Review: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

[Artifex]

Manual focus lenses where used for many years on SLRs. The only thing different about focusing a manual focus lens on a DSLR is the focusing screen. But Canon offers the old-style focusing screens for certain camera bodies; these show the actual depth of field even at f/1.4. That's all that's need to make the Otus work well on a DSLR.

The resolution of current digital sensors exceeds that of film, particularly when you consider the 'typical' print sized enlarged from 35mm negatives vs. print sizes easily possible with a ≥18 MP digital file. That means slight focus errors that were tolerable with film are often unacceptable with digital.

Also, Canon doesn't really offer 'old-style' focus screens, they offer 'not-so-old-style'. Currently, you can get a screen with without the same degree of laser microetching for brightness - those are the 'super precision matte' screens that show you the true DoF of fast lenses…or you can get screens with manual focus aids (split prism or microprism) but they're based on the stock screens that don't show the true DoF of fast lenses. When shooting film, there were focus screens that both showed the true DoF of fast lenses and had the split prism/microprism collar focusing aids.

Though you are right, it is still possible to get those old focus screens on DSLR through specialize web site. I use a Canon EC-B focus screen (split-screen focus aid and precision matte) on my 6D and it works quite well. The biggest problem, for me, is that the viewfinder is still much smaller on DSLR than on good old bodies, such as the Pentax K-1000. Manual focus lens are still a joy to use with the proper screen and some practice, although it is not for everybody.

 

[Monchoon]

Manual focus lenses where used for many years on SLRs. The only thing different about focusing a manual focus lens on a DSLR is the focusing screen. But Canon offers the old-style focusing screens for certain camera bodies; these show the actual depth of field even at f/1.4. That's all that's need to make the Otus work well on a DSLR.

The resolution of current digital sensors exceeds that of film, particularly when you consider the 'typical' print sized enlarged from 35mm negatives vs. print sizes easily possible with a ≥18 MP digital file. That means slight focus errors that were tolerable with film are often unacceptable with digital.

Also, Canon doesn't really offer 'old-style' focus screens, they offer 'not-so-old-style'. Currently, you can get a screen with without the same degree of laser microetching for brightness - those are the 'super precision matte' screens that show you the true DoF of fast lenses…or you can get screens with manual focus aids (split prism or microprism) but they're based on the stock screens that don't show the true DoF of fast lenses. When shooting film, there were focus screens that both showed the true DoF of fast lenses and had the split prism/microprism collar focusing aids.

Though you are right, it is still possible to get those old focus screens on DSLR through specialize web site. I use a Canon EC-B focus screen (split-screen focus aid and precision matte) on my 6D and it works quite well. The biggest problem, for me, is that the viewfinder is still much smaller on DSLR than on good old bodies, such as the Pentax K-1000. Manual focus lens are still a joy to use with the proper screen and some practice, although it is not for everybody.

Where do you get that focus screen for a 6D ?

 

[Shane1.4]

Keep the sample shots coming! I love seeing what it can do wide open and seeing the quality of the bokeh.

 

[razeac]

took some shots at home..

this is at f13

this is f8 (looks really good)

and some bokeh night shots (do note, I was on the 2nd floor level terrace - and was standing on a flimsy chair so there might be some obvious misfocus here as I was afraid for my life if I fall LOL - 1.4 is so thin!)

btw, very low light. almost pitch black. used flash on the shots. I'm surprised the 5d mk II focused center together with the lens

 

[dadgummit]

Out of focus looks pretty good, no onion either. I like what I see. I am really rooting for this one to be good. I have lost the sigma lottery way too many times to preorder though.

 

[Artifex]

Manual focus lenses where used for many years on SLRs. The only thing different about focusing a manual focus lens on a DSLR is the focusing screen. But Canon offers the old-style focusing screens for certain camera bodies; these show the actual depth of field even at f/1.4. That's all that's need to make the Otus work well on a DSLR.

The resolution of current digital sensors exceeds that of film, particularly when you consider the 'typical' print sized enlarged from 35mm negatives vs. print sizes easily possible with a ≥18 MP digital file. That means slight focus errors that were tolerable with film are often unacceptable with digital.

Also, Canon doesn't really offer 'old-style' focus screens, they offer 'not-so-old-style'. Currently, you can get a screen with without the same degree of laser microetching for brightness - those are the 'super precision matte' screens that show you the true DoF of fast lenses…or you can get screens with manual focus aids (split prism or microprism) but they're based on the stock screens that don't show the true DoF of fast lenses. When shooting film, there were focus screens that both showed the true DoF of fast lenses and had the split prism/microprism collar focusing aids.

Though you are right, it is still possible to get those old focus screens on DSLR through specialize web site. I use a Canon EC-B focus screen (split-screen focus aid and precision matte) on my 6D and it works quite well. The biggest problem, for me, is that the viewfinder is still much smaller on DSLR than on good old bodies, such as the Pentax K-1000. Manual focus lens are still a joy to use with the proper screen and some practice, although it is not for everybody.

Where do you get that focus screen for a 6D ?

http://www.focusingscreen.com

 

[Monchoon]

Manual focus lenses where used for many years on SLRs. The only thing different about focusing a manual focus lens on a DSLR is the focusing screen. But Canon offers the old-style focusing screens for certain camera bodies; these show the actual depth of field even at f/1.4. That's all that's need to make the Otus work well on a DSLR.

Thanks

The resolution of current digital sensors exceeds that of film, particularly when you consider the 'typical' print sized enlarged from 35mm negatives vs. print sizes easily possible with a ≥18 MP digital file. That means slight focus errors that were tolerable with film are often unacceptable with digital.

