I\'ve been eyeing the Sigma 50 f/1.4 for some time. I\'ve read the reviews, etc. This past week I ordered 3 (yes, three) Sigma 50\'s. My plan was to test them out and pick the best one and return the others (presumably for one of you to buy ). I\'ve read too much about the variation from lens to lens on this model, so I wanted to be sure I had a good one. After all, I\'m planning on keeping this a while.
The lenses came yesterday and here are my first impressions. First, you get the hood and a very nice padded case (think Lowepro lens case only nicer). So if you compare apples to apples, the Sigma isn\'t much more than the Canon f/1.4. The build quality is miles better than the Canon. Doesn\'t even compare. The only minor complaint I have is the focus ring is not silky smooth, but I can live with that. It\'s still WAY smoother than my Canon. This Sigma is \"L\" quality.
Today I did a microfocus adjustment on all of them and then did a newspaper test at apertures from f/1.4 to f/11. There was a little lens to lens variation, but really not that much. The microfocus adjustment was +3, -3, & -13. I was pretty impressed with the lenses on the test bench, but I also wanted to like them.
And then for grins I put the Canon 50 1.4 on the tripod and tested it out. When I saw the files I couldn\'t believe my eyes! It performed much better than the Sigma, in the center, at the edges and corners, from wide open to stopped down.
I went out today and took some landscape photos. The Sigma color seemed a little \"warmer\" than the Canon, but other than that I couldn\'t tell much difference.
I started out thinking I was certain I would end up with a Sigma, but after a head to head comparison with the Canon, I think I\'m going to return them all and stick with the Canon.
Oct 09, 2010 at 08:48 PM
Previous versions of Richard Nye's message #8926483 « Sigma 50 mythbusters »
). I\'ve read too much about the variation from lens to lens on this model, so I wanted to be sure I had a good one. After all, I\'m planning on keeping this a while.