Canon 50mm f/1.4 vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4

Simple, I'm considering a 50mm lens for use on my 40D.

Between the two lenses, why would I spend $100 more for the Sigma?

I've read a couple of reviews on both lenses, they sound about the same pro and con so it's pretty much a crap shoot if one would get a good copy or not.

And please, don't suggest the f/1.2 L 50mm at $1599 MSRP.

Basically, the Sigma has better optics hands down. BUT, the Canon seems to have much more accurate focusing and less of the "if you get a good copy" qualifiers.

In my copies, my