Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

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<p><b>LAS VEGAS– Jan. 6, 2014</b> – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the launch of two new Global Vision lenses from the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.</p>
<p>The improved and redesigned 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lenses are the latest additions to Sigma’s Global Vision lineup. Both lenses’ availability and pricing have yet to be announced.</p>
<p>“These two lenses are among our most popular, and we’re pleased to reintroduce these products by adding them to our Global Vision lineup,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The 18-200mm, in particular, is an exciting new lens as it now has macro functionality, updated optics and a Global Vision design, making it a fantastic alternative to the kit lens. As has been the case with our recent Global Vision lenses, we expect an array of photographers to gravitate to their technically advanced features and slick new look.”</p>
<p>The <b>18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary</b> lens, designed specifically for APS-C DSLRs, is the successor to the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM, which was launched in 2011. The smaller and lighter lens (15.2 ounces and 2.8×3.4 inches versus 17.3 ounces and 3×3.5 inches) now macro capabilities with a minimum focusing distance of 15.4 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3, as opposed to the lens’ earlier minimum focusing distance of 17.7 inches and max magnification ratio of 1:3.8. Its minimum working distance is 14.7 inches, which makes the lens suitable for close-up shooting with natural light, keeping shadows of the camera and lens out of the image.</p>
<p>The 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Macro has also been updated to incorporate Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements that have a high refractive index and can correct chromatic aberration at the telephoto-end. Moreover, aspherical lens elements, including double-sided aspherical lenses, will ensure a compact size and excellent correction of distortion.</p>
<p>The new <b>Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art</b> has been reengineered and redesigned to set a new standard of performance in the Art line. A staple focal length, the new Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art is a pro level performer for full-frame DSLRs great for many different types of photography including portraits, landscapes, studio work and still-life. It has been updated to include SLD glass and optimized for rich peripheral brightness with improved large aperture performance by positioning wide elements into the front groups. Other updates include an optimized autofocus algorithm for smoother focusing and a floating focusing system to reduce lens movement while focusing. Under the Global Vision line, it features a new matte finish, improved AF on/off switch and guarantees every lens is tested with Sigma’s proprietary modulation transfer function (MTF) “A1” measuring system before being shipped. Now with 13 elements in 8 groups compared to the previous 8 elements in 6 groups, it also has improved close focusing at 15.7 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.6</p>
<p>Both lenses incorporate Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) system to produce quiet, high-speed auto focus. In addition, they include Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, and to ensure high-quality images throughout the entire zoom range. The 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lenses are also compatible with Sigma’s USB dock and the company’s Mount Conversion Service.</p>
<p>Other recently announced lenses and accessories such as the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | ART and USB Dock will be on display at Sigma’s CES booth. Visit Sigma at CES 2014 at booth 10431in Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Jan. 7 to 10.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>
 
Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

ok, lets wait and see how good it really is. I bought the 1,4 35mm Sigma and this is really good. But at Sigma I have always little doubts about the quality. So I wait and see - if it is very good (better than the excisting canon) perhaps I buy it (and sell my 35m Sigma - its a little bit to wide for me).
 
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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

ahsanford said:
It's as big as the Canon 24-70 F/4L IS.

maybe it performs really well, might be time to quickly dump off my canon 50 1.4 I'm thinking before it's too late! better get it up on ebay tonight! maybe this one won't have the AF that breaks if you glance it for more than half a second
 
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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More



No way it stacks up to the Otus, but it should comfortably beat the current 50L if the Sigma 35 Art is any indicator. Canon will be furious as they clearly have a 50 F/(fast: 1.4 to 2) IS lens on the way. Until that comes out, Sigma will gobble up the 'sort-of-premium 50mm' sales between the 50L and the Canon 50/1.4.

I'd imagine $899 to start (people have been screaming for a better all-around 50 prime option in this forum for ages and will 100% likely pay that kind of money), but it will come down into the $699-ish range once Canon answers with their new 50 IS.

I love Sigma pushing the debate in Canon's bread and butter sales areas -- 35 prime, 24-105, the APS-C F/1.8 zoom, and now this. This is only good for us as consumers.

Personally, I'll wait until Canon answers later this year and compare the two. My hypothesis is that the Canon will be slightly less sharp (based on the 35 Art vs. the Canon 35 F/2 IS) and possibly a half stop slower, but will it be much smaller and lighter, and that's of value to me.

Canon could also be brave for a change and weather-seal the new 50 (despite not being an L) and try to win the business over Sigma with quality/robustness angle. But I doubt it.

- A
 
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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Good that Sigma has made this kind of reputation for themselves that everyone is already so enthusiastic! Hopefully this will live up to the expectations. Based on their announcement, it does indeed feel Sigma is targeting the big boys rather than the Ca/Nikon 50 1.4s.
Really looking forward to more information soon!
 
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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

"The new Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art has been reengineered and redesigned to set a new standard of performance in the Art line"

Will this out performs my f1.2 L ::) ::) ::)
 
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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Canon must have already known about this which explains why I got the Canon 1.4 for $279 a few weeks back. Oh well, I figure the resell value will still be ok with Canon fanboys until the 50 IS version drops from $800 to $350 after its out for a year.
 
