Very good review. Thanks for taking the time to produce it as I learned a lot about this lens. Now you got me wanting to buy it...will need a great excuse at home...
I couldn't agree more Mr. Blunty... it's head & shoulders above my Nikon 50mm f/1.4 & f/1.8 G Lenses as well as my 50mm f/1.4 AF-D, and any Canon 50mm lens (i've use them all). As for the otis lens... the Sigma is going to give you better shots more constantly, simple because it's as good optically and because of it's excellent auto focus.
Damn!!!! Blunty!!! I just found you channel. YOU'RE A FREAKIN' POET!!!!! I simply love listening to your unbelievable good content in that unique kind of composition and brillant voice! Thank you for that!!
I am so impressed with what Sigma has been doing lately, Literally Blown Back... I got a chance to rent the Sigma 18-35 1.8 and LOVED IT.. The build quality alone was like a Mercedes Benz and the results were equally as pleasing. Sigma seems to really aim many of their good glass to the APS-C market at a VERY competitive price range. Right now pretty much all of the glass I will be buying for my APS-C camera will be Sigma Glass. They may actually make a Fanboy out of me
Great review Blunty! I loved Sigma's 35mm f/1.4 Art lens until the focus ring stopped working, which I know other reported similar issues. I hope they've fixed this issue, because as you mention, it does seem like these lenses possess magic :)
Great review blunty got my sigma 50mm 1.4 art lens a couple of weeks ago for the ridiculous price of £68 online i like it when a company makes a price error even better when they honour that price have not had any time to try it out properly until yesterday so put it on my nikon D5200 went out and took some pictures and all i can say is its absolutely brilliant
I got a copy, it is the best 50mm 1.4 ever used in studio and outside, very good for black and white pictures. most cases, I have to reduce the sharpness way down to 1 canon DPP. its too from 1.4 all the way up. I use the canon 5D mk3
Bluny! about a year and a half ago i bought the sony A77, mostly because of the combustion of shooting style i needed and your review! so when the A77 M2 is released can you do a review on it? i was thinking of waiting a few months after it comes out anyways but im not sure if it would be worth the upgrade or not. Thanks!
For years I've wanted to buy a 50 but never got around to it, not even the old Nikon AF 50mm that my D7000 allowed me to use when I got it. Seems like I might want to save up a bit and jump on one of these, it's not like I can do any better is it?
Sigma does make good lenses, I've got a couple of early '90s AF ones (28mm f1.8 and a 28-70 zoom) and they are just awesome. Too bad they don't apparently work properly with modern cameras but I have used them with my Minolta Dynax film slr and of course with my Lumix mft with an adapter.
Hey Blunty, a little off-topic, but if I am not mistaken, you were at the Pokemon VGC Regionals in Sydney? I saw you from afar and I kept trying to figure out to myself where exactly have I seen him (you) before. Turns out it was from TH-cam. Haha. Love the reviews, by the way. Keep them coming. :-)
Hey Blunty! Great review, was thinking of getting this prime for my kit. Random question, were you shooting an a7s camera test last Friday (11/7/14)? I walked past someone shooting at the Taylor Square fountains a similar shot that you had in this video. I had my own A7s and was going to stop and do the same, but was late for a meeting!
I have just one problem with this lens: do I get one in Pentax fit for my K3, as a portrait lens, or in Nikon fit for my D800 as a nifty fifty? Perhaps both.....
It _will_ come on a Sony mount (there's a link in the description)... but it's not available _yet_... Sigma always do the Nikon & Canon Mounts first as there's simply more demand for those given the larger user bases for those systems. but yes... alpha mount users WILL be getting this lens :)
4:36 how did you get that amazing bokeh? I assume you shot that at 1.4 but still, I ask because I'm planning on getting this lens only with my new camera(I'm switching system) and I do tons of people/portraits. One thing that is popular right now is the bokeh of the 85mm that is really similar to that picture, compression aside, if you look the work of Sean Archer, Dani Diamond and ThePhotoFiend(or wathever he's called)...so I thought you could get such creamy and blurred out stuff mostly with 85mm. I always shot with a 70-300 always past so doing extreme bokeh with nothing recognizable was easy peasy but I never had the chance to test a 50mm enough to get that lovely bokeh...so, any tips?
