MrTMan wrote:
That's interesting. They've had mine for a month now and when I check the status online, it says "awaiting parts". I guess I should followup to see what's happening so that I hopefully get a new one, rather than having to wait six months for a repair.
Quite frankly I'd prefer a new one, since Lens Rentals' testing found that the copy variation isn't too bad on this lens -- so we at least have some stats on the quality of the factory assembly, whereas we don't have stats on how good or poor of a job Precision does when repairing these lenses...
At any rate, this type of thing is why I have a strong preference for buying Zeiss lenses over Sony lenses, whenever possible...(I'd previously had a miserable Sony service experience with a 35/1.4)....Show more →
Can you apply for the Sony Pro service in Canada? It's the only way to get great repair service.
Probably not worth it for me, Fred, as I actually only own two Sony lenses at the moment.
Although thankfully I did get a status update on my 50/1.4. Like DrShouter, they'll be exchanging the lens with a brand new one, since the parts are backordered. Which was my preference anyway. Now I just have to hope that my new copy is as stellar as my last one was.
quick comparison with my Sigma 50 f1.4 Art
map mini
Sigma 0.4m
Zeiss 0.45m
magnification factor
Sigma x 0.18
Zeiss x 0.15
weight
sigma + ring type metabones 815g + 120 g = 935g
Zeiss = 778g
Cut
Sigma + ring (length 100mm + 25mm) = 125mm x 85mm
Zeiss = 108mm x 83mm
and the price ... hum without comment ...
I think the 50 1.4 ZA is one of the finest lenses available for e-mount.
I have had two 55 1.8's and they just didn't do it for me. A lens can be super sharp but if it does not render well the image pales in comparison to one that does like the 50 1.4
Case in point the highly regarded 85GM is not the sharpest lens out there but the rendering and images it produces are magical. You hear people complain about the size or weight or cost of the 85GM but never about the IQ.
The images I get with my 50 1.4 ZA are special, it is not a FL I use often but when I do I am almost always rewarded with images I get with this lens.
trstahly wrote:
I think the 50 1.4 ZA is one of the finest lenses available for e-mount.
I have had two 55 1.8's and they just didn't do it for me. A lens can be super sharp but if it does not render well the image pales in comparison to one that does like the 50 1.4
Case in point the highly regarded 85GM is not the sharpest lens out there but the rendering and images it produces are magical. You hear people complain about the size or weight or cost of the 85GM but never about the IQ.
The images I get with my 50 1.4 ZA are special, it is not a FL I use often but when I do I am almost always rewarded with images I get with this lens.
kiernan wrote:
quick comparison with my Sigma 50 f1.4 Art
map mini
Sigma 0.4m
Zeiss 0.45m
magnification factor
Sigma x 0.18
Zeiss x 0.15
weight
sigma + ring type metabones 815g + 120 g = 935g
Zeiss = 778g
Cut
Sigma + ring (length 100mm + 25mm) = 125mm x 85mm
Zeiss = 108mm x 83mm
and the price ... hum without comment ...
Do you have any image comparisons of the bokeh? I've been looking for a direct comparison between Sony 50mm f1.4 ZA vs Sigma Art background blur with busy foliage for a while (at f1.4).
RoseandCharles wrote:
Do you have any image comparisons of the bokeh? I've been looking for a direct comparison between Sony 50mm f1.4 ZA vs Sigma Art background blur with busy foliage for a while (at f1.4).
the sigma bokeh would be more distracting, to say the least.
the sony wins everywhere aside from price.
better bokeh
nicer/smoother transitions
lighter
smaller
true native, not third party, so it's future proof
doesn't look stupid
sharp as anything out there!
Dj R wrote:
the sigma bokeh would be more distracting, to say the least.
the sony wins everywhere aside from price.
better bokeh
nicer/smoother transitions
lighter
smaller
true native, not third party, so it's future proof
doesn't look stupid
sharp as anything out there!
Add almost nonexistent CAs. The Sigma has plenty of it.
Dj R wrote:
the sigma bokeh would be more distracting, to say the least.
the sony wins everywhere aside from price.
better bokeh
nicer/smoother transitions
lighter
smaller
true native, not third party, so it's future proof
doesn't look stupid
sharp as anything out there!
Thank you for this assessment. We are getting our evaluation loaner of the Sony 50mm f1.4 ZA today, along with the 85mm GM and 70-200 GM.
I don't feel the 50 Art is given the appropriate kudos. The lens can be and is amazing. It is a modern rendering lens but it is very capable. Now that the 50 Art is available in FE mount it is a superb option.
Personally I loved the FE 35/1.4 and GM 85 but I have not tried the FE 50/1.4 yet
Here are a few shots with the 50 Art albeit with a D810. The 50 Art can be very sharp and yet gentle in my opinion. I really think the 50 Art would be a great option for many but the only caveat is that AF would have to work equally as a native lens.
I'm with trstahly and a few others here. This lens has a special look and it's become my favorite 50mm, I kept my 50 and 85L's from my Canon days until I got this lens...I love everything about it except the size which I can deal with because of the rendering.
RoseandCharles wrote:
Do you have any image comparisons of the bokeh? I've been looking for a direct comparison between Sony 50mm f1.4 ZA vs Sigma Art background blur with busy foliage for a while (at f1.4).
On video below there is link to DropBox RAW-files, of which many have foliage background. Also there is some analysis starting from 8:00, but when RAW-images are available, why to listen somebody else's analysis?
Samuli Vahonen wrote:
On video below there is link to DropBox RAW-files, of which many have foliage background. Also there is some analysis starting from 8:00, but when RAW-images are available, why to listen somebody else's analysis?
Samuli
Thank you for this video comparison link! We tried out the 50mm f1.4 ZA last night, and while the bokeh is good for indoor purposes, I feel like it does have harsh outlines for outdoor foliage. The effect is almost Trioplan lens like, but not as strong. I understand some people really love the effect, but it's not my taste.