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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Dylan777 said:
"The new Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art has been reengineered and redesigned to set a new standard of performance in the Art line"

Will this out performs my f1.2 L ::) ::) ::)

At the same aperture I'm betting it will. Your f1.2 is still safe if you're just after Bokeh though.

I recently acquired the 18-35f1.8, so whether or not I get the 50mm will depend on exactly how spectacular it is. If it's good enough you'll have to wait for a big MP Canon body to fully take advantage of it.
Which also means that for the time being it could make a fantastic 80mm f2 equivalent on crop sensors.
 
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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Good for us consumers that Sigma is pushing advancement and making Canon take notice. I think it says something that a Sigma announcement of a lens that already exists is generating enthusiasm. I didn't see that kind of excitement about updated versions of Canon's older lenses. This 50mm is definitely on my to-buy list. Now I just have to knock off a convenience store during lunch break.
 
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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Dylan777 said:
"The new Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art has been reengineered and redesigned to set a new standard of performance in the Art line"

Will this out performs my f1.2 L ::) ::) ::)

For sharpness? Hell, the current 50 F/1.4 is sharper after F/2 or so. Set a higher bar, will ya? :P

Again, for sharpness, I think the new 50 from Sigma will dust the 50 1.2L based on the performance of the Sigma 35mm Art:

Consider Roger's take, which is a clear read:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/11/sigma-35mm-f1-4-arrives-announces-new-world-order
(Besides his nice article, note: "This lens kicks butt, takes names, and basically posterizes the manufacturers who make the cameras this lens will fit on.")

Then consider PhotoZone's take on both 35s and the 50 1.2L (poor away from center), which is attached. Those are stellar F/1.4 and F/2 numbers away from center for the Sigma, by the way -- large aperture glass almost never shows such a good performance.

So I expect for sharpness the new Sigma to really take it to the 50 F/1.2L, but as everyone on this forum will say, there's more to it than that -- bokeh, distortion, chromatic effects, focus speed/accuracy/consistency, etc. may say that the Sigma is lacking in some department. We'll see.

Hell, off the cuff, size may be a tipping point for some -- this lens had better cut diamonds it's so sharp if it's going to take up 3-4x the volume in my bag as my trusty old Canon 50/1.4, and I don't expect the new Canon 50 F/?.? IS to be much bigger than its physical 'twin', the 35mm f/2 IS.

- A
 

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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

ahsanford said:
Dylan777 said:
"The new Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art has been reengineered and redesigned to set a new standard of performance in the Art line"

Will this out performs my f1.2 L ::) ::) ::)

For sharpness? Hell, the current 50 F/1.4 is sharper after F/2 or so. Set a higher bar, will ya? :P

Again, for sharpness, I think the new 50 from Sigma will dust the 50 1.2L based on the performance of the Sigma 35mm Art:

Consider Roger's take, which is a clear read:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/11/sigma-35mm-f1-4-arrives-announces-new-world-order
(Besides his nice article, note: "This lens kicks butt, takes names, and basically posterizes the manufacturers who make the cameras this lens will fit on.")

Then consider PhotoZone's take on both 35s and the 50 1.2L (poor away from center), which is attached. Those are stellar F/1.4 and F/2 numbers away from center for the Sigma, by the way -- large aperture glass almost never shows such a good performance.

So I expect for sharpness the new Sigma to really take it to the 50 F/1.2L, but as everyone on this forum will say, there's more to it than that -- bokeh, distortion, chromatic effects, focus speed/accuracy/consistency, etc. may say that the Sigma is lacking in some department. We'll see.

Hell, off the cuff, size may be a tipping point for some -- this lens had better cut diamonds it's so sharp if it's going to take up 3-4x the volume in my bag as my trusty old Canon 50/1.4, and I don't expect the new Canon 50 F/?.? IS to be much bigger than its physical 'twin', the 35mm f/2 IS.

- A

I can't compare this Sigma Vs my 50L yet. However, my 50L is quite awesome when shoot wide open or at f1.4. As an owner of 50mm f1.4 for 2-3yrs, I do know the history of this lens. The color and contrast from f1.4 are flat. I'm not good reading reviews or showing 3rd party testing data. I like to see my own photos ;)

There is no fun buying f1.4 prime, but can't get good results at near f1.4.
 

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Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

ahsanford said:
Personally, I'll wait until Canon answers later this year and compare the two. My hypothesis is that the Canon will be slightly less sharp (based on the 35 Art vs. the Canon 35 F/2 IS) and possibly a half stop slower, but will it be much smaller and lighter, and that's of value to me.

This. The massive size of the current Sigma 50mm is the only reason I didn't buy one. My tiny little Yashica ML 50/1.4 gives me 80% of the IQ for a fourth the cost and it takes 52mm filters :cool: I'm also hoping Samyang will bring us the 50mm 1.2 that they said was on their roadmap, and I hope it's not massive, but it probably will be.
 
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