p.1 #1 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
I've got a problem since getting my 5D Mark III: my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 HSM lens started performing exceptionally well and I'm starting to question the need for my Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM. Both lenses auto focus perfectly on the 5D Mark III, where they would miss around 40% of the time on the 5D Mark II and 7D.
Because the cost of the Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM is so much more: yeah it has nice weather sealing and a bit better build quality. But, this is not a lens that I'd take out in harsh weather anyway...at least I don't think.
Need help deciding which one yields the better bokeh (out of focus parts of the frame). Both appear to be darn sharp at f/1.4, which is where I tested them.
What I have noticed is that any highlight reflection in the diffuse background on the Canon 50mm yields a very busy and I think a bit distracting blur. Thoughts?
Thanks,
Jason
Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM - 1/640 s . f/1.4 . ISO 20 . +2/3 EV . AWB
Sigma 50mm f/1.4L HSM - 1/800 s . f/1.4 . ISO 200 . +2/3 EV . AWB
Here is what I mean about the very distracting bokeh of the Canon 50mm:
p.1 #3 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
Thanks Psychic1. The one lens I really wish was weather proof is my 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. I am looking forward to a new version of that lens with new IS and weather sealing.
Your daffodils look great. I wonder if it could be the 5D MK III causing that weirdness for my 50mm L. But have not noticed that with my other lenses. I only noticed that ever before with the 300mm f/4L IS that I have already sold.
p.1 #5 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
I kw this will not help you, but of all the 50's I've tried
Sig 1.4, 2.5cm, 1.8 and canon 1.4,
I like the bokeh in this order
1.8
Cm
Sig 1.4
Canon 1.4
And it's completely different than what a lot of people here report. I actually enjoy that pentagon shaped bullshit bokeh the 1.8 produces with out of focus highlights.
I've owned a half dozen Sigma lens and, while I liked the optics, I had very bad experiences with Sigma service (rechipping needed to work with my newer cameras).
p.1 #7 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
The 50 1.2L actually feels a little cheap when compared to the build of the 50 1.0L which feels like a tank.
As for bokeh, my copy of the 50 1.2L had very distracting bokeh, at times harsh and pointy. The Sigma bokeh looks much smoother and doesn't look like a 1.4 lens. It looks more like a 1.1 or 1.2. Considering the Sigma is also, wider (47mm?) the difference is even more dramatic in the amount of blur.
Apr 22, 2012 at 02:39 PM
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p.1 #8 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
I think the background blur and the bokeh is excellent on the 50L. And that is the main reason I own the lens. The Sigma is also a very good lens for it's price. The strength of the Sigma is the bokeh at close distance and large apertures. About as good as the Canon. But at longer distance or stopped down I think the Canon is a little bit better.
Apr 22, 2012 at 02:51 PM
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p.1 #9 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
pookipichu wrote:
The 50 1.2L actually feels a little cheap when compared to the build of the 50 1.0L which feels like a tank.
As for bokeh, my copy of the 50 1.2L had very distracting bokeh, at times harsh and pointy. The Sigma bokeh looks much smoother and doesn't look like a 1.4 lens. It looks more like a 1.1 or 1.2. Considering the Sigma is also, wider (47mm?) the difference is even more dramatic in the amount of blur.
I would nearly say the opposite when comparing the build of the two 50L lenses. The f/1,0 has so much rubber compared to the f/1,2 that it feels less good.
p.1 #10 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
We'll agree to disagree then, the 50 1.2 feels light and plasticky, also I don't know what rubber you're talking about....
Lars Johnsson wrote:
I would nearly say the opposite when comparing the build of the two 50L lenses. The f/1,0 has so much rubber compared to the f/1,2 that it feels less good.
p.1 #11 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
I think the 50/1.2L wide-open bokeh is excellent, too. OTOH, the Leica Summicron-R 50/2 can be better, in terms of both smooth transition from foreground to background, and lack of fiddly-detail with complex backgrounds.