+AndreCorner bokeh is subjective, it depends on how close or far the background is from the subject, it depends on the lights affecting the background, it depends on how close the subject is to the lens, it depends on the sensor (full frame or crop) and it depends on the aperture. in this case the background is far from the subject which creates a very smooth flush bokeh, as opposed to it being closer to the subject which would create a lighter effect of bokeh, it doesn't look like f1.4 tho, maybe f2, f1.4 should be more creamy than that
Ankyt thanks man, I kinda know the basics of bokeh etcetera but I meant that was kinda "extreme" for a 50mm...I guess, I mean that's something I expect more from a 85 but that shot is great :)
Ankyt I know but I meant that in a good way, usually 50mm don't get such creamy and good bokeh :) but the Sigma is famous for its bokeh and "3D-ness" :)
+AndreCorner What? I've never heard those qualities regarding Sigma. Zeiss is famous for those; Sigma for raw sharpness In the Art series, but Sigma has a long history of real crap. Sigma bokeh is questionable, but I find pretty nice in most cases. I've got 7 Zeiss, including 50mm 1.4 Milvus, and recently picked up an Art 35 1.4. I find the Milvus and Sigma pretty close in many areas but it's no Zeiss. Bokeh is much better on the Zeiss in every situation, but the focal length here makes a big difference. Natural acutance is the winner in Zeiss where I find the sigma a bit manufactured. Maybe it's all the extra elements.
Both... you can feel the stops at each extreme, past which the ring will still turn, but with slightly more resistance. This setup stops you torquing your camera body when you reach the end of the focus range... extremely handy for video.
Actually, the Canon 50mm L does beat it in one way. The L is a 1.2 whereas this is only 1.4, and that could honestly be helpful for a lot of low light shooters. Also, I don't know how the weather sealing compares. However, this is still, hands down, the best 50mm lens I have ever seen. If I didn't already have the 50 1.4 from Canon, I would get this.
HOLY SHIT a whole third of a stop!??!! yeah dude, It's clear you've not actually done much, if any real low light work, but take it form me, 1/3 of a stop is really not that much of a difference in practical terms for that work.
matey182 this 50mmA is superior in every aspect than old 50mm L, apart from the 1/3 of stop of light, not to say canon is soft and not even usable til 2.0/2.8 range.
So Blunty, what you are telling me is that I'm not really spending $1000 bucks I'm actually saving about $700 by not have to buy a the Canon f/1.2L? If so I'm sold, although I still have to pay off my 18-35 f/1.8 first!
I've had 2 copies of the 50L and sold them both. It's only for speed and bokeh wide open, but good luck getting focus in real life. If you can live with f2, get a Zeiss 50 Makro Planar. I just also bought a 50 1.4 Milvus which I love but if I felt I needed AF, I'd go for the Art based on the performance of the 35 Art. Ive had all the Zeiss and Canon options in these lengths and so far I think I made the right choices with these 2 focal lengths. Canon 35 LII is nice but I don't shoot 35mm much to justify almost $2k. I only mention that thinking there might be a new 50L soon.
I think I can honestly say that in all my days on TH-cam (since its launch), Blunty is my favorite TH-camr. Quality videos about... well anything.
Loving the Art series. The Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 is absolutely stunning. Sigma does it again!
and there 35 f/1.4 "A" for awesome.
Love that you did this as a review on a crop. Looking out for us normals out here. Good work man.
Very good review. Thanks for taking the time to produce it as I learned a lot about this lens. Now you got me wanting to buy it...will need a great excuse at home...
That was a good review, thank you for not having the usual fluff and just getting straight to business.
I couldn't agree more Mr. Blunty... it's head & shoulders above my Nikon 50mm f/1.4 & f/1.8 G Lenses as well as my 50mm f/1.4 AF-D, and any Canon 50mm lens (i've use them all). As for the otis lens... the Sigma is going to give you better shots more constantly, simple because it's as good optically and because of it's excellent auto focus.
thanks for showing APSC results with the lens Blunty.
Great review mate thanks! Thinking to sell my 50 1.2L and getting this instead.
Damn!!!! Blunty!!! I just found you channel.
YOU'RE A FREAKIN' POET!!!!! I simply love listening to your unbelievable good content in that unique kind of composition and brillant voice!
Thank you for that!!
Thanks Blunty, great review, and great to see an Australian review at that. Keep up the good work.
I am so impressed with what Sigma has been doing lately, Literally Blown Back...
I got a chance to rent the Sigma 18-35 1.8 and LOVED IT.. The build quality alone was like a Mercedes Benz and the results were equally as pleasing.
