A quick correction: The Sigma 50mm ART was NOT the first lens in the ART series, for some reason I mixed it up with the Sigma 35mm 1.4 ART which was the first Sigma ART lens. Sorry about the incorrect information in the video and thank you to those of you who have pointed out my mistake!
Just shot a video for a client with the Panasonic 50mm on the S1H. I regularly use the Sigma. The Panasonic is gigantic, quality is great, price is RIDICULOUS. The difference in quality is tiny. Definitely, not worth the price difference for the very similar quality. I disagree on the flare quality in video. Yes, the Panasonic is better controlled, but it's pretty boring. The Sigma gives superb interesting flares when filming into strong light sources. The manual focus lock ring is also not stiff enough. I inadvertently bumped it on and off many times. If they were the same price it would be a toss up. Given the huge difference. It's not even a comparison. You get 3 Sigma's Art's for the price of the Panasonic...madness!
When I first tested the Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 in the local Panasonic store, I was shocked by how heavy it was. However, it definitely has reason to be so. I was amazed by the comparison result.
What L-mount camera did you use for the testing? Because in my own experience with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART, the Sigma was equivalently sharp to my Nikkor 50mm D lens when tested on the 24MP D750. But as soon as I tested them on the 46MP D850, the Sigma was clearly the blurrier of the two. Meaning that the Sigma might be a wonderful bargain for those shooting on an S1 who don't mind the focus-breathing. But could be very disappointing for an S1R user, who would be better served by purchasing the Panasonic version.
The thing that still worries me about the very expensive Panasonic L-Mount lenses is we don't seem to have a statement on non-warranty repairs (e.g. if you drop one). A number of the m43 lenses appear to be non-repairable for optical damage, so a non-warranty repair is resolved by supplying a refurb lens at the cost of a refurb (which is best described as "scary"). I'd like to know the situation is better for L-mount... Also I'd love to see the Panny 50 vs the Canon RF 50...
I don't have much experience (luckily) with dropping lenses, how other companies deal with it normally? I remember reading stories like people (using other brands) being told it's not worth fixing it so go buy a new one but I am not sure what's the normal practice?
@@TheRealRichardWong The impression I get, from people like Roger at LensRentals (who disassembles a lot of lenses) is there's not a lot that can be done optically with their m43 lenses, but you can replace stuff like a broken mount. This may of course have changed, I have no personal experience (my m43 lenses are still all good, although I get the banding issue with my 20mm on the GH5 which I didn't see on the GH4, but I think that's a design issue and not repairable). Plus of course L lenses may be made differently. When the m43 100-400 came out there was a lot of talk about people being told they would have to pay for a refurb as they wouldn't repair them. There seems to be some confusion on this, as people have subsequently said "oh no, they can do the mount repair now" but dodged (or fudged) the issue of optical repairs. I really don't know the situation now, but would just like a statement to clarify what the position is. If you scratch or break the front element on a Canon or Nikon lens their repair people will generally just pop a new one on and bill you, same if an OIS unit gives up. I've actually bought more Panasonic ILCs than DSLRs, which considering the number of years involved is surprising, but am a little nervous on this subject and some clarification would be nice. Oh and thanks again for the review.
You might look into their professional services. That would at least provide you a quick swap for an important gig, while your business insurance could cover replacement later if Panasonic doesn't.
As always, thanks for taking the time to make this awesome comparison videos for the Panasonic S Series cameras. I bought the Panasonic 50 (used for $2000) and then I was fortunate enough to purchase a used but LN Condition Sigma 85 art SA($600) and brought the MC 21. Both lenses are Sharp, but the edge goes to the Panasonic for Coloring rendering and faster auto-focus. If the sigma native L mount lens was available today, most likely I would end up going with the sigma, bit then again who knows. There's also something to be said about the rendering of the sigma and the Panasonic, Panasonic has a Leica rendering to it, IMO. Both my Panasonic 50 and Sigma 85 are Sharp. If a used Sigma art 50mm for the sa Mount becomes available then I and may get it. For now, I happy for what I have. Hopefully Sigma will come out with a FW for the MC-21 for auto-focus. Thanks for the video, excellent work. And once again, the leica/panasonic Dpreview forum brought me here.
Great video, thanks for making this comparison. I wouldve loved to have seen how both compare in High Res mode, and would love this to be an added feature in all lens reviews going forward (where possible).
Great review Richard. I’m not pro, just a serious amateur. I’m purchasing all Sigma Art primes as of late. Honestly for my work I can’t see the difference. If my life depending on it yes I’d have the best like the Panasonic Leica lens.
Great video. I wonder which lens will work better on the new Sigma FP camera? ie will Sigma / Sigma produce any different images than Pano / Sigma as maybe Pano / Pano made a difference here.
