Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Review

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Handling and Features

Those expecting a classic, compact 50mm f/1.4 lens will be taken aback by the size and weight of this optic. It tips the scales at 815g, is almost 10cm long without the hood and takes 77mm filters. Even so, the lens balances well with the Canon EOS 5D Mk III body used for testing. Build quality is excellent, with high quality plastics with a brushed metal effect finish used for much of the lens barrel and brass used for the bayonet, which adds to the quality impression the lens conveys. However, no claims are made about the weather resistance of the lens.




A silent HSM focusing motor powers the focusing mechanism, which is very quick to confirm focus and accurate, even at maximum aperture. If your sample of this lens does exhibit focusing errors, this lens supports Sigma's new USB Dock accessory, which allows focus adjustments and firmware updates to be applied to the lens, quickly and easily. Focusing is performed internally, so the 77mm filter thread does not rotate, making this lens ideal for use with polarising and graduated filters. The supplied petal-shaped hood fits to the front of the lens via a bayonet fitting.

Full time manual focus can be applied by simply adjusting the focus ring at any time. Manual focusing is a pleasure as the focus ring is very smooth to operate and quite heavily damped. Closest focusing is 40cm from the sensor plane, which is fairly typical for a lens of this focal length and aperture.

Add your message