How about Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HS

[leecheeyee]

Canon 50mm f/1.4 is normal quality. I want to get a new Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM. What's your suggestion?

[Joellll]

I couldn't even afford a Canon version, so I opted for a Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4.

To my surprise it was really good. Unless you really need AF, I think MF lenses are worth trying. The Super Takumar is just half  the price of the Canon one.

[DanielG]

I like the Sigma 50mm 1.4. I debated between the Canon and Sigma for a bit and ended up with the Sigma a while ago.

I didn't use it so much on a crop body but ever since the recent upgrade to full frame I really like shooting with it.

Here is a shot taken with it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/naux54/7009972627/#in/photostream

[ScottyP]

I couldn't even afford a Canon version, so I opted for a Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4.

To my surprise it was really good. Unless you really need AF, I think MF lenses are worth trying. The Super Takumar is just half  the price of the Canon one.

Plus, "Super Takumar" just sounds way cooler than the other two. (ha)

[leecheeyee]

Thank you. Here is my flickr space. Sorry for all descriptions are Chinese.

www.flickr.com/photos/leecheeyee

Definitely, I am planning buy a EF 50mm f/1.4 or Sigma one.

I like the Sigma 50mm 1.4. I debated between the Canon and Sigma for a bit and ended up with the Sigma a while ago.

I didn't use it so much on a crop body but ever since the recent upgrade to full frame I really like shooting with it.

Here is a shot taken with it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/naux54/7009972627/#in/photostream

[infared]

I bought my Sigma for use on a Full-Frame 5D Mark II (and soon a 5D III ...LOL!)...I debated between the Canon 50 f/1.4 and the Sigma. I did not consider the Canon 50 f/1.2 because of cost and lack of sharpness wide open, plus I own the 85mm f/1.2 II (awesome lens!) and I thought I had "bought-the-farm" purchasing the 85mm, so I wanted something more cost effective for my 50mm that still offered bokeh when I wanted it.  I am generally not a fan of Sigma products but most of my reading said that the lens was extremely sharp and had more pleasing bokeh than the Canon.
I have been extremely happy with this lens. It performs fine and I can highly recommend it without hesitation. The only thing I could not stand was the shiny gold trim ring out the front of the lens...but some carefully applied pinstripe tape from the local hobby shop...took care of that!!!!   ( I have not really experienced any of the autofocusing issues that are documented on the web regarding this lens. ..Keep in mind...wide open ...you have an very narrow DOF, so some images are going to be out...it is just part of the game...)
I love the lens. Here is a still I shot with it on a tripod with the aperture closed down:
http://masters.galleries.dpreview.com.s3.amazonaws.com/1815033.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=14Y3MT0G2J4Y72K3ZXR2&Expires=1333209445&Signature=nFUVHwGEt1bDRnrO6Pm8wTPghdw%3d

[Ninjajack]

I love it, I shoot on a 60d and also picked up the Sigma 30mm 1.4 thinking it would work better on my crop camera. Without any actually testing or specifics I just feel like the 50mm is sharper and better all around than the 30mm. I've gone back to using the 50mm more and plan on getting a used 5DmII and just leave the 50mm on it all the time

[Marsu42]

I've gone back to using the 50mm more and plan on getting a used 5DmII and just leave the 50mm on it all the time

The Sigma 50/1.4 is said to be stellar on crop but to have iq issues on full frame - let us know your experiences after you switch :-p

[smirkypants]

Love love love this lens. Did a shoot for a magazine ad and brought my 1D4, Siggy 50, a 24-70 I, and a 70-200/2.8 II. They were all outdoor shots. Those shot with the Siggy were my favorite. I was generally shooting at between f2.8 and f8 and the sharpness, color, contrast and out of focus highlights are just phenomenal. (I'd share a couple of photos from the shoot but I can't).

I never took the lens seriously until to a friend whose work I really admire. Great lens if you get a good copy. Mine front-focuses badly but it's corrected with micro-adjustment.

[ferdi]

My Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is spot on (no MA needed) but my 50mm has front-focussing issues at f/1.4. I set my cameras to +20 but that was enough, I think it needs about +25. Tried another copy, same issue. I can live with it until I get a Canon 50L although these are still 2,5 times more expensive secondhand than a new Sigma. I definately prefer the Sigma over the Canon f/1.4 I had before because of the bokeh and a better focus ring.

[smirkypants]

My Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is spot on (no MA needed) but my 50mm has front-focussing issues at f/1.4. I set my cameras to +20 but that was enough, I think it needs about +25. Tried another copy, same issue. I can live with it until I get a Canon 50L although these are still 2,5 times more expensive secondhand than a new Sigma. I definately prefer the Sigma over the Canon f/1.4 I had before because of the bokeh and a better focus ring.

Ferdi, I don't know how aggressively you want to tackle the front-focusing issue. If you want, you can set the camera to +5 and the lens to +20 to get to where you need to be. Then you can put a -5 on the rest of your lenses. Your camera should remember each lens.

Inelegant, but it should work.

[dr croubie]

I couldn't even afford a Canon version, so I opted for a Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4.

I started with the EF 50/1.8II, then went to Super Tak 50/1.4 (but now I'm on the FL 55/1.2).
Super Tak is a bit low-contrast at f/1.4, but at f/2.0 it beats the EF 50/1.8 II at f/4.0.
Built like a zeiss, silky-smooth focus, as small as the EF 50/1.8, get a slightly yellowed one and your portraits just look amazing.
You can't do much better for less than $100 if you're a bit patient on ebay.
MF is not for everyone, of course. If you definitely need AF i'd probably be heading Sigma-way for IQ (although the AF isn't very reliable from what i've heard).

[pwp]

My EF 50 f/1.4 went to eBay and was replaced with the highly rated Sigma 50 f/1.4.
In hindsight it was largely a wasted exercise, the only real difference is more weight & bulk in my bag. The Sigma is big.

Short answer? They're both competent lenses. If you use polarizing filters on your other Canon lenses, you've probably already got a 77mm filter C-PL. The Sigma takes 77mm.

Paul Wright

[carlc]

I love my Sigma 50mm f1.4.  It is the only non-Canon glass I own and use it a ton on my 7D.  I learned to shoot on manual with this lens!!!

[unkbob]

Siggy 50 1.4 is a wonderful lens. I used it at a wedding on Friday on a 5D3 and the images were awesome - this was video but I love it for photography as well. I use my 35L a lot more and it's even better, but the 50 is a more flattering focal length.