Which 50mm (with AF) is best from f/1.4 - f/2.0?

[dtaylor]

Then there's the Sigma 50/1.4. I've heard it might be the sharpest of all at f/1.4, but it's extremely prone to AF problems (which I'm not willing to deal with).

Not any more than other fast primes. When I tested mine against a stationary target it was more consistent in AF then Canon's 50 f/1.8 and 50 f/1.4, and just slightly less consistent then Canon's 85 f/1.8. It is on par with the L in terms of IQ and offers amazing bokeh, but is cheaper and lighter. I would recommend the Sigma out of all of them.

[infared]

I have a Sigma f/1.4... Love it!
I have all "L" and Zeiss lenses...but I think this is soooo much more than the Canon f/1.4...and most of what the Canon "L" is..without the bulk or cost.  The Canon can be finicky, too. I have a good copy, and in real-world shooting it is just fine. Although, I agree it would be cool if this lens was rereleased in the Art Series...bet it will be...but not for a while.

It's on sale here at a reliable retailer for $369. Can't beat that!
http://www.buydig.com/shop/basket.aspx?sku=SG50F14EOS&act=add&rmsg=&cpn=&sks=SG50F14EOS,&

I paid $450 and I am still happy!

[switters]

Hey everyone,

I already have a Sigma 35 and it is indeed an amazing lens.

But I tend to prefer the 50mm focal length. The Canon 50/1.4 has been okay, but it's rather uninspiring compared to the Sigma 35. Perhaps I'll just stick with the Canon until Sigma releases a new 50/1.4 in the art line. I noticed that they released a 30/1.4 Art lens for APS-C today, as well as 3 mirrorless Art lenses. Wish they would have done the 50/1.4 instead!

[jasonsim]

My vote would go to the Canon 50 f/1.2L.  I've not tried the 50mm f/1.4, but have had three Sigma 50s.  The first two were terrible.  The last was very good, but decided to stick with the 50L for the weather sealing and build quality.

Here is a sample at f/2.8:



Here is one at f/1.8:

[Zv]

I never even thought that Sigma might release a new 50 1.4! Interesting,  I was about to finally change my nifty fifty for the Canon 50 1.4 mainly because I'm sick of waiting for Canon to pull their thumbs out. Damn nifty I have is really sharp around f/2.8 but I like to shoot wider like f/2 ish and its not great that wide.

Or should I buy the Sigma 35 and a 135L and say to hell with fifties?

[RS2021]

Wide open f/1.4 taken with the basic Canon EF 50 f/1.4 lens.

Full frame and the center crop (she signed the release forms just fine once I held the food back for a day or two). Not an artistic effort, just a snap to test the lens.

Had to sharpen it on LR, but this is good performance wide open (f/1.4) given the low price.