i remember when the original 50mm ART came out, man was that an eye opener. i had paired it with my trusty 6D, holy moly i remember thinking it didnt get any better. glad to see it has indeed gotten better!
As ever Dustin, an excellent review! This 50mm Sigma is certainly a lot better in regards to sharpness and bokeh, however, the original Sigma Art lens had virtually no distortion at all, indeed I used it on many commercial jobs where buildings were featured, but why Sigma couldn't replicate the near zero distortion for this 50mm and the new 85mm is puzzling. But all in all a fantastic performing lens at the price!
Unpopular opinion: if the sharpness after distortion correction is still good, then I think sacrificing distortion for a smaller lens is a good tradeoff. Same with lateral chromatic aberration. Optics are all about tradeoffs, and digital thrives on different requirements from film.
Thank you for these great reviews. Have you considered adding a section that would go over the rendering and micro contrast for primes, as part of the review? That would be much appreciated.
I would say that these areas are covered in my image quality breakdown. I don't really want to add something further that would make the reviews even longer.
Seems to be a top contender going forward, as the DSLR versions of this were already well received by many photographers. Looking forward to the point in time when all these 3rd party lenses get a chance at competing with Canon's RF glass.
Dustin, thank you for the very comprehensive review. I'm a big fan of your testing methods and expertise you have acquired using lenses in your possession. I have been doing a lengthy research for 50mm and 35mm lenses and finally decided on going with 50mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/2. Interestingly few websites, namely Lens Tip, Optical Limits, and EPhotozine are using Imatest and Sony A7R 2or 3 cameras to test the lenses, Because of that their tests are comparable. Still, I have found that some of their values vary quite a bit. I understand that there are variances between lenses but Sigma supposedly tests each of their premium lenses to be within specs. I'm not sure whether you came across something similar when the test values would differ considerably. I wonder whether this could be attributed at least partly to a test shot that is not critically in focus.
I can't account for other sites, but one thing I always do is take a long look at the MTF charts from the manufacturer and then see if my results are in line with what performance should be. Most of the time it is, but if my tested lens is way off (very rare), I check in with the lensmaker. Sometimes lenses can get damaged or decentered in transit.
Was hoping this new Sigma 50mm will be the best for astro, but at least based on other reviews it doesnt handle CA very well. Looks like I will have to wait for the new Tamron 45mm
Great video. I know you used to use Sony Zeiss 50 mm 1.4. How do you think this one compares to that one? I have the Zeiss and am perfectly happy with it but the photos from this one look very tempting.
I sold the Zony mostly because I felt like the autofocus missed more often than what I would like...and I planned to buy the F1.2 GM instead. Right now I'm waiting to see what the rumored 50mm F1.4 GM is like, as I might do that instead.
I think the best option here would be the new Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM. As for the f/1.2 GM I would rather jump to Laowa 35mm or 45mm f/0.95 for a notable upgrade in bokeh and low light performance but of course no autofocus.
New optical formula and body (see all the switches/functions) - think of it like a mark ii. The first version was released almost 9 years ago and ported over to Sony from the DSLR version, so at some point it makes sense to update it to the current tech level. Being built for mirrorless and not originally for DSLR also means it can be constructed smaller/lighter. Doesn't mean your lens is suddenly unusable though, it's still a very solid, high performing piece of glass that thousands have shot great photos with.
I’m quite puzzled tbh, saw a review from Gerald Undone in which he was complaining and showing very extreme chromatic abberations, which really put me of this lens. He even had a talk with Sigma and they seem to think that this is normal….
I'd say that is a serious overstatement. The quality of manual focus on this lens, for example, is better than the straight manual focus lenses like this had in the past.
I own the previous sigma 50 1.4 dg hsm Art and this DG DN new version seems to deliver a much creamier bokeh. I dont like the DG hsm bokeh at all, but here It seems much Better...
Wow, I really disagree on that point. That lens has always been overpriced, and I didn't find the rendering particularly special at all. I would (did) take the cheapo Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 over it.
Too many introductory adverbial "And so as you can see..." repetitions when, actually, none is needed, and all should therefore be omitted. William Strunk, Jr.'s Elementary Principle of Composition No. 13 is, "Omit needless words," and "As you can see..." is entirely needless. What's more, endless repetitions of an idiosyncratic phrase gets to be tiresome and boring. "As you can see, this lens is..." can and therefore should be shortened to "This lens is..." with no loss of clarity, emphasis, or meaning, and no little savings in time.
