Reading user reviews of this lens, I am seeing it as a tremendous value versus other fast 50mm lenses. This is honestly the first-ever Sigma that I really want to add to my kit. I've always wanted a 50mm lens that was worthy of night-sky photography, and this one fits the bill, and at a cost that puts other high-end 50mm lenses to shame. Wondering what others are thinking?
I wouldn't say I'm "lusting" over it, as I have no real desire for a fast 50mm prime, but it looks like an excellent piece of kit. I feel a bit more lusty about Sigma's 35mm f/1.4, which by all accounts is a stellar performer. Hard to justify, though, since I'm mounting a 16-35mm f/2.8L from Canon that set me back a pretty penny...
...I feel a bit more lusty about Sigma's 35mm f/1.4, which by all accounts is a stellar performer.
Speaking of being a "stellar" performer, I ran across this short test of four fast 35mm lenses for night sky work. The Sigma 35/1.4 is the clear all around winner. One note here, it's not clear what his test conditions were, I *assume* he tested at f/1.4, but he does not say. I also think he has a little tracking error creeping in. The Sigma 50/1.4 Art seems to have perhaps even more advantage.
I have a little connection with Sigma UK and I have tried the 50 A series, in fact I have tried them all and I can assure you they all perform at least as good as L glass, IMO I think the Sigma A lenses render better and if I were still shooting with DSLR then my whole kit would consist of Sigma A class lenses. The 35 is awesome the 50 is better than the last 50 and that is saying something, the 24-105 destroys the Canon version IMO and the bigger zooms are totally professional level in IQ and build, speed etc etc.
Sigma have really stepped up the mark on DSLR lenses, they also make cameras but the DSLR from Sigma is awful, no other word for it. The little SD1/2/3 merrill series are brilliant though.