Sigma seems to really aim many of their good glass to the APS-C market at a VERY competitive price range. Right now pretty much all of the glass I will be buying for my APS-C camera will be Sigma Glass.
They may actually make a Fanboy out of me
Great review Blunty! I loved Sigma's 35mm f/1.4 Art lens until the focus ring stopped working, which I know other reported similar issues. I hope they've fixed this issue, because as you mention, it does seem like these lenses possess magic :)
Great review blunty got my sigma 50mm 1.4 art lens a couple of weeks ago for the ridiculous price of £68 online i like it when a company makes a price error even better when they honour that price have not had any time to try it out properly until yesterday so put it on my nikon D5200 went out and took some pictures and all i can say is its absolutely brilliant
thelion43 £68!? lucky you, enjoy! I bet they won't make that mistake again lol
cyberchickgeek Yes i know i was very lucky,if it was an american or european site i doubt that they would have honoured the price
OMG, THANK YOU!!!. Best review of the lens yet. I will buy now :)
I got a copy, it is the best 50mm 1.4 ever used in studio and outside, very good for black and white pictures. most cases, I have to reduce the sharpness way down to 1 canon DPP. its too from 1.4 all the way up. I use the canon 5D mk3
Thanks Scott
Excellent review Blunty, now I want on, damn it.
Thanks for testing it on a crop sensor camera.
Bluny! about a year and a half ago i bought the sony A77, mostly because of the combustion of shooting style i needed and your review! so when the A77 M2 is released can you do a review on it? i was thinking of waiting a few months after it comes out anyways but im not sure if it would be worth the upgrade or not. Thanks!
For years I've wanted to buy a 50 but never got around to it, not even the old Nikon AF 50mm that my D7000 allowed me to use when I got it. Seems like I might want to save up a bit and jump on one of these, it's not like I can do any better is it?
0:37 - Sneaky GTS 86 :D
Seems like a nifty bit of glass! Would an adaptor be available to use it on a Nikon V1?
Wish this was on the micro four thirds. That would rock! Oh well. I'll just keep using my 30 year om 50mm 1.4. As always great video!
Sigma does make good lenses, I've got a couple of early '90s AF ones (28mm f1.8 and a 28-70 zoom) and they are just awesome. Too bad they don't apparently work properly with modern cameras but I have used them with my Minolta Dynax film slr and of course with my Lumix mft with an adapter.
I would love to see this made in FE Mount, even A I could use
I love how Sigma lenses are built like tanks. I find it easier to shoot with big and heavy vs small and lite.
Hey Blunty, a little off-topic, but if I am not mistaken, you were at the Pokemon VGC Regionals in Sydney? I saw you from afar and I kept trying to figure out to myself where exactly have I seen him (you) before. Turns out it was from TH-cam. Haha. Love the reviews, by the way. Keep them coming. :-)
Blunty, superb as the norm, Bet this lens would work like a dream on my Pentax K-3, oh wait a minute, Sigma don't do it in Pentax mount? Wonderful?
Hey Blunty! Great review, was thinking of getting this prime for my kit. Random question, were you shooting an a7s camera test last Friday (11/7/14)? I walked past someone shooting at the Taylor Square fountains a similar shot that you had in this video. I had my own A7s and was going to stop and do the same, but was late for a meeting!
I have to stop watching your videos as im going to go broke lol Ive added this to my must get list for my new a99
I have just one problem with this lens: do I get one in Pentax fit for my K3, as a portrait lens, or in Nikon fit for my D800 as a nifty fifty? Perhaps both.....
Great review blunty. Does this come on a Sony mount? Thinking that fast 50 and my a77 with its built in stabilisation would be boss!
It _will_ come on a Sony mount (there's a link in the description)... but it's not available _yet_... Sigma always do the Nikon & Canon Mounts first as there's simply more demand for those given the larger user bases for those systems. but yes... alpha mount users WILL be getting this lens :)
thanks for the review.
This is one HEFTY-FIFTY
4:36 how did you get that amazing bokeh? I assume you shot that at 1.4 but still, I ask because I'm planning on getting this lens only with my new camera(I'm switching system) and I do tons of people/portraits. One thing that is popular right now is the bokeh of the 85mm that is really similar to that picture, compression aside, if you look the work of Sean Archer, Dani Diamond and ThePhotoFiend(or wathever he's called)...so I thought you could get such creamy and blurred out stuff mostly with 85mm.