It would be interesting to see a test between the Z 50 1.8S against the Panasonic lens. Based on DPREVIEW test, the Nikon was better than the Sigma 50 Art even when the Sigma was stopped down to 1.8.
I was reading Jim Kasson's comparison with the OTUS , the Nikon looks like a bit of a bargain blog.kasson.com/nikon-z6-7/nikon-50-1-8-s-otus-55-on-z7-zony-55-on-a7riii/
Here in Australia the Panasonic is $3500 and sigma art L mount only $1200 . For almost 3 time the price I say not worth to buy a Panasonic as weight , and performance is not out shine the sigma . For the price of Panasonic you can get the 45mm 2.8 , 35mm 1.4 and 24-70mm 2.8 sigma art all of them are L mount . Maybe Panasonic have to look at theirs pricing again .
You made me have to do a sanity check. In your opening, you state you're going to look at "The two autofocus 50mm f/1.4 lenses available for the L-mount user." These are not THE 2. There is also the Leica Summilux-SL, and it is autofocus. I know you mention it at the end, but still, the phrasing in the beginning is a bit off. :)
Yes.sorry you are absolutely correct. Actually in my original script I wrote "two of the autofocus lenses" but after re-recording the opening sentence for about 15 times, (not kidding) i said it a bit differently in the end :(
Nice review, but title is misleading. Sigma lens is not L-mount. So it i useless even with this adapter - slow AF. How long we need to wait for real L-mount lenses from Sigma. Geez! And as for bokeh comparision - i think Sigma is better at lower apertures (1.4) - in Panasonic I can se more greenish fringing at the edges of the bokeh balls, while no such sing in Simga.
I played with the Pany 50mm in store, and I just couldn't believe how heavy the darn thing was. Even if they were the same price, I'd still probably hit the Sigma. I guess they don't weight that differently, but even that small difference changes the game.
Hit this by accident. I've had enough of brainless, sharpness-related reviews on TH-cam. Please, stop calling the ridiculously flat and clinical, ugly rendering Sigma Art "Great lenses". This Panny is masqueraded Summilux 50/1.4 and is lighting years ahead in every aspect of that cheap, budget, flat Sigma thing. You should test the micro-contrast, the gradations, the lens ability to render really beautifully and life-like images, not only "sharpness" (which isn't even measurable - what's measurable is the resolution). Or I just have to accept the Internet gave voice to many mediocre people, with doubtful knowledge, understanding and experience that haven't even touched a really great lenses, but are making "reviews"?! WTF... Will skip to comment that a test between a native lens for the system and adapted one is useless. Wishing you well.
Awesome review Richard. You are really the best on youtube creating informative and non biased reviews! Thanks!
Thank you very much Jamie!
A quick correction: The Sigma 50mm ART was NOT the first lens in the ART series, for some reason I mixed it up with the Sigma 35mm 1.4 ART which was the first Sigma ART lens. Sorry about the incorrect information in the video and thank you to those of you who have pointed out my mistake!
Just shot a video for a client with the Panasonic 50mm on the S1H. I regularly use the Sigma. The Panasonic is gigantic, quality is great, price is RIDICULOUS. The difference in quality is tiny. Definitely, not worth the price difference for the very similar quality. I disagree on the flare quality in video. Yes, the Panasonic is better controlled, but it's pretty boring. The Sigma gives superb interesting flares when filming into strong light sources. The manual focus lock ring is also not stiff enough. I inadvertently bumped it on and off many times. If they were the same price it would be a toss up. Given the huge difference. It's not even a comparison. You get 3 Sigma's Art's for the price of the Panasonic...madness!
When I first tested the Lumix S Pro 50mm F1.4 in the local Panasonic store, I was shocked by how heavy it was. However, it definitely has reason to be so. I was amazed by the comparison result.
Hi Richard would be great if you did a review of the LUMIX 24-105 f4 lens vs 24-70 f2.8 comparison .. thanks
Thanks for the suggestion, I will see if I have a chance to do that!
My dream is to be mostly panasonic. I live by the 50 and 35 so i spent for the panny. Cant wait for a 35mm. Everything else can be sigma or leica.
I would be really interested to see what Panasonic can do with the 35mm. My favourite focal length!
Panasonic never released a 35mm equivalent prime. Maybe they don't like the focal length.
@@andersonloi4498 sigma 35mm f1.2 ? we wish.
For me, you are the go-to channel for Leica mount products. Thank you!
Thank you Jake!
What about a Leica Summilux 50mm f1.4 comparaison ? It would be good to compare this Leica lens with the 2 other ones...
the l-mount version is in stock now. any chance for a native lens review so we can understand focusing speed etc?
I have been trying to source some L mount sigma lenses. Will see what I can find locally
@@TheRealRichardWong Much appreciated!!
Panasonic or Sigma ? Which lens would you buy?