@@arthurpeterson5273 Ironically, you did it yourself. You don't need to say "Yes, I'm sure you're right". You can just say "you're right" and it's already implied you're sure of it, since you're saying it.
The only fellow on UA-cam who makes reliable honest reviews. Thank you.
That's very kind. Thanks
i remember when the original 50mm ART came out, man was that an eye opener. i had paired it with my trusty 6D, holy moly i remember thinking it didnt get any better. glad to see it has indeed gotten better!
It definitely has gotten better.
Been eyeballing a solid, affordable 50 as a friend for my 24-70, cool option here!
Definitely a strong option.
As ever Dustin, an excellent review! This 50mm Sigma is certainly a lot better in regards to sharpness and bokeh, however, the original Sigma Art lens had virtually no distortion at all, indeed I used it on many commercial jobs where buildings were featured, but why Sigma couldn't replicate the near zero distortion for this 50mm and the new 85mm is puzzling. But all in all a fantastic performing lens at the price!
Hi Chris, that seems to be what has "given" in their attempts to shrink the physical size of these DN lenses.
Unpopular opinion: if the sharpness after distortion correction is still good, then I think sacrificing distortion for a smaller lens is a good tradeoff. Same with lateral chromatic aberration. Optics are all about tradeoffs, and digital thrives on different requirements from film.
Great review and beautiful shots!
Thank you!
Another excellent review, Dustin. I'm now thinking of selling my Sony Zeiss 55mm 1.8 and getting this one. Thanks!
Glad to help out.
just waitng the sony gm 50mm 1.4 :)
I'm very interested in what develops there, too.
Thank you ever so much for another great review, very much appreciated.
My pleasure!
Thank you for these great reviews. Have you considered adding a section that would go over the rendering and micro contrast for primes, as part of the review? That would be much appreciated.
I would say that these areas are covered in my image quality breakdown. I don't really want to add something further that would make the reviews even longer.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I understand. Thank you.
Seems to be a top contender going forward, as the DSLR versions of this were already well received by many photographers. Looking forward to the point in time when all these 3rd party lenses get a chance at competing with Canon's RF glass.
Exactly on both points.
Great review. I'll wait for the sigma 50mm F1.2
Hmmm, maybe that lens comes, maybe it doesn't. I'm not sure that the 35mm F1.2 has been a big seller for them because it is just so big.
Dustin,
thank you for the very comprehensive review. I'm a big fan of your testing methods and expertise you have acquired using lenses in your possession. I have been doing a lengthy research for 50mm and 35mm lenses and finally decided on going with 50mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/2. Interestingly few websites, namely Lens Tip, Optical Limits, and EPhotozine are using Imatest and Sony A7R 2or 3 cameras to test the lenses, Because of that their tests are comparable. Still, I have found that some of their values vary quite a bit. I understand that there are variances between lenses but Sigma supposedly tests each of their premium lenses to be within specs. I'm not sure whether you came across something similar when the test values would differ considerably. I wonder whether this could be attributed at least partly to a test shot that is not critically in focus.
I can't account for other sites, but one thing I always do is take a long look at the MTF charts from the manufacturer and then see if my results are in line with what performance should be. Most of the time it is, but if my tested lens is way off (very rare), I check in with the lensmaker. Sometimes lenses can get damaged or decentered in transit.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you for your answer
Should I keep my samyang 50mm 1.4 ii or get this one 🤔
I'm debating the same. I've got a video in a day or two that may help you.
@@DustinAbbottTWI can't wait , thx Dustin
How is this lens on the fx30 or other apsc cameras?
I haven't really tested it there.
Good job as always!! God bless
Thank you! You too!
Was hoping this new Sigma 50mm will be the best for astro, but at least based on other reviews it doesnt handle CA very well. Looks like I will have to wait for the new Tamron 45mm
I've got some astro results in my text review, and I think it did quite well, actually.
Seems like everything Sigma puts out these days are top notch.
They are doing a really solid job with performance in general.
Great video. I know you used to use Sony Zeiss 50 mm 1.4. How do you think this one compares to that one? I have the Zeiss and am perfectly happy with it but the photos from this one look very tempting.
