I'm thinking about buying a 50mm prime lens and the most likely candidates are Canon's and Sigma's 1,4 editions. I've read a lot about these two lenses and the common opinion seems that the Sigma has a slightly higher image quality but in some cases severe autofocus problems.
If you have one of those lenses, what are your experiences with it? Would it be like gambling to buy a Sigma and hoping that the focus works alright?
I'm sorry if this is a common topic that is already covered elsewhere. I've used the search function but I am notorious for not seeing the obvious.
I don't know if you have looked at this particular review but here is an little piece:
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens is a bit sharper (less dreamy) than the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens until f/4 where the Canon has much sharper corners. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens has sharper corners from f/2.8, but is not sharper than the Sigma in the center. The Sigma is similar in sharpness to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens throughout the aperture range. The Canon f/1.2 has better corners at some apertures, but the Sigma makes up for this with better control of CA.
I use the Canon 50mm 1.8 and I love it, many people have questioned whether it's really worth the extra in forking out for the 1.4. It seems to me like it can have a slightly nice bokeh (and clearly a better build quality) but don't know if the price tag really warrants the benefits you get over the 1.8.
Just to give you what I thought about when researching and buying my 50mm prime.
the canon is cheap as chips , you cant go wrong, its there cheapest lense on the market and one to not have in your kit as always comes in handy. Ive never used a sigma, but I've heard the non-brand makes are not as quick at focusing compared with Canon, its a no brainer really :)
@rebcastillo77 Thank you Rebecca! Yes, I've seen this review and it seems to be the prevalent opinion. I've also read a lot of reviews where Sigma's front focus was a huge problem. Most of these reviews were on Amazon though, so I thought I'd try to get some feedback from the Incredible 365 Community (tm).
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The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens is a bit sharper (less dreamy) than the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens until f/4 where the Canon has much sharper corners. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens has sharper corners from f/2.8, but is not sharper than the Sigma in the center. The Sigma is similar in sharpness to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens throughout the aperture range. The Canon f/1.2 has better corners at some apertures, but the Sigma makes up for this with better control of CA.
Here is the full article: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/Sigma-50mm-f-1.4-EX-DG-HSM-Lens-Review.aspx
Just to give you what I thought about when researching and buying my 50mm prime.
The only things it's not an L are (1) L's build quality and (2) price!!!