JonathanF2
TalkEmount All-Pro
I currently have a Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art which is by all means the best 50mm you can get for the price, only problem is that it's really heavy! So I've been looking at cheaper and slightly smaller AF 50mm alternatives. Since I also shoot Nikon and currently have a Nikon AF adapter (Commlite ENF-E1 PRO), I started researching Nikon mount lenses I could adapt. Recently I tried a Nikon 58mm 1.4 G and while it definitely has a unique look, $1700 USD is a bit too rich for my blood.
I remember Sigma did make a non-Art 50mm that was half the weight and also 1.4. I started looking at prices and saw that you could get used copies in the $200 USD plus range. Just for the heck of it, I started looking around and found a late model (smooth finish) Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX HSM for Nikon mount.
I received it this Friday and decided to take it for a spin. Mounted on the Sony A7III, it focuses quick and snappy. I've tried the Sony 50mm 1.8 FE and also the Nikon 50mm 1.8 G, but I wanted something a bit different and I think this Sigma delivers. I was initially considering selling my Sigma 50mm Art for something else, but these lenses actually render very differently. The Art is more technical and razor sharp, while the non-Art is a bit dreamy with smooth OOF rendering. In fact it feels more similar to Nikon's 58mm 1.4 G, but for a fraction of the price!
While I have the Nikon version, it's probably easier to get the Canon version and mount it with the MC-11 adapter, which from reports seem to be compatible with this lens! Anyways, I just wanted to post some initial samples for anyone who is interested in a cheap modern'ish 50mm 1.4 lens. I'll post more samples in this thread soon!
Shot with the A7III + Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX HSM and Commlite ENF-E1 PRO Adapter:
50_ex_hsm by Jonathan Friolo, on Flickr
50_ex_hsm_02 by Jonathan Friolo, on Flickr
I remember Sigma did make a non-Art 50mm that was half the weight and also 1.4. I started looking at prices and saw that you could get used copies in the $200 USD plus range. Just for the heck of it, I started looking around and found a late model (smooth finish) Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX HSM for Nikon mount.
I received it this Friday and decided to take it for a spin. Mounted on the Sony A7III, it focuses quick and snappy. I've tried the Sony 50mm 1.8 FE and also the Nikon 50mm 1.8 G, but I wanted something a bit different and I think this Sigma delivers. I was initially considering selling my Sigma 50mm Art for something else, but these lenses actually render very differently. The Art is more technical and razor sharp, while the non-Art is a bit dreamy with smooth OOF rendering. In fact it feels more similar to Nikon's 58mm 1.4 G, but for a fraction of the price!
While I have the Nikon version, it's probably easier to get the Canon version and mount it with the MC-11 adapter, which from reports seem to be compatible with this lens! Anyways, I just wanted to post some initial samples for anyone who is interested in a cheap modern'ish 50mm 1.4 lens. I'll post more samples in this thread soon!
Shot with the A7III + Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX HSM and Commlite ENF-E1 PRO Adapter:
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50_ex_hsm by Jonathan Friolo, on Flickr
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50_ex_hsm_02 by Jonathan Friolo, on Flickr
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