Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM OR Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX DG HSM

[nottipiglet]

You cannot test a front/back focusing problem like that. The camera takes an area and maximises the contrast of that area. It does not take a single spot as there is no contrast to maximise in a spot. So, if the subject falls on a slanted plane, the camera will try its best to resolve the focus on this slanted subject. From my experience, a nicely calibrated lens will exhibit front focusing in such a flawed test. The best solution is to have the focus surface squarely parallel to the camera lens. the second best solution is to have a very simple clean bold line as the focus subject, so that there is no subject to maximise contrast on before and after the bold line.

My guess is... your lens is properly calibrated. At f/1.4, focus should be good. At f/2.2, the focus shifts backward, so it should show backfocusing. However, as the DOF widens at this stop, the subject should still remain within focus.

If you got money, you can buy this:

http://spyder.datacolor.com/product-cb-spyderlenscal.php

If you have no money, you can make this:

Shooting a ruler is not the ideal solution.

 

[devilcup]

You cannot test a front/back focusing problem like that. The camera takes an area and maximises the contrast of that area. It does not take a single spot as there is no contrast to maximise in a spot. So, if the subject falls on a slanted plane, the camera will try its best to resolve the focus on this slanted subject. From my experience, a nicely calibrated lens will exhibit front focusing in such a flawed test. The best solution is to have the focus surface squarely parallel to the camera lens. the second best solution is to have a very simple clean bold line as the focus subject, so that there is no subject to maximise contrast on before and after the bold line.

My guess is... your lens is properly calibrated. At f/1.4, focus should be good. At f/2.2, the focus shifts backward, so it should show backfocusing. However, as the DOF widens at this stop, the subject should still remain within focus.

noted. i shall do more test again using your suggested method

however, i am very satisfy with this current lens of mine pretty accurate in the field

 

[trielementz]

do u guys recommend i should get a sigma one and fuss all over calibrations and appointments if its not focusing properly, or contend with a canon one with poorer build quality and softer wide open? Cant make up my mind!!!! ##$R#@

 

[nottipiglet]

do u guys recommend i should get a sigma one and fuss all over calibrations and appointments if its not focusing properly, or contend with a canon one with poorer build quality and softer wide open? Cant make up my mind!!!! ##$R#@

I got a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and the EF 50mm f/1.4. I don't mind calibrations and appointments because I sent my Sigma 30mm in for calibration... but I don't want to worry about focus shift when I shoot, which is the case for the Sigma 50mm. This cannot be solved by calibration.

As with making up your mind... you really cannot go writh with either. Both are great lenses. The differences between the 2 lenses are probably going to make very little difference to your photography. So, don't think so much and go with your feel?

 

[kineticworks]

Do not buy when you cant decide. You probably will regret at the end of the day. Being an Ex user, I will say that the Sigma lens will be highly value for $ IF it does not show any sign of front/back focusing problem. I tried to tame it previously for 2mths and sold it eventually.

do u guys recommend i should get a sigma one and fuss all over calibrations and appointments if its not focusing properly, or contend with a canon one with poorer build quality and softer wide open? Cant make up my mind!!!! ##$R#@

 

[Anthony Lee]

do u guys recommend i should get a sigma one and fuss all over calibrations and appointments if its not focusing properly, or contend with a canon one with poorer build quality and softer wide open? Cant make up my mind!!!! ##$R#@

Try a manual focus lens, there are many to choose from and can be very cheap and you will not have any calibration problem and also do not have to worry about build as such lenses will last a life time.

50mmf1.4 shot wide open.

55mmf1.4 shot wide open

 

[nottipiglet]

Do not buy when you cant decide. You probably will regret at the end of the day. Being an Ex user, I will say that the Sigma lens will be highly value for $ IF it does not show any sign of front/back focusing problem. I tried to tame it previously for 2mths and sold it eventually.

I think I would have regreted more if I did not buy my lenses... because I would have missed many shots. I mulled over the difference between the Sigma and the Canon, and picked the Canon in the end.

I also think that the front/back focusing problem is exagerrated. At f/1.4, the DOF is thin. Realistically, you need to change your shooting habits. For example, you need to refocus after each shot if the subject is on the move. You will get more OOF shots... but that's all part of using such a lens.

Also, at f/1.4, expect to have the lens calibrated because the DOF is very thin at f/1.4. I sent both my EF 50mm f/1.4 and my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 in for calibration.

 

[2100]

I think I would have regreted more if I did not buy my lenses... because I would have missed many shots. I mulled over the difference between the Sigma and the Canon, and picked the Canon in the end.

I also think that the front/back focusing problem is exagerrated. At f/1.4, the DOF is thin. Realistically, you need to change your shooting habits. For example, you need to refocus after each shot if the subject is on the move. You will get more OOF shots... but that's all part of using such a lens.

Also, at f/1.4, expect to have the lens calibrated because the DOF is very thin at f/1.4. I sent both my EF 50mm f/1.4 and my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 in for calibration.

I have asked some pros doing 24/1.4, whether they can get > 50% keeper rates preferably 80%. Many said no, no such thing as 1-shot-1-kill except for really static + got time to shoot stuff. Chimping is still part and parcel of working in the field.

I myself done erm....15 shoots since purchasing end Oct. Sorry, no.

Is the 24/1.4 a pro lens? (I'm with Nikon btw). :dunno:

 

[trielementz]

Do not buy when you cant decide. You probably will regret at the end of the day. Being an Ex user, I will say that the Sigma lens will be highly value for $ IF it does not show any sign of front/back focusing problem. I tried to tame it previously for 2mths and sold it eventually.

yup thats why, im gearing more towards the canon despite the poorer build quality and alleged softness, because of

1) its canon so next time if i ever upgrade my body i wont have to worry if my sigmas compatible

2) lighter and more compact, easier to clean etc

any thoughts? and is the sigma 30mm f1.4 known to have focus issues also?

 

[nottipiglet]

yup thats why, im gearing more towards the canon despite the poorer build quality and alleged softness, because of

1) its canon so next time if i ever upgrade my body i wont have to worry if my sigmas compatible

2) lighter and more compact, easier to clean etc

any thoughts? and is the sigma 30mm f1.4 known to have focus issues also?

The 30mm does not have focus shift problems. However at f/1.4, calibration is adviceable.