Sigma is the best IMO, but at over 2x the price of the Nikon, it really depends on your budget. I had both at different points in time (the 50mm length just isn't for me) and enjoyed them equally.
The Sigma definitely has a special look to it when capably used, I've been looking forward to trying it out. From what I've seen IMO it may be the best 50 1.4 available if you don't mind the bulk.
Currently have a Nikon 50 1.8G, which is a great value but I like it a bit less than my previous 1.4G. Haven't tried the D but if it's available for pocket change used go for it...
Next 50 for me will be the Sigma, which sells used for about the same as the Nikon 1.4G and takes 77mm filters, which is nice since it's such a common pro lens filter size and easily steps down to other sizes with cheap adapter rings. My filter kit is nicely simplified with 77mm CPL, UV, several ND's, and several step rings.
50/1.8 Series E
50/1.8 AIS Pancake
50/2 AI
50/1.4 Pre-AI
55/1.2
50/1.8 AFD
50/1.4 Sigma
I got the Sigma because I knew I would love it and I wanted the best AF lens at that length. I would have paid more than the asking price, really a fair value IMO. From what I have seen, I really have no desire for the 1.4G. Maybe I'll pick up a 1.8G one day if I can find one cheap.
The only other '50' I really want is Noct, and one day I will have one.
I had a 50 1.8D that I brashly gave to my dad even though he'll never use it, and I miss that lens -- it was great. W
I will probably grab the 1.4D, G, or the siggy at some point, but it's not high on my priorities list. I have an 85 1.4G that pretty much never comes off the camera, a 50 1.4 AIS to mess around with, and a mid-range 2.8 zoom for doing real work at wider angles than 85. In the meantime, I can honestly say I haven't missed shooting 50mm much. I was primarily shooting 50mm on DX, and the 85 has filled that space just fine (actually, far better) on FX.
FWIW, I have the Nikon 50 f/1.4d and the Sigma 50 f/1.4. The Sigma is about 4 years old and the Nikon is about 8 years old.
Both are good lenses, but I prefer to use the Sigma, primarily for the bokeh. Here are a couple of bokeh comparison shots that I did back in 2008, on the d700, both at f/1.4.
Hopefully your wife never googles your name and finds this post.
Kerry Pierce wrote:
FWIW, I have the Nikon 50 f/1.4d and the Sigma 50 f/1.4. The Sigma is about 4 years old and the Nikon is about 8 years old.
Both are good lenses, but I prefer to use the Sigma, primarily for the bokeh. Here are a couple of bokeh comparison shots that I did back in 2008, on the d700, both at f/1.4.
IMO, the 50 was always too short or too long. So, I use Nikon's 35 and 85 G 1.4. BTW, from what I've heard, the Sigma 50 1.4 is only good in the center. Soft outside the center and quite poor on the edges and corners.
