OT: 50L users.

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OT: 50L users.

GraemePitman
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p.1 #1 · OT: 50L users.

I've used the 50 1.4 (Canon) and the 50 1.4 (Sigma) - and all both left me frustrated with their focus issues and CA, so it looks like the L is logical alternative.

However.

I use a 5d, which most of you know has very weak outer focus points. The majority of what I do is focus/recompose. I'm fine with that. But I've heard the plane on the 50L will not tolerate such habits. True?

I really, really wanted the Sigma 50 to be as great as everyone said, but the two copies I've purchased have been terrible. Really.

Edited on Feb 03, 2012 at 11:02 PM · View previous versions

Feb 03, 2012 at 10:34 PM

gadget_
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p.1 #2 · OT: 50L users.

The 50L is less tollerent to recompose at 1.2 because of course the DOF at 1.2 is narrower. If you move 1cm futher forward or backward as you recompose depending on your subject distance you may miss the focus. That being said it doesn't have a particularly curved plane of focus so at the same apertures it will be the same as the other two in terms of focusing.

The sigma is great you just have to try multiple copies in store before you put money down on one. Also the canon 1.4 is great you just have to pretend it's at f/2.8 lens and above that it beats the L all over the place.

Feb 03, 2012 at 10:42 PM

GraemePitman
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p.1 #3 · OT: 50L users.

I've owned multiple copies of both those lenses, and both make me want to burn things. I sent my Canon 1.4 in three times for calibration/repair.

I realize that it's difficult to recompose at the shallow depth of field 1.2, but I thought that this lens in particular has a strange focus curve that made it near impossible. Just a rumour?

Feb 03, 2012 at 10:48 PM

isoesilo
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p.1 #4 · OT: 50L users.

50L is terrible at controlling CA at wide open or close to it, but is slightly better than Canon 1.4. I don't have Sigma, so can't comment on it.

I use center focus 99% of the time, on 5D and 5DII. Focus and recompose can be done, but it's a bit tricky. I have to say that it took me awhile to learn 50L and accept its shortcomings, but once you get a hang of it, it's one heck of a lens! No regret!

Feb 03, 2012 at 10:52 PM

MVSchenk
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p.1 #5 · OT: 50L users.

Sold my 50 1.2L. No regrets.

Feb 03, 2012 at 10:54 PM

sboerup
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p.1 #6 · OT: 50L users.

I found the 50L to have real problems with focus shift at near minimum focus ranges. I found the Sigma to be equally as awesome optically with a bit of better sharpness. Both have noticeable CA wide open.

I do know that 5Dc users have more focus problems with Sigma lenses because of the lack of micro-adjust.

Feb 03, 2012 at 10:54 PM

GraemePitman
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p.1 #7 · OT: 50L users.

^ I would really like to have the micro-adjust capacity to test this Sigma out properly. But alas...it's heading back to B&H on Monday. Horrible focus issues - both back and front.

Feb 03, 2012 at 11:01 PM

gpop
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p.1 #8 · OT: 50L users.

as long as you don't need <f2.5, consider the old ef50cm (compact macro 1:2).
buzzy af, shaaaaarp as hell.

hth

Feb 03, 2012 at 11:01 PM

isoesilo
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p.1 #9 · OT: 50L users.

gpop wrote:
as long as you don't need <f2.5, consider the old ef50cm (compact macro 1:2).
buzzy af, shaaaaarp as hell.

And miss every single shot thanks to the Flinstone-age AF motor

I still have that lens and use it for macro shots though.

Feb 03, 2012 at 11:12 PM

GraemePitman
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p.1 #10 · OT: 50L users.

I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has used the 5d+50L combo and found it worked well.

Feb 03, 2012 at 11:14 PM

Mitch W
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p.1 #11 · OT: 50L users.

GraemePitman wrote:
I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has used the 5d+50L combo and found it worked well.
I have both and like the results. I shoot from 1.2 to 2.2 on average with the lens. the 50L gets a little less use now that I have the 35L but I have no plans to sell it.

Feb 03, 2012 at 11:16 PM

SloPhoto
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p.1 #12 · OT: 50L users.

GraemePitman wrote:
^ I would really like to have the micro-adjust capacity to test this Sigma out properly. But alas...it's heading back to B&H on Monday. Horrible focus issues - both back and front.

It took 3 copies of my sig50 and two trips to sigma for the last one. It STILL has a very minor front focus (within acceptability on a 1ds mkII),

The journey was well worth the struggle.

Feb 03, 2012 at 11:18 PM

jasonhupe
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p.1 #13 · OT: 50L users.

I have the Sigma 50 and the 50L.
I originally went back and forth but after two years of using the L I have come to love it.
It can mis-focus. I have found it works best in decent light and I usually always shoot it between 1.2 - 2.0. It is built great and the bokeh is really something special. It is busy but I do like it.
It actually seems to perform better on my 5Dc's than the MK II, probably because the 12mp sensor does not show as many flaws as 22mp.
Here is a sample from a 5Dc from this past weekend.

2012 © jasonhupe

Feb 03, 2012 at 11:20 PM

timmyrl
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p.1 #14 · OT: 50L users.

I've been in the same boat and I think I'm waiting till I move from 5dc so I can use the siggy

Feb 04, 2012 at 02:01 AM

GraemePitman
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p.1 #15 · OT: 50L users.

Thanks for the input everyone, it's very helpful.

Feb 04, 2012 at 02:03 AM

RichardLavigne
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p.1 #16 · OT: 50L users.

I've had the 50 1.8, 50 1.4 and 50 1.2L... Love the L. I haven't really experienced any issues.. at least none that are directly attributable to the lens.... Focus and recompose can be tough... but that is going to be the case for any lens that is 1.2 @ 1.2.

Feb 04, 2012 at 02:13 AM

Jon-Mark
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p.1 #17 · OT: 50L users.

I do calibrations on the side and have encountered issues with numerous 50L lenses. It is beautiful when it nails the focus but that's a big "when". The Sigma 50 is beautifully sharp, but almost always requires calibration ( seems worse on canon for some reason ) however I must say it has some of the worst CA I've seen in any lens when shooting at f/1.4

Currently I use the Canon 1.4 and am generally quite happy with it, as I don't think half a stop and some weather sealing merits the $1000 price bump. I'd be eager to see a new edition of the canon 1.4

Feb 04, 2012 at 02:55 AM

GraemePitman
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p.1 #18 · OT: 50L users.

I think I'm going to go with the a new Canon 1.4 for now, until I get my 5d MK this summer. Then I'll head into Chicago or Madison to test out a few 50L's to see how they react.

Not having a camera store in 100 mile radius makes things a bit frustrating.

Feb 04, 2012 at 04:11 PM

form
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p.1 #19 · OT: 50L users.

GraemePitman wrote:
I've owned multiple copies of both those lenses, and both make me want to burn things. I sent my Canon 1.4 in three times for calibration/repair.

I realize that it's difficult to recompose at the shallow depth of field 1.2, but I thought that this lens in particular has a strange focus curve that made it near impossible. Just a rumour?

I now want to take a lens outside on the next sunny day and try to set dried leaves on fire with it.

Feb 04, 2012 at 04:32 PM

D. Diggler
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p.1 #20 · OT: 50L users.

jasonhupe wrote:
I originally went back and forth but after two years of using the L I have come to love it.
... It is busy but I do like it.

I have used the 50L on the 5Dc with good results as to focusing.

I must say that the one thing that put me off to it a bit was the, to my surprise, "busy" bouquet in many situations. I'll have to give the Sigma a try someday in hopes it would be less busy.

Feb 05, 2012 at 02:32 AM


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