Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM OR Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX DG HSM
- Thread starter apcaw
- Start date
Kenneth67C
New Member
I had a go at both lenses with both the 550D and the 5DII, and I found that the Canon had better focus accuracy and contrast. The Sigma won in terms of focusing speed. I really wanted to like the Sigma, but the 2 samples I tested didn't do it for me as I rank focusing accuracy higher, so I got the Canon.
nottipiglet
New Member
That's right. They calibrate the lens, not the body. If you want the body calibrated, you need to go to CSC.
I've been reading so many good things about the Sigma 50 1.4 that I was set on buying it. However, the highly marked up SG price(60% more!), and the AF issues(I've experienced this with my own 30 1.4), have largely persuaded me to consider the Canon version instead.
Is the Canon 50 1.4's AF much better than the 50 1.8II?
Is the Canon 50 1.4's AF much better than the 50 1.8II?
Kenneth67C
New Member
The difference between the 1.4 and the 1.8 isn't with the AF; its with the construction of the lens and the # of aperture blades which affects the bokeh produced. AF speed is similar.
AbsolutKev
New Member
Using both b4, i say the 1.4 is a tad better than 1.8 in terms of speed n its more silent. But e price is almost 5 times more.... But also u can manually fine tune afta AF, which is a great feature esp when shootin wide open
Rawbeansta
Senior Member
50mm f/1.4 has USM (Canon) / HSM (Sigma), while 50mm f/1.8 does not have USM hence 50mm f/1.4 focusing is silent and faster.
50mm f/1.8 tends to hunt in low-light. Used it for a few months and decided to sell it because I felt that it wasn't really a good performer, esp on an APS-C body (too tight).
I love my 50 1.8II, in good light(ironic for a fast lens). But I've been spoiled by my lenses with USM AF system. Not only would this nifty fifty hunt, it would hunt for focus and I even end up with misfocused shots(despite choosing a single AF point). If the 50 1.4 is only marginally superior, I might as well save my money as I still have the 30 1.4 and 17-55.
Kenneth67C
New Member
Which body are you using it with?
I'm using a 7D
Hi Cancan7, how bad was the AF on your Sigma 30 f/1.4?
I'm not sure if the Nikon people experience the AF issues with their Sigma 50mm also.
It's strange that Sigma could produce such a beautiful lens but screw up their product with unreliable AF.
Not sure if it's an electronics incompatibility issue (Canon intentionally makes it difficult for 3rd party lenses to work well with Canon bodies??) or Sigma's AF needs more R&D to improve its quality....
No complaints about the Sigma's AF on close subjects, very quick and accurate, even wide open. However, it'd tend to focus to infinity for subjects that are further away, say 4-5m. Stopping down to 2.8 doesn't help too.
oh strange. So you need to manual focus for that kind of distance? Have you sent the lens for calibration and it still happens?
Exactly what some of the reviewers said of the Sigma 50mm 1.4 also. After 3 meters, the focusing can be off.
Yup I've made an appointment with the Sigma service center. MF is out for me haha I only do that for macro. And this issue(plus the high price!) is what that's driving me to Canon lenses
Yah wise choice.... I find it ridiculous you pay so much and then have to constantly remind yourself after 3 meters, got to do MF.
Some photographers claim they never shoot more than 3 meters... Ha... But you'll never know!
nottipiglet
New Member
I never had that problem with my 30mm f/1.4. Perhaps you activated too many AF points and the camera does not know what you want to focus on? Just use the centre AF?
I selected the AF point manually, just that I didn't use the center AF point exclusively. I'd expect the AF to be accurate still, if not fast.