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Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

juhiz79
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

Hello!

This is my first post on this forum by the way

Sep 07, 2023 at 04:16 AM

freaklikeme
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

Hello and welcome!

The Sony GM 50/1.4 puts up a good fight in the resolution department, and I think it makes a better all-around lens (beautifully round bokeh even stopped down, better flare resistance, so very much lighter) but where the Sigma's better (lack of coma, flatter field, lower distortion) seem like critical differences for astro. So the beast is probably still the best thing going around that focal length.

Sep 07, 2023 at 04:38 AM

InFocus2014
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

freaklikeme wrote:
Hello and welcome!

The Sony GM 50/1.4 puts up a good fight in the resolution department, and I think it makes a better all-around lens (beautifully round bokeh even stopped down, better flare resistance, so very much lighter) but where the Sigma's better (lack of coma, flatter field, lower distortion) seem like critical differences for astro. So the beast is probably still the best thing going around that focal length.

I agree.

I replaced my Sigma 40mm with their 35mm f1.2 for portrait work. I now wish I had kept the 40mm, as well. When all the major optical metrics are considered, I think the Sigma 40mm f1.4 is the best lens I have ever shot.

Sep 07, 2023 at 07:33 AM

juhiz79
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

Thanks much about your opinions. I have a feeling this Sigma 40 is nowdays like a forgotten gem but of course size is big for many people. If someone have a opinion how this might compared to Voigtlander APO's also it would be very nice.

I think also Voigtlander apo 50 example have some kind of colour issues with brighter stars but this only feeling what is based on same network post on the astrobin.

Sep 07, 2023 at 08:49 AM

Robin Smith
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

My thought is (and I love 40s). It's really good but just way, way too big; so no.

Sep 07, 2023 at 08:52 AM

sismailian
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

I absolutely loved my sigma 40 1.4 i had and wish I kept it. I have the 35 1.2 but there was just something special about the images from the 40 1.4. That flat field and rendering was beautiful along with barely any lens flare. One of my absolute best shots I ever took of a leaf with the sun the background in butter smooth bokeh without flare always makes me want it again!

I am just hesitant in case they remake it but also since i have the 35 1.2 and the voigtlander 50 apo. The voigtlander is something else that reminds me of the sigma. Super sharp amazing landscape lens that blows me away everytime with how tiny and light it is. I never used my 50 apo for astro as i prefer a 1.4 anyway so can't comment on that.

Since astro is something you want to use it for, the sigma 40 will really do great with its super low coma. But also this lens as a general usage lens with its weight will definitely become tiring after a while unless you don't mind it.

I will say that ive used the sigma 35 1.2 for astro and it really is great! I used it for comet neowise and got great lifetime keeper shots! I still think the sigma 40 is amazing today and would get it if its on sale if i didn't mind having sore biceps 😁

So you kind of have to weight the pros and cons. It's usually always on sale at b&h and adorama. I would get it from b&h. One copy i got from adorama was bad and had to return it but everyone plays the copy variation game still today.

Sep 07, 2023 at 10:39 AM

jaygould
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

I own the 40 but I don't love it. It has extremely clinical and flat rendering. Colors are muted. But if that is what you want, it is good. It just weighs so much that I never use it, however.

I have never shot astrophotography but I would imagine it would work really well for that.

Sep 07, 2023 at 11:45 AM

steamtrain
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

juhiz79 wrote:
Hello!

This is my first post on this forum by the way

I was thinking is this sigma 40 1.4 art still worth it nowdays? Anyone has experiences about Voigtlander 35/50 apos vs sigma 40 1.4? How about new sigma 50 dgdn vs 40 1.4?

New lens will be a nightsky photography + general use lens for me and I didn't found much info how this older Sigma is compared newer lenses or is it still king of the hill?

The Voigtlanders don't come with AF. I'm using the EF 40mm f/1.4 Art on my Canon R5, and the AF of that combo is flawless.

In my book the 40mm Art is still king of the hill. It provides a look lenses with less glass can't. And for the price it's a steal.
I have the 50mm f/1.2 GM, and that's a great lens as well. But it has a different character than the 40mm Art. You might also have a look at the f/1.4 GM. At the end of the day all these lenses are such stellar performers the character is much more important than the performance. With these lenses it's rather the reviewer being tested than the lenses.

Sep 07, 2023 at 12:45 PM

freaklikeme
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

juhiz79 wrote:
Thanks much about your opinions. I have a feeling this Sigma 40 is nowdays like a forgotten gem but of course size is big for many people. If someone have a opinion how this might compared to Voigtlander APO's also it would be very nice.

I think also Voigtlander apo 50 example have some kind of colour issues with brighter stars but this only feeling what is based on same network post on the astrobin.

The CV 50 has about the same level of coma as the 50/1.4 GM (it's not terrible, but it's there and it will cause the color spread you're mentioning). I'd think the biggest problem for you would be the transmission-robbing wide open vignetting of the little lens.

Sep 07, 2023 at 03:39 PM

mattmackenzie4
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

This (clinical rendering) together with slower AF and weight was had me sell it eventually.

There were a few rare instances where the images were winners but I found the 35/1.2 and 50/1.2 GM to be much more pleasing

Sep 08, 2023 at 09:24 AM

wind30
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

Clinical rendering is a nice way to put it… I had the 40mm and it’s bokeh in the transitional areas are very bad, sharp rings and very busy. I now use the 35mm f1.2.

Other than rendering, I think the 40mm was the best 35/40mm lens I have seen optically.

Honestly, there is no reason to buy the 40mm over the 35mm f1.2 as it is just heavier with bad rendering. The disadvantages of the 35mm is really pretty minor like slight LoCA. The biggest problem with the 35mm d1.2 is actually its size and weight but the 40mm is …. Bigger.

Sep 10, 2023 at 03:59 AM

johnahill
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

Love my 40, as a one lens walk around kit I've not wished for anything else.
It's a steal if you get it used

Sep 10, 2023 at 05:29 AM

tsdevine
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

I paid $599 for mine new, which to me is still a steal.

johnahill wrote:
Love my 40, as a one lens walk around kit I've not wished for anything else.
It's a steal if you get it used

Sep 10, 2023 at 05:32 AM

juhiz79
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sigma 40 1.4 still worth it?

Ok i have oredered this big monster now. Thanks much for feedback. I’m scared about the size but also this is kind of lens what i have been waiting for. This is absolutely better option for me instead of apo voigtlander even that is wonderful lens

Sep 13, 2023 at 03:54 PM


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