The latest 50mm is unusually large and expensive for its type; indeed its $950 / £850 / €1000 price tag suggests Sigma is aiming at users who might otherwise choose the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm F1.4G, Canon EF 50mm F1.2L USM, or Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM. It bears a distinct family resemblance to the company's 35mm F1.4, but if anything is slightly larger, with a 100mm / 4" long barrel and 77mm filter thread. Its complex optical formula of 13 elements in 8 groups isn't based on a conventional double-Gauss design, like most 50mm primes are, but instead is of the retrofocal type.
This set of characteristics, along with Sigma's recent track record of making impressive optics, means that the 50mm F1.4 Art has inevitably invited comparison to the astounding Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 - quite possibly the sharpest lens we've yet seen. However, given that lens's $4000 price tag, it seems a little optimistic to expect quite the same qualities. But the Sigma offers autofocus via a ring-type ultrasonic motor (with full-time manual override), which means it wins out on practicality. The new lens's premium price point also means that it doesn't directly replace the older model, which we understand will continue to be sold for some time yet.
Headline features
- 50mm focal length
- Fast F1.4 maximum aperture
- Ring-type ultrasonic autofocus motor with full-time manual override
- Internal focus design
- Will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony Alpha, and Sigma SA mounts
Angle of view
The pictures below illustrate the 50mm F1.4 Art's angle of view on full frame and APS-C, taken from our standard position. As is Sigma's way, the lens is just slightly 'wide' for a 50mm prime (its measured focal length is 48mm), bringing it closer to a classic 'normal' view on full frame. On APS-C cameras it behaves like a short telephoto lens. |
 |
| Full frame | 1.6x APS-C (~80mm equivalent) |
|---|
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art specifications
| Price | • $950 (US) • £850 (UK) • €1000 (EU) |
|---|---|
| Date introduced | January 2014 |
| Maximum format size | 35mm full frame |
| Focal length | 50mm |
| 35mm equivalent focal length | • 75mm (1.5x APS-C / DX) • 80mm (1.6x Canon APS-C) |
| Diagonal Angle of view | • 47º (full frame) • 31º (APS-C) |
| Maximum aperture | F1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Lens Construction | • 13 elements / 8 groups • 3 SLD glass elements • 1 aspherical element |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9, rounded |
| Minimum focus | 0.4m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.18x |
| AF motor type | • Ring-type Hypersonic Motor • Full-time manual focus |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Filter thread | • 77mm • Does not rotate on focus |
| Supplied accessories* | • Front and rear caps • Petal-type Hood • Soft lens case |
| Weight | 815 g (28.7 oz) |
| Dimensions | 85 mm diameter x 100 mm length (3.4 x 3.9 in) |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony Alpha |
This lens review uses DxOMark data thanks to a partnership between dpreview.com and DxO Labs (read more
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for this lens can be found at www.dxomark.com.If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital
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