Review: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
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.. but I'm just trying to enjoy the lens with MF assist 
I remember my wedding photographer, he had this d3 with some of the most amazing nikon lenses, but still i can notice him using mF...
Viggo said:
I rather doubt it is Canon firmware since it would be a pain to write code to make it drift after a period of time. Now making it have random misses all the time is a different story, that would be easy to code. Who only knows if Canon would bother with such a thing....
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metacove said:
I can't tell you honestly, I don't think I'll go back to the 50 L as I like to shoot up close and off center. And I really don't like the 50 L for those purposes, IMO it's just way too soft to be useful at the largest apertures. If I were you I would seriously consider the 85 L and if that isn't too long it's the best portrait lens I've tried. For me it's a tad too long as I love the 50, but the difference in overall IQ over the 50 L is so worth it.
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I just called Sigma's American office. The lady I spoke to put me on hold when I asked about availability of the 50mm Art. After she returned she mentioned that they are getting their next shipment of Art lenses next week. I asked if they were getting a significant amount and she said she couldn't say (as in she didn't know).
Hopefully several preorders get fulfilled next week.
Hopefully several preorders get fulfilled next week.
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To add another user experience, the AF of my copy of the Sigma 50/1.4 ART works just fine so far (I've had it a week), both in real-life shooting and from FoCal. This contrasts to the previous Sigma 50/1.4 EX, which has very problematic AF for me. Attached are the FoCal-produced contrast plots for 5D3 with
1) Sigma ART 50/1.4 @ 1.6m distance to target (AFMA=0)
2) Sigma ART 50/1.4 @ 2.6m distance to target (AFMA=+3)
3) Sigma EX 50/1.4 @ 1.6m distance to target (AFMA=+9)
As you see, the AF seems fairly consistent and a predictable function of AFMA for ART, but not so much for EX. There appears to be a small dependence on distance, although it could also be the accuracy of FoCal; I would have to make more tests with a larger distance range to find out. I've used AFMA=0 so far, and it has worked just fine in actual photography. Not more misses than expected for such a shallow DOF (similar to what I'm used to from e.g. the excellent 85/1.2L II). I also have had no problems with the Sigma 35/1.4 ART.
1) Sigma ART 50/1.4 @ 1.6m distance to target (AFMA=0)
2) Sigma ART 50/1.4 @ 2.6m distance to target (AFMA=+3)
3) Sigma EX 50/1.4 @ 1.6m distance to target (AFMA=+9)
As you see, the AF seems fairly consistent and a predictable function of AFMA for ART, but not so much for EX. There appears to be a small dependence on distance, although it could also be the accuracy of FoCal; I would have to make more tests with a larger distance range to find out. I've used AFMA=0 so far, and it has worked just fine in actual photography. Not more misses than expected for such a shallow DOF (similar to what I'm used to from e.g. the excellent 85/1.2L II). I also have had no problems with the Sigma 35/1.4 ART.
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why did you set it up at 1.6m and not 1.5m I think this is quite a big varience you might experience problems with your calibration I measured the distance from the camera sensor plane to the target for each distance required on the sigma calibration
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I don't have the USB dock (yet) so I'm not making distance-dependent MA calibrations. This was just to check the reliability of the AFMA at different distances. The variance of the AF is normal and comparable to the best Canon lenses. Or were you referring to the 1.5-1.6m difference?wickidwombat said:
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Mine was also great the first week. Keep us posted after three weeks again. I still very much doubt I'm so unlucky to get a non working copy of a brand new lens. Either there is an extreme copy variation or it's a lens flaw. Design or poor production.epsiloneri said:
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Well, this is a disappointment! I've spent the last couple of days reading through reviews and forum threads and finally read through this thread from page 1 tonight. I had a pretty clear understanding that this lens was awesome in terms of optical performance but I wasn't sure what the deal was with the AF. I have been offered by a local photo store to swap my four year old 24mm f/1.4L II USM for a brand new 50 Art, which I think is a OK deal given that the market for used 24/1.4L II is flooding right now (after 24-70 II came out I guess).
Anyway, after reading through this thread, it is quite clear that if I get the 50 Art, I must consider it to be an MF-only lens, just like the Otus. I think I will wait for a) Sigma fixes the issues (not likely) or b) Canon eventually releases a new 50L (not likely soon).
What I don't understand is how Sigma can release an unfinished product like this! Surely, they must understand that people will test the performance and realize that they have bought a faulty product!?
Anyway, after reading through this thread, it is quite clear that if I get the 50 Art, I must consider it to be an MF-only lens, just like the Otus. I think I will wait for a) Sigma fixes the issues (not likely) or b) Canon eventually releases a new 50L (not likely soon).
What I don't understand is how Sigma can release an unfinished product like this! Surely, they must understand that people will test the performance and realize that they have bought a faulty product!?
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Can you use MF with focus confirm on the 5D3 without the issue? Or would the camera just confirm the focus at the same wrong location, just as with AF?
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Seriously how many lenses do you think Sigma have made compared to the hand full of problem copies people have raised issues about? You need to take your internet with a good dose of salt I think.hammar said:
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Yes, but I haven't read a single account of people NOT having issues with this lens. The best I have found is people of "only" had to adjust the focus in FoCal and after that it was "ok".
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hammar said:
So you didn't read my comment on the bottom of last page then?
Afma adjustment is needed in 98% cases. Only lens I left at "0" was the 50 L, what does that tell you? Nothing ..
My 300 f2.8 L IS had to be shipped to canon for adjustment when it was one month since it was made at the factory, because even at +20 it missed by two hundred feet, what does that tell you? Nothing. Things have to be calibrated, no matter what you buy.
I'm sitting here editing shots from the 50 Art and it's absolutely faaaantastic! Love it!
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hammar said:
I used the sigma dock to adjust mine
anyway buy the lens or don't but my suggestion to take the internet less seriously still stands
It doesn't bother me if you don't buy the best value for money 50mm lens ever made by anyone
I don't have stock in sigma either
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