Also, Canon doesn't really offer 'old-style' focus screens, they offer 'not-so-old-style'. Currently, you can get a screen with without the same degree of laser microetching for brightness - those are the 'super precision matte' screens that show you the true DoF of fast lenses…or you can get screens with manual focus aids (split prism or microprism) but they're based on the stock screens that don't show the true DoF of fast lenses. When shooting film, there were focus screens that both showed the true DoF of fast lenses and had the split prism/microprism collar focusing aids.

Though you are right, it is still possible to get those old focus screens on DSLR through specialize web site. I use a Canon EC-B focus screen (split-screen focus aid and precision matte) on my 6D and it works quite well. The biggest problem, for me, is that the viewfinder is still much smaller on DSLR than on good old bodies, such as the Pentax K-1000. Manual focus lens are still a joy to use with the proper screen and some practice, although it is not for everybody.

Where do you get that focus screen for a 6D ?

http://www.focusingscreen.com

 

[Viggo]

took some shots at home..

this is at f13

this is f8 (looks really good)

and some bokeh night shots (do note, I was on the 2nd floor level terrace - and was standing on a flimsy chair so there might be some obvious misfocus here as I was afraid for my life if I fall LOL - 1.4 is so thin!)

btw, very low light. almost pitch black. used flash on the shots. I'm surprised the 5d mk II focused center together with the lens

Really nice, it looks good ! Now it's daylight, find some cars to track , lol ;D

My copy is "expected delivery" tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

 

[wickidwombat]

just got mine!

First one in Shanghai and probably china

awesome and evening is approaching!

 

[Viggo]

just got mine!

First one in Shanghai and probably china

awesome and evening is approaching!

Fire up a sample thread, I'll join in tomorrow. Congrats on your new lens!

 

[Salimou]

I'm so jealous right now!

Guys, please give us some portraits pictures, alot, alot, alot! Please! I need it in my life!

 

[macrodust]

just got mine!

First one in Shanghai and probably china

awesome and evening is approaching!

Hey, based in Shanghai? Me too. Where did you get yours and what did you pay? I've seen that they're all over Taobao now, but I usually go to the Xing Guang camera stores at Luban Road.

How's the AF behaving?

Cheers!

 

[Dylan777]

just got mine!

First one in Shanghai and probably china

awesome and evening is approaching!

Fire up a sample thread, I'll join in tomorrow. Congrats on your new lens!

CONGRATS,
It looks like x-mas came early for you guys

Couple things when you guys test this ARTY: AF consistency, focus shift, sharpness, bokeh, color, contrast.... ;D ;D ;D Ok...I'm asking too much :-X

Can't wait to see more photos

 

[wickidwombat]

just got mine!

First one in Shanghai and probably china

awesome and evening is approaching!

Fire up a sample thread, I'll join in tomorrow. Congrats on your new lens!

CONGRATS,
It looks like x-mas came early for you guys

Couple things when you guys test this ARTY: AF consistency, focus shift, sharpness, bokeh, color, contrast.... ;D ;D ;D Ok...I'm asking too much :-X

Can't wait to see more photos

trying to upload photos now but its taking forever!
AF consistancy so far looks ho hum to me I've only had it a few hours but feel its front focusing a bit I also bought the dock and obviously can AFMA it with focal when i have time. Its not so far out that its ruining shots though
consistancy is hard as i've only been shooting in low light so its a bit hit and miss anyway

no focus shift i can see but it breathes a fair bit if that matters to you

sharpness = OMG its insane

bokeh = as above plus even more insane you will see in the pics i post

colour = awesome

contrast = a little less contrasty than the 35 but still nice and a tweek in LR away so no issue really.

so watch the lens gallary thread i made as my images go up. I'm uploading now

 

[Rudeofus]

no focus shift i can see but it breathes a fair bit if that matters to you

Very interesting. Did you test this under the right circumstances? At or near minimum focus distance, aperture stopped down to F/2.8-F/4?

There have been many theories, that modern Canon DSLRs compensate for 50L focus shift in software. If the 50A doesn't exhibit this shift, and it obviously can't rely on any Canon to support this kind of quirk, then this puts more shame on the 50L.

 

[wickidwombat]

here is a teaser bokeh and sharpness edited shot of a handpainted grain of rice in a pendant
100% crop included

 

[Dylan777]

just got mine!

First one in Shanghai and probably china

awesome and evening is approaching!

Fire up a sample thread, I'll join in tomorrow. Congrats on your new lens!

CONGRATS,
It looks like x-mas came early for you guys

Couple things when you guys test this ARTY: AF consistency, focus shift, sharpness, bokeh, color, contrast.... ;D ;D ;D Ok...I'm asking too much :-X

Can't wait to see more photos

trying to upload photos now but its taking forever!
AF consistancy so far looks ho hum to me I've only had it a few hours but feel its front focusing a bit I also bought the dock and obviously can AFMA it with focal when i have time. Its not so far out that its ruining shots though
consistancy is hard as i've only been shooting in low light so its a bit hit and miss anyway

no focus shift i can see but it breathes a fair bit if that matters to you

sharpness = OMG its insane

bokeh = as above plus even more insane you will see in the pics i post

colour = awesome

contrast = a little less contrasty than the 35 but still nice and a tweek in LR away so no issue really.

so watch the lens gallary thread i made as my images go up. I'm uploading now

So sharpness is good as my 50L ;D....Just Kidding ;D ;D ;D

Sounds like I need to order one from BH

 

[Viggo]

The 50 art contains floating elements to correct for focus shift, and I have seen a review where they tried and it absolutely seems like a complete non issue.

Love those shots! Color looks really nice, and of course the sharpness seem preeeetty nice!

 

[wickidwombat]

i'm waiting for someone to complain about the bokeh....

 

[Phenix205]

i'm waiting for someone to complain about the bokeh....

I smell some onion in it.