Seems like the Sigma wins hands-down to me in these photos, and there are quite a variety of them.
I just returned my 50 1.8G and am looking to get another Sigma 1.4 (had one back on Canon), so I was wondering if you all have had similar experiences as far as the bokeh of these 3 lenses go.
p.1 #2 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
996gt2 wrote:
Seems like the Sigma wins hands-down to me in these photos
I have to disagree. I think the Sigma is best at F2 and below, and the 1.4G is best at F2.8 and up. None of them are overly spectacular. The Sigma has too much of the onion ring effect causing it to look nervous at times, and the Nikon has too much outlining especially at the larger apertures.
p.1 #3 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
The Sigma overall looks much more "creamy" wide open, like the Canon 50L. The Nikons, at least to me, have a much more "defined" bokeh, which looks a bit distracting IMO.
p.1 #4 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
FWIW, here are some goofy bokeh test shots that I did back in '08, when I got the Sigma 50. I'm happy with the Siggy and don't care about the onion skin effect that it sometimes gets. It's an easy fix in post. I don't have a 50g, only the 50 D, so it's not a complete comparison. There are plenty of bokeh breaking items within the photos, but especially the broom and the mop head, which is why they're front and center. I thought the little Siggy 30mm DX lens did fairly well by comparison. If you want to see the full sized images, remove the .jpg from the end of the link and then it'll take you directly to pbase, then click on full size.
p.1 #8 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
The lens mount is too small. I had a 55mm 1.2 and the rear element took up every bit of space in the lens mount. Now you have to make room for the electronic connections. I'm sure it's possible, but the lens mount size may make it difficult to design, or they think there isn't a demand for it.
p.1 #9 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
workerdrone wrote:
So, why is it exactly we can't have an AF 50 1.2 or 1.0 nikkor? Is Nikon concerned that the AF won't be fast or accurate enough for us?
It's not like they have to be made out of unobtainium or hasn't been done before, and customers would certainly pay a premium for them!
There is a patent for one in waiting. We will get it eventually. Nikon knows there is a demand with all the Canon shooters who love the 50L for weddings and portraits. If you search Nikonrumors.com you can find the patent diagrams.
p.1 #10 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
Back when the Sig 50mm f/1.4 came out there was a huge amount of boke testing on the alt board. It really polarized people. Personally I like it for people photography, as it draws much like a longer lens, for general shooting I prefer the Nikkors. Horses for courses.
p.1 #11 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
I had the sigma before but I had reliability issues... IE, the front element somehow got loose and fell off.
I currently don't have a 50mm lens and amd considering getting one as I dont shoot at 35mm as much as I thought i would. I think i will save up for the zeiss 55 1.4 when it comes out. Something about MF is oh so satisfying!
p.1 #12 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
Had a Siggy 50 1.4 when I shot Canon and loved it...
That said, given the size and weight of the lens, I wasn't rushing back when I got the D800. I settled on the 1.8G and am really bonding with it! Wish there was more 50mm choices when it comes to spectacular bokeh, but...
p.1 #13 · Comparison test of Sigma 50mm bokeh vs Nikon 50mm 1.4D and G
I ended up returning my 50 1.8G, and my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 should be here in a few days.
I really loved the Sigma 50 back when I shot with a Canon 5D, and I look forward to using it on my D700.
Though it is much softer in the extreme corners compared to any of the Nikon 50mm lenses, the bokeh is so much superior, IMO.
A few comparisons for people too lazy to click the link in my OP:
Sigma @ 1.4:
Nikon 50 1.4G @ 1.4:
Nikon 50 1.4D @ 1.4:
Sigma @ 1.4:
Nikon 50 1.4G @ 1.4:
Nikon 50 1.4D @ 1.4:
TSY87 wrote:
I had the sigma before but I had reliability issues... IE, the front element somehow got loose and fell off.
I currently don't have a 50mm lens and amd considering getting one as I dont shoot at 35mm as much as I thought i would. I think i will save up for the zeiss 55 1.4 when it comes out. Something about MF is oh so satisfying!
Sigma has pretty good warranty service. My Sigma 50mm was not focusing consistently when I first got it, but I sent the lens back to Sigma along with a collection of focus test charts shot with the lens, and they sent it back a week later with the AF dead-on for my Canon 5D. Plus, the warranty is 5 years, which matches Nikon's warranty and is a heck of a lot better than Canon's crappy 1 year warranty.
If you want to see the full sized images, remove the .jpg from the end of the link and then it'll take you directly to pbase, then click on full size. 