Apr 22, 2012 at 02:59 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #12 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
pookipichu wrote:
We'll agree to disagree then, the 50 1.2 feels light and plasticky, also I don't know what rubber you're talking about....
The 50/1,0 is nearly exactly build like the old 85/1,2 lens. Much more rubber and a softer feeling when holding it.
The 50/1,2 is build more like the 24L or 35L. More of a hard plastic feeling when holding it.
And being lighter is a plus in my opinion. Why would I want a heavy feeling?
p.1 #13 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
So you're talking about the focus ring, the barrel is metal, I like the wide focus ring because it's easy to use even with gloves on. Not that you have to hold it by the focus ring. There's plenty of space to hold the barrel. The weight is a good balance with the body and easier to hold steady.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
The 50/1,0 is nearly exactly build like the old 85/1,2 lens. Much more rubber and a softer feeling when holding it.
The 50/1,2 is build more like the 24L or 35L. More of a hard plastic feeling when holding it.
And being lighter is a plus in my opinion. Why would I want a heavy feeling?
Apr 22, 2012 at 03:17 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #14 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
The barrel is not metal on any of those two lenses
p.1 #15 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
The EF 85/1.2L, EF 85/1.2L II, and EF 50/1.0L share very similar barrel designs that are distinct from every other EF lens, including the newer EF 50/1.2L. Substantial portions of the barrel itself have been given a special surface treatment that some might call "rubberized." The reason for this treatment is because these lenses are heavy and very wide near the lens mount, due to their fast aperture. This special finish provides for a better grip and easier handling of the lens, reducing the chance of accidentally dropping it.
Again, the 50/1.2L does not have this finish. It doesn't really need it.
Apr 22, 2012 at 03:31 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #16 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
wickerprints wrote:
The EF 85/1.2L, EF 85/1.2L II, and EF 50/1.0L share very similar barrel designs that are distinct from every other EF lens, including the newer EF 50/1.2L. Substantial portions of the barrel itself have been given a special surface treatment that some might call "rubberized." The reason for this treatment is because these lenses are heavy and very wide near the lens mount, due to their fast aperture. This special finish provides for a better grip and easier handling of the lens, reducing the chance of accidentally dropping it.
Again, the 50/1.2L does not have this finish. It doesn't really need it....Show more →
+1
Yes, that's why I say it feels more like rubber than the new lens
p.1 #17 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
It feels like metal, looks like metal. I have it sitting next to me. Maybe you are thinking of a different lens because the barrel of the 50 1.0L is metal.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
The barrel is not metal on any of those two lenses
Apr 22, 2012 at 03:46 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #18 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
pookipichu wrote:
It feels like metal, looks like metal. I have it sitting next to me. Maybe you are thinking of a different lens because the barrel of the 50 1.0L is metal.
p.1 #19 · Which 50mm yields the most pleasing bokeh?
I'd say sell your 50 1.2L and use the money elsewhere.
I know of a few extremely good photographers that have done the same, with zero regrets. And even if you regret it...zero biggie...you just buy another one later for the same price or less than you sold it for.
Sigma 50 is as world class as any other piece of top tier glass. Even the quality control issues that pop up occasionally on that lens are an absolutely moot point...we're all adults...you just return a bad one and buy another one, even if you had to buy three to get a good one, you waste what?..forty bucks in shipping?..but the 50L is what?...a thousand dollars more than the Sigma ha, so who cares if you spend an extra $40 to save $960 for equal results. No brainer.
Avoid the trap of cherishing "feel" and letting a company have way too much of your money when all you need are first class tools that give first class results. The Sigma 50 does that.
I've owned a half dozen Sigma lens and, while I liked the optics, I had very bad experiences with Sigma service (rechipping needed to work with my newer cameras).
To me the bokeh on those shots could be better, and probably would be with the cheaper sigma.
