Bokeh Battle : Sigmalux 50/1.4 or Canon 135L?

i currently own the 135L with the 5D, and it seems to be quite difficult to use at times due to it's long FL (even when outdoors).

i was thinking of selling it away, together with the canon 50/1.4 and getting the sigma 50/1.4 instead. would i still get the same buttery bokeh i see on my 135L?

just to clarify, i'm talking about bokeh and not about the amount of DOF.

i'll be getting it solely for portraits. have considered the 24 or 35/1.4 as well, since i often shoot in constrained space. do let me know if you guys have feedback on those lenses too!

Cheers!

Another prime portrait shooter and the only lenses I use is my Sigma 50 and 135L
I don't dig the 35mm but it would definitely be handy on tight places like inside rooms

here's some portrait bokeh shots with the Sigma, hope it helps with your decision

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/itaemo/76703222​30/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/itaemo/75687804​10/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/itaemo/75687928​50/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/itaemo/75688587​44/

You can get beautiful bokeh from the sigmadud 50mm. The serious concern is can you get a perfectly auto focused subject without back or front focus. The major AF issues from that lens is NOT internet hype. There's seriously something wrong with the sensitivity to camera bodies specifications. The 50mm from Sigma typically has AF issues.

I purchased a Sig 50 1.4 last week with the main intension of good bokeh.I found the sharpness and build quality of the lens to be of good value,and the bokeh was also quite impressive.Problem was the focus was wildly inconstant,I returned the lens and tried another one and that one was even worse.Ended up getting my money back,too bad as other than poor focusing it would have been a keeper.Seems to be the way Sigma lenses are from my experience.I ended up getting a Canon 85 1.8,very happy with it,focus is wayyyyy better,bokeh is very nice.

Not all Sigma 50 lenses have issues. Mine focuses perfectly well. It is a wonderful lens for portraits.

Both are great - sigma 50mm is my most used lens, it's also my most inconsistent (AF hit and miss).

Sigma 50mm

1000 x 1737

EMBED PREVENTED, IMAGE TOO LARGE: http://farm6.staticfli​ckr.com …18057612_97da31​97e5_o.jpg Click here to see our image rules.

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

MattD : if i were to base my decision on the images you posted, i'd prolly take the 135L again! reminds me how beautiful the 135L is. haha.

all : assuming you guys are using a body that has MFA, did it help in the backfocus issues? i own the 30mm/1.4 on my crop body too and it was amazing without any focus issues.

^my sigma performed perfectly on both 5D and 5Dii, never used MFA

taemo wrote in post #14818818
^my sigma performed perfectly on both 5D and 5Dii, never used MFA

You've won the lottery!!!!!

I went through over 10+ copies and all of them were turds. I wish I can win the sigma lottery.

Never used MFA. I don't have it. My camera is a 40D. I have had the Sigma 30, and now the Sigma 50. I bought them used, so I knew they were good copies and I didn't need to worry about anything.

I have had three Sigma 50s, and one 30...ALL of the AF issues were easily fixed with MFA..
Still have a Sigma 50, 35L, Canon 85/1.8, and 135L
Honestly...that 135L lives on my camera now...before I got it, the Sigma did. Lately, I switch between the 35L and 135L so the SIgma will probably get sold soon..if I need ~50mm, I can use the 35L on my 60D for a ~50mm FOV..

If you love 50mm, get the Sigma. if you NEED the best, dont waste any time, and just get the 50L!
If you are worried about the AF issues, just get the Canon 1.4..it has great AF and still great IQ/bokeh IMHO..

Sigma50 vs 135L for BOKEH? pretty close...but something about the 135L just looks amazing..

comes down to what focal length you need most..
I definitely wouldnt want to sell my 135L for a Sigma 50..
just my 2 cents

Good luck!

i frequently bring my gear out for family outings, just to capture the casual moments. 135 is a bit tough to use and can't really capture the environment for some background interest. hmm..

Sigma50 vs 135L for bokeh? Not a fair comparison.

One is a normal the other a tele...for portrait, I'd say 135L on ff.

the.forumer wrote in post #14819000
i frequently bring my gear out for family outings, just to capture the casual moments. 135 is a bit tough to use and can't really capture the environment for some background interest. hmm..

Exactly. I used to own the 135L too, but my lil one is too active, it just didn't work well and too restrictive. So I sold it for the 70-200mkII and never look back.

Sigma 50 is no slouch imo. I love the 50mm focal length on ff

@ f2.8

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kin2son/7668308​290/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kin2son/6822933​444/

marmatt1218 wrote in post #14817473
Not all Sigma 50 lenses have issues. Mine focuses perfectly well. It is a wonderful lens for portraits.

Agree with this. My first copy was a dud the second one just makes me smile!! I reckon it is well worth the risk and maybe having to swap one over to get a good one becasue when they are good, they are very good! I have not regretted selling my Canon f/1.4 to buy the Sigma version.

'or' you could get a 50 & 100 f/2 for the same price as a 135L 'just a thought'

shot w/ the sigma 50

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lorephoto/62081​62588/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lorephoto/72097​49524/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lorephoto/62075​92957/