My thoughts on the Sigma 50mm 1.4

I just got mine yesterday. I bought an Amazon Warehouse deal. It's a brand new revised model (smooth finish). Not bad for $372.00

However, I think I'm going to return it, for a few reasons.

1. I didn't realize how heavy it was. It's twice as heavy as the Canon 1.4. That's a big deal because I bought it as a walk around lens.

2. I ran some tests last night. Mounted on a tripod, it front focuses. Not a big deal because I can manually focus just fine (my favorite camera is/was my A-1).

3. Doesn't want to focus in low light. Could be the camera (Rebel XS), but I doubt it because my other lenses focused just fine in the same situation. Bigger deal because it's hard for me to manual focus without the light.

4. The lens is "scary looking" because of the large frontal element. Bad for street photography.

Bottom line, I think I'll return it and get the Canon model.

50mm is not heavy. 500mm f4 is heavy.

You're in the Sigma lottery now, and that game involves getting another one to try. I really liked the look/feel of the three I tried.

I agree with your #4 statement. I do street photography and debated between the smaller front element of the Canon or the creamy bokeh of the Sigma. I like the professional look of the Sigma but it does catch attention because of its size.

bobbyz wrote in post #15044723
50mm is not heavy. 500mm f4 is heavy.

Try the 400 2.8 I and the 500 4 will be like a dream to carry!

Alex_Venom wrote in post #15045097
Try the 400 2.8 I and the 500 4 will be like a dream to carry!

I did, wasn't that bad. Atleast I could hand hold it for 3-4 shots.