The pictures told me enough. Tx.
Sigma, it's good enough and a lot cheaper. If i have a lot of money in my bank, i would go for panasonic.
Sigma is better value for money but that Panny is looking good!
Bought the Sigma 40mm! Far sharper than the 50 and on par with the Pana 50!
Maybe the Sigma if for a Sigma bodied FP camera...
What L-mount camera did you use for the testing? Because in my own experience with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART, the Sigma was equivalently sharp to my Nikkor 50mm D lens when tested on the 24MP D750. But as soon as I tested them on the 46MP D850, the Sigma was clearly the blurrier of the two. Meaning that the Sigma might be a wonderful bargain for those shooting on an S1 who don't mind the focus-breathing. But could be very disappointing for an S1R user, who would be better served by purchasing the Panasonic version.
Hi Keith the tests were done on a s1r
Love your review. Keep it up Richard. Great job
Thank you very much Richard!
Thanks for sharing. How about autofocus performance? Which lens has more accurate, quick autofocus?
it is a pity that you did not test the bokeh fringing ( LoCA) as it is so important for such lenses. Except that nice and informative video.
Great suggestion! Thanks
Excellent review does any body knows if a tripod collar can be attached to this lens
thanks Chris! i'm not aware of any tripod collar for this lens
Very nice review as always. Question: Is the focus turn direction similar for both lenses?
Hi John.... Oh... I don't have either lens with me and I can't really remember so sorry can't answer this question
nice presentation,useful review, Richard. now I must save up some$!
The thing that still worries me about the very expensive Panasonic L-Mount lenses is we don't seem to have a statement on non-warranty repairs (e.g. if you drop one). A number of the m43 lenses appear to be non-repairable for optical damage, so a non-warranty repair is resolved by supplying a refurb lens at the cost of a refurb (which is best described as "scary"). I'd like to know the situation is better for L-mount...
Also I'd love to see the Panny 50 vs the Canon RF 50...
I don't have much experience (luckily) with dropping lenses, how other companies deal with it normally? I remember reading stories like people (using other brands) being told it's not worth fixing it so go buy a new one but I am not sure what's the normal practice?
@@TheRealRichardWong The impression I get, from people like Roger at LensRentals (who disassembles a lot of lenses) is there's not a lot that can be done optically with their m43 lenses, but you can replace stuff like a broken mount. This may of course have changed, I have no personal experience (my m43 lenses are still all good, although I get the banding issue with my 20mm on the GH5 which I didn't see on the GH4, but I think that's a design issue and not repairable). Plus of course L lenses may be made differently.
When the m43 100-400 came out there was a lot of talk about people being told they would have to pay for a refurb as they wouldn't repair them. There seems to be some confusion on this, as people have subsequently said "oh no, they can do the mount repair now" but dodged (or fudged) the issue of optical repairs. I really don't know the situation now, but would just like a statement to clarify what the position is. If you scratch or break the front element on a Canon or Nikon lens their repair people will generally just pop a new one on and bill you, same if an OIS unit gives up. I've actually bought more Panasonic ILCs than DSLRs, which considering the number of years involved is surprising, but am a little nervous on this subject and some clarification would be nice.
Oh and thanks again for the review.
@@JonInLondon I see. Next time I got a chance I will check with Panasonic and see if i can get some clarifications from them!
@@TheRealRichardWong Thanks, that would be great...
You might look into their professional services. That would at least provide you a quick swap for an important gig, while your business insurance could cover replacement later if Panasonic doesn't.
As always, thanks for taking the time to make this awesome comparison videos for the Panasonic S Series cameras.
I bought the Panasonic 50 (used for $2000) and then I was fortunate enough to purchase a used but LN Condition Sigma 85 art SA($600) and brought the MC 21.
Both lenses are Sharp, but the edge goes to the Panasonic for Coloring rendering and faster auto-focus. If the sigma native L mount lens was available today, most likely I would end up going with the sigma, bit then again who knows. There's also something to be said about the rendering of the sigma and the Panasonic, Panasonic has a Leica rendering to it, IMO.
Both my Panasonic 50 and Sigma 85 are Sharp. If a used Sigma art 50mm for the sa Mount becomes available then I and may get it. For now, I happy for what I have. Hopefully Sigma will come out with a FW for the MC-21 for auto-focus.
Thanks for the video, excellent work. And once again, the leica/panasonic Dpreview forum brought me here.
Thanks for watching the video and your lengthy comment and sharing your thoughts and experience!!
Did you test on the S1 or S1R?
Would you happen to know when the sigma 50mm 1.4 will release for the L mount also can you review the sigma 45mm 2.8
Will definitely want to review the sigma 45 2.8! Not sure about the release time for the 50 I have not heard anything sorry
Thank you Richard!!