I sold the Zony mostly because I felt like the autofocus missed more often than what I would like...and I planned to buy the F1.2 GM instead. Right now I'm waiting to see what the rumored 50mm F1.4 GM is like, as I might do that instead.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you. I will wait for that one as well.
@@DustinAbbottTWI do you think that the sigma is sharper than the zeiss?
Is the video sped up or I've had too much coffee?
You either have had too much coffee or some local setting is changed. The original is normal.
Yeah I didn't realize there is speed option lol@@DustinAbbottTWI
Thanks for putting out that review. Excellent work.
The distortion and the CA is really not my cup of tea. It should be better than that.
The distortion seems to be what gave in this design to enable the smaller size.
I like my Sigma 65mmF2 DG DN lens so much that this one will not be bought....😉 Thanks for the awesome review as always
That's fair. We all don't need every new lens that comes out!
I think the best option here would be the new Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM. As for the f/1.2 GM I would rather jump to Laowa 35mm or 45mm f/0.95 for a notable upgrade in bokeh and low light performance but of course no autofocus.
I think it hits a sweet spot, too.
I’m confused I have a sigma 1.4 for Sony emount. What is the difference
New optical formula and body (see all the switches/functions) - think of it like a mark ii.
The first version was released almost 9 years ago and ported over to Sony from the DSLR version, so at some point it makes sense to update it to the current tech level. Being built for mirrorless and not originally for DSLR also means it can be constructed smaller/lighter.
Doesn't mean your lens is suddenly unusable though, it's still a very solid, high performing piece of glass that thousands have shot great photos with.
Both of the answers given from the audience are accurate.
I’m quite puzzled tbh, saw a review from Gerald Undone in which he was complaining and showing very extreme chromatic abberations, which really put me of this lens. He even had a talk with Sigma and they seem to think that this is normal….
I definitively didn't see what I would call extreme. I can only show what I actually saw, so I can't account for what Gerald encountered.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I totally get that, it’s just a bit confusing. Maybe he had a bad copy.
I want to know winer of sigma 40mm vs 50mm dgdn.
I would lean towards the 50mm. It's smaller and lighter but similarly sharp.
thank you sir!
The uba expensive, if excellent, Sony G master has strong competition, certainly on a value for money basis.
Exactly.
Please bug them for a DN 70-200 too.
I'm actually shocked that lens hasn't come. I expected it shortly after the 24-70mm F2.8 ART came out.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks! Seems odd, but at the same time, perhaps it’ll be just as stellar as the 24-70 Art and worth the wait.
Focus by wire is truly evil.
I'd say that is a serious overstatement. The quality of manual focus on this lens, for example, is better than the straight manual focus lenses like this had in the past.
I think this is the one. Half the price of GM
That certainly helps
That "bokeh"🤢😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I actually don't think its bad, but not everyone is a big fan of Sigma bokeh.
I own the previous sigma 50 1.4 dg hsm Art and this DG DN new version seems to deliver a much creamier bokeh. I dont like the DG hsm bokeh at all, but here It seems much Better...
THe best bang for the buck 50mm is the Zeiss 55mm F1.8.
That one have worse focus
The 55mm zeiss is small but CA is really bad wide open. And it is still overpriced today.
Wow, I really disagree on that point. That lens has always been overpriced, and I didn't find the rendering particularly special at all. I would (did) take the cheapo Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 over it.
Canon is the worst
I assume you are speaking because of not letting lenses like this on their platform.
Too many introductory adverbial "And so as you can see..." repetitions when, actually, none is needed, and all should therefore be omitted. William Strunk, Jr.'s Elementary Principle of Composition No. 13 is, "Omit needless words," and "As you can see..." is entirely needless. What's more, endless repetitions of an idiosyncratic phrase gets to be tiresome and boring. "As you can see, this lens is..." can and therefore should be shortened to "This lens is..." with no loss of clarity, emphasis, or meaning, and no little savings in time.
Hmmm, I'm not quite sure how you expect this lecture to be received, but it comes across as rather pedantic.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes, I'm sure you're right. Still, it may be possible to derive a benefit therefrom, however minor.
@@arthurpeterson5273 Ironically, you did it yourself. You don't need to say "Yes, I'm sure you're right". You can just say "you're right" and it's already implied you're sure of it, since you're saying it.
@@CanditoTrainingHQ True.