Sigma 50/1.4 DG "Art" - official thread - reviewed!

[Thomas]

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> Update: review is out here.
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"Normal" lenses for full-frame bodies seem to be quite en vogue: After Nikon's AF-S 58/1.4G and Zeiss' Otus 55/1.4 it's now Sigma's turn to announce their newly designed 50/1.4 lens.



Here are the data:
Lens Construction: 13 elements in 8 groups
Minimum focusing distance: 40cm / 15.7in.; maximum magnification ratio: 1:5.6
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): ø85.4mm x 99.9mm / 3.4in. x 3.9in. | Weight: tbd
Filter size: ø77mm
No price or availability are given and the unknown weight points in the direction that development of this lens is not yet finished.
But interestingly the overall design follows in the direction that Zeiss went with it's latest Otus design: it uses a wide-angle design instead of the standard double-Gaussian to achieve better image quality.
Here's the press release. Und dort auf Deutsch.

And here's some comment from popo, who expresses the hope that this'll be the "Otus for the masses" - with the advantage of AF, I might add.

My review of the "old" Sigma 50/1.4 is here of the Zeiss Otus there. lenses for full-frame bodies seem to be quite en vogue: After Nikon's AF-S 58/1.4G and Zeiss' Otus 55/1.4 it's now Sigma's turn to announce their newly designed 50/1.4 lens.

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[popo]

They changed the weight to TBD. It was listed as 470g which puts it lighter than the old one if that remains the case. Given the size and element increase I was wondering how they did that, unless the old one used lead. Maybe that was a typo, or copy and paste error?

[Thomas]

Well, I think the lens will not reach the massive weight of the Otus (>900g), but I would indeed assume that the new lens will be heavier than the old on (at 505g).

[popo]

My suspicions may not be too far off after all... Imaging Resource said they spoke to Sigma, and the 50 "Art" is apparently being targeted at Otus level. Of course, we're still missing samples, price and availability...

[Thomas]

"we're still missing samples, price and availability..."
and not to mention weight.
Still looks like a lens that is still in the design phase or at least final spec phase. Maybe they were so shocked from the optical qualities of the Zeiss Otus that they reconsidered using some more expensive glass in their design.

[popo]

http://www.canonrumors.com/2014/02/sigm ... irst-time/

Claimed crops from the Sigma lens above. Take it for what you will.

[Thomas]

Thanks for the heads-up, popo!
Interestingly no Canon lens in the comparison, but it was published at canonrumors!?
I'll be certainly testing this new Sigma and hope that they deliver the version with Nikon-mount not too late after the Canon-mount.

[popo]

The original source they got it from doesn't seem accessible to me, but they're limited to whatever was tested there. I think they still posted as it is one of the more interesting lenses known to be in development. If it delivers on the "Otus for a lot less, with AF" then I can see it shifting a lot of units.

[popo]

http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct. ... 677/cat/30

Just seen a review at SLR Gear via Photo Rumors. The scope of their test is technical if limited, as I'm more interested in longitudinal CA, astigmatism and coma. Still, what they have doesn't seem bad. Weight is listed as 810g.

[Thomas]

Now SLRgear has also published the Zeiss Otus 55/1.4 test for comparison.
Here's the key image from both tests:

[popo]

B&H have it on pre-order for $949! I haven't checked out more local pricing yet, but that is very affordable. Unless you need f/1.2 or have size issues, this could be the higher end 50mm choice for the near future.

[Thomas]

Certainly for Canon only at the moment, popo?!

[popo]

From Sigma UK's website:

"Sigma’s 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | A – Canon and Sigma fit will be available in May 2014, Nikon fit in June at the suggested retail price of £849.99 including VAT. Availability of Sony and Pentax fit still to be determined."

[BleuDragon]

From the initial results it seems this lens is a winner. I probably would go with it rather than my Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM if I were buying a 50mm lens.

[popo]

Just got mine! Only did a few test shots around my desk at work to make sure it is working. No AFMA needed on my 5D2 based on the rear screen preview anyway. Good contrast, low longitudinal colour... full test will have to wait until after work! Oh, I knew the weight before, but you don't notice it until you try to pick it up!