Great video, thanks for making this comparison. I wouldve loved to have seen how both compare in High Res mode, and would love this to be an added feature in all lens reviews going forward (where possible).
good idea. Will defnitely try do that!! hopefully i won't forget when i test next L mount lens!
How is the low light at night
Great review Richard. I’m not pro, just a serious amateur. I’m purchasing all Sigma Art primes as of late. Honestly for my work I can’t see the difference. If my life depending on it yes I’d have the best like the Panasonic Leica lens.
Great video. I wonder which lens will work better on the new Sigma FP camera? ie will Sigma / Sigma produce any different images than Pano / Sigma as maybe Pano / Pano made a difference here.
I guess we will have to find out when I get my hands on the Sigma FP! :)
It would be interesting to see a test between the Z 50 1.8S against the Panasonic lens.
Based on DPREVIEW test, the Nikon was better than the Sigma 50 Art even when the Sigma was stopped down to 1.8.
I was reading Jim Kasson's comparison with the OTUS , the Nikon looks like a bit of a bargain blog.kasson.com/nikon-z6-7/nikon-50-1-8-s-otus-55-on-z7-zony-55-on-a7riii/
Here in Australia the Panasonic is $3500 and sigma art L mount only $1200 . For almost 3 time the price I say not worth to buy a Panasonic as weight , and performance is not out shine the sigma . For the price of Panasonic you can get the 45mm 2.8 , 35mm 1.4 and 24-70mm 2.8 sigma art all of them are L mount . Maybe Panasonic have to look at theirs pricing again .
Geez, I knew the Panasonic was big, but didn't realize it was THAT big.
it's not small!! but still a bit smaller than the Leica i think!
That's what she said
I hope Panasonic made the S pro 35mm 1.4 or 35mm 1.2 .
A fast 35 prime will definitely come in (hopefully near) future!
🙂🙏🏽
The Lunix is 77m thread, the Sigma is 72mm
Thank you for the review. Just what I need it at this moment before making final decision. :)
You are welcome
See my post above. But buying the Sigma for use on the S1R might be a mistake, as it could be too soft for that kind of resolution.
which lens motor move faster
Lumix would be faster
You made me have to do a sanity check. In your opening, you state you're going to look at "The two autofocus 50mm f/1.4 lenses available for the L-mount user." These are not THE 2. There is also the Leica Summilux-SL, and it is autofocus. I know you mention it at the end, but still, the phrasing in the beginning is a bit off. :)
Yes.sorry you are absolutely correct. Actually in my original script I wrote "two of the autofocus lenses" but after re-recording the opening sentence for about 15 times, (not kidding) i said it a bit differently in the end :(
@@TheRealRichardWong Ugh, I get it. That can happen to anyone! Appreciate the video.
Thanks for the feedback!!
In terms of price and then quality , sigma is best
Jesus christ what a chonker that panasonic 50 is...
Try this next time: photo comparison pull without lenses name... i put now my 2 cents on final result ;-)
Nice review, but title is misleading. Sigma lens is not L-mount. So it i useless even with this adapter - slow AF.
How long we need to wait for real L-mount lenses from Sigma. Geez!
And as for bokeh comparision - i think Sigma is better at lower apertures (1.4) - in Panasonic I can se more greenish fringing at the edges of the bokeh balls, while no such sing in Simga.
Appreciate
I played with the Pany 50mm in store, and I just couldn't believe how heavy the darn thing was. Even if they were the same price, I'd still probably hit the Sigma. I guess they don't weight that differently, but even that small difference changes the game.
Adam, Size and weight of the Panasonic 50 could be a bit scary.
The canon 50 1.2 rf
From the imaging resource Lab shots, the Lumix 50 looks more shallow at the same aperture. bit.ly/2WW6zsR
Can you verify if the feature is existed?
Year 2024 and this guy is still shooting brick walls, so practical, thanks . We all search for 1.4 primes to shoot brick walls
Hit this by accident. I've had enough of brainless, sharpness-related reviews on TH-cam. Please, stop calling the ridiculously flat and clinical, ugly rendering Sigma Art "Great lenses". This Panny is masqueraded Summilux 50/1.4 and is lighting years ahead in every aspect of that cheap, budget, flat Sigma thing. You should test the micro-contrast, the gradations, the lens ability to render really beautifully and life-like images, not only "sharpness" (which isn't even measurable - what's measurable is the resolution). Or I just have to accept the Internet gave voice to many mediocre people, with doubtful knowledge, understanding and experience that haven't even touched a really great lenses, but are making "reviews"?! WTF...
Will skip to comment that a test between a native lens for the system and adapted one is useless. Wishing you well.
Agreed, the Panasonic is pretty much a Zeiss Otus with autofocus in terms of image quality.
@@geoffreybassett6741 Not really - it is a Leica lens, not Zeiss.
canon version - clickbait , blah blah