I always shot with a 70-300 always past so doing extreme bokeh with nothing recognizable was easy peasy but I never had the chance to test a 50mm enough to get that lovely bokeh...so, any tips?
+AndreCorner bokeh is subjective, it depends on how close or far the background is from the subject, it depends on the lights affecting the background, it depends on how close the subject is to the lens, it depends on the sensor (full frame or crop) and it depends on the aperture. in this case the background is far from the subject which creates a very smooth flush bokeh, as opposed to it being closer to the subject which would create a lighter effect of bokeh, it doesn't look like f1.4 tho, maybe f2, f1.4 should be more creamy than that
Ankyt thanks man, I kinda know the basics of bokeh etcetera but I meant that was kinda "extreme" for a 50mm...I guess, I mean that's something I expect more from a 85 but that shot is great :)
maybe you have a different eye bud, doesn't look too extreme for me.
Ankyt I know but I meant that in a good way, usually 50mm don't get such creamy and good bokeh :) but the Sigma is famous for its bokeh and "3D-ness" :)
+AndreCorner What? I've never heard those qualities regarding Sigma. Zeiss is famous for those; Sigma for raw sharpness In the Art series, but Sigma has a long history of real crap. Sigma bokeh is questionable, but I find pretty nice in most cases. I've got 7 Zeiss, including 50mm 1.4 Milvus, and recently picked up an Art 35 1.4. I find the Milvus and Sigma pretty close in many areas but it's no Zeiss. Bokeh is much better on the Zeiss in every situation, but the focal length here makes a big difference. Natural acutance is the winner in Zeiss where I find the sigma a bit manufactured. Maybe it's all the extra elements.
Thanks good review!
im getting this lens for the A7 and A77mkII
Sigma is on the up!
Does it have hard stops for the focus, or does it keep spinning?
Both... you can feel the stops at each extreme, past which the ring will still turn, but with slightly more resistance.
This setup stops you torquing your camera body when you reach the end of the focus range... extremely handy for video.
i would like to see a sapphire lens
Would you like to compare it with the Zeiss FE 55 1.8? :)
Blunty's hand held skills are pretty damn solid....your results will vary though.
all the sigma art series lens is currently setting new bench for high end DSLR lens.
Actually, the Canon 50mm L does beat it in one way. The L is a 1.2 whereas this is only 1.4, and that could honestly be helpful for a lot of low light shooters. Also, I don't know how the weather sealing compares. However, this is still, hands down, the best 50mm lens I have ever seen. If I didn't already have the 50 1.4 from Canon, I would get this.
HOLY SHIT a whole third of a stop!??!! yeah dude, It's clear you've not actually done much, if any real low light work, but take it form me, 1/3 of a stop is really not that much of a difference in practical terms for that work.
Blunty
Obviously you don't have a need for that 1/3rd of a stop.
matey182 this 50mmA is superior in every aspect than old 50mm L, apart from the 1/3 of stop of light, not to say canon is soft and not even usable til 2.0/2.8 range.
I actually prefer the bokeh of the 50L. Each to their own I say.
"ONLY" 1.4
Wow! Wish I had some money.
So Blunty, what you are telling me is that I'm not really spending $1000 bucks I'm actually saving about $700 by not have to buy a the Canon f/1.2L? If so I'm sold, although I still have to pay off my 18-35 f/1.8 first!
Heh, yes... That's a good way to look at it (and make the justification for purchase even more irresistible ;) )
I've had 2 copies of the 50L and sold them both. It's only for speed and bokeh wide open, but good luck getting focus in real life. If you can live with f2, get a Zeiss 50 Makro Planar. I just also bought a 50 1.4 Milvus which I love but if I felt I needed AF, I'd go for the Art based on the performance of the 35 Art. Ive had all the Zeiss and Canon options in these lengths and so far I think I made the right choices with these 2 focal lengths. Canon 35 LII is nice but I don't shoot 35mm much to justify almost $2k. I only mention that thinking there might be a new 50L soon.
and the Sigma has autofocus! :)
I seriously wish it was weather-sealed...... That is literally its ONLY drawback, ever so miniscule.
Your not going to see much distortion on a crop sensor sense you're not even getting the corners of the images.
Gee a AU$999 lens that performs practically the same as an AU$4700 lens MAAAAAAAAN what a hard decision! /sarc.
Snapper? Please...no. It’s bad enough that all the idiots who can’t pronounce the word “photographer” keep calling me “the camera guy”.