Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a well-regarded lens among photographers, particularly those utilizing the Nikon F mount system. Known for its performance and build quality, this lens has become a popular choice for portrait photography, low-light situations, and general-purpose use.

Build Quality and Design

The first thing you’ll notice about the Sigma 50mm F1.4 is its solid construction. The lens has a sturdy, all-metal body that feels durable in hand, with a rubberized grip on the focus ring for better handling. Weighing around 450 grams, it strikes a good balance between being robust without being excessively heavy. The lens features a weather-sealed design, which can be a lifesaver for outdoor photography, although it's not fully weatherproof.

The front element is large and well-protected, thanks to the included lens hood that efficiently minimizes flare and ghosting. The 77mm filter thread is also a plus, providing compatibility with various filters that can enhance your creative photography.

Optics and Image Quality

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 excels in image quality, delivering sharp images across a wide range of apertures. At f/1.4, images are impressively sharp in the center with just a soft hint of softness towards the edges. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 increases the sharpness significantly across the frame, making this lens suitable for landscapes as well as portraits.

The bokeh produced is creamy and pleasing, thanks to the nine-blade diaphragm that renders out-of-focus areas beautifully. This attribute makes it an excellent choice for portrait work where subject isolation is essential.

That said, it's worth mentioning that the lens does show some distortion and vignetting at wider apertures. However, these issues are relatively easy to correct during post-processing, particularly for those who shoot in RAW.

Autofocus Performance

Equipped with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), the autofocus system on the Sigma 50mm F1.4 is both fast and quiet. It performs admirably for portraits and weddings where subtlety is appreciated. The lens provides full-time manual focusing without the need to switch modes, offering extra control when fine-tuning focus.

Though generally reliable, some users have experienced minor inconsistencies with autofocus accuracy, particularly in low-light situations or when shooting rapidly moving subjects. It’s essential to test your copy to ensure it meets your expectations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and solid construction
• Outstanding sharpness across different apertures
• Beautiful bokeh for portrait work
• Fast and quiet autofocus with full-time manual option
• Weather-sealed design for outdoor use

Cons

• Some distortion and vignetting at wider apertures
• Occasional autofocus inconsistencies in low light
• Larger and heavier than some competitors

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM for Nikon F mount is a fantastic lens that offers outstanding image quality, a pleasing bokeh, and reliable autofocus performance. While it has some minor drawbacks in terms of distortion and occasional autofocus issues, the positives far outweigh these cons. Whether you are a professional looking to expand your portrait photography toolkit or an enthusiast aiming for higher-quality images, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 is certainly worth considering.