If you want even more 'character' in your photos, I can also recommend the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4. This is a manual focus lens and has no autofocus, but it blows the Nikon (f1.4 and f1.8) and Sigma 50mm lenses out of the water.
The Voiglander also works on your Nikon D5500.
But in summary, if you prefer autofocus, go for the 1.8G lens from Nikon.
I really appreciate your review.
You are welcome.
Sir can you please suggest me which nikon camera is best for sigma 50mm 1.4
Much depends on the budget of course.
In addition, the choice of full frame (FX) or crop sensor camera (DX) is also important.
With full frame you keep the 50mm, but with the crop sensor you get the effect of a 75mm lens due to the 1.5x crop factor.
You can't go wrong with these Nikon cameras (in various budgets and possibly second-hand):
Crop sensor cameras (DX): D7500, D5300, D500
Full frame cameras (FX): D750, D810, D850
Thnks a alot sir 👍👍
D800?
Which of them works better with a ftz adapter?
Nikon 50mm
Thank you so much! Very useful, helpful video :) Thank you!
Glad you like it!
The weight difference has to do with the aperture, it's just physics. So I wouldn't knock it for that. There's no way to have a small 1.4 because of the elements. The sharpness at 1.4 is also a good reason to pay the difference.
Of course, an f/1.4 lens requires more glass. But when you compare it to Nikon's AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G, which weighs approximately 280g, the Sigma remains quite heavy at 815g.
Anyway, the Sigma is a great lens.
What camera do you use? 🤔
I currently use the Nikon D810 and the Nikon D500 for wildlife.
Great review 👍🏼
Thanks a lot!
Hi. I'm going to buy nikkor 50mm 1.4g or tamron 45mm 1.8. Which is better your think?
The Tamron is clearly the sharper lens of the two.
Despite its strengths, the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD has its list of issues. The biggest problem, which can be a deal-breaker, is the strong green/purple fringing the lens exhibits as a result of poor longitudinal chromatic aberration performance. The effect is quite strong, and something that is quite difficult to address in post-processing software. In addition, the autofocus accuracy of the lens can be a bit of a mixed bag, especially uncalibrated, so I would strongly urge to calibrate it with the Tamron Tap-In Console.
Although the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is sharper wide open than the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is sharper stopped down and has much better control of the chromatic aberation.
So in the end I would choose the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G instead of the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD or AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G.
@@WimBals Wow wow wow. Really thank you. I will follow your opinion.
Very helpful review I have the Nikon guess I'm going to keep it.
Sure, it's a fine lens.
Good video and comparision, but no matter how much you stoped down the sigma on the outer edges crushes the Nikon.
The Sigma is sharper indeed. Given its size, weight and price it better be.
Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art is selling for $850 currently in late 2022, they can be had for around $450 lightly used. Where the Nikon 50mm 1.8g sell for $220 new and around $130 lightly used.
I really wish you had the Nikon 50mm 1.4g to see if the Sigma is worth over twice the cost. Also wonder how the older Sigma 50mm 1.4 is against the newer "Art" series.
I had been using the Nikon 50mm 1.4 G for a while, but experienced significant focus problems with this lens.
If you have a camera that can control AF-D lenses, then the 50mm 1.8 D (stopped down to f/2.2) is also a great choice. This lens is perhaps slightly less sharp, but renders a better three-dimensionality than the 50 mm 1.8 G and the Sigma lenses. Although that is more of a personal feeling.
Above all, this 1.8 D is also dirt cheap.
@@WimBals Wim, thank you for the replay. I do have a few camera's that can do manual screw drive, so AF-D lenses are game. I recently purchased a lightly used Nikon D3 and seeing folks with the older 50mm 1.4 (1986-1991) lens really getting super great shots. I am leaning toward that or a 35mm f2 for the event (low light) shoots I do.
Do you prefer the "D" over the "G" 50mm's? And have you had a chance to shoot the older 50mm AF 1.4, that you would recommend for or against it?
Strangely enough, my AF-G is gradually starting to replace, and supplement, with AF-D lenses.
Why? In my opinion, these lenses give the image more of a 'sculptural' effect than the AF-G lenses.
In addition, they also give me a better color rendering.
You can see this in a video th-cam.com/video/6BwGf-jGbDk/w-d-xo.html where you can clearly see the difference.
I also just ordered the 35mm f2, curious how it will be.
The Nikon 55mm f/2.8
AF MICRO-NIKKOR is also in the '50mm' segment and I have it myself. This is also an insane lens that is completely unknown to many.
I also did a review about it once.
th-cam.com/video/OyG3YbnxxoA/w-d-xo.html
Sigma 50mm f1.4 vs nikon z 50mm f1.8... please
This is a comparison in the f-mount series of lenses that are compatible with DSLR bodies.
Although the new 50mm from Nikon will of course be good, I was unable to test it on a dslr camera for the reason mentioned above.
Thanks brother! Gonna take the Nikon one 🔥
Great choice, glad I could help!
Nice video sir
Can sigma lens be used with nikon camera
Sorry just making sure sir.
Yes, choose the Nikon version of the Sigma lens and you are good to go.
Just looked at prices. Sigma 50mm F1.4 is £870. The Nikon 50mm F1.8 is £230. (The Nikon 50mm F1.4 is still £410 cheaper than the Sigma)
There is no need to spend another £640 For the Sigma. I have the Nikon, and it's just superb. Personally I think it's probably the best value for money for any lens. I take photos, I dont pixel peep. I also dont need F1.4. How many people do ? Buy the Nikon, and save £640. You won't see £640 worth of difference in your images, if any at all.
The Nikon 50mm 1.8G is a great value for money deal!
Nikon works just fine, the gears makes a big deal but you still have to know how to use it
Absolutely true. The Nikon lens gives the most value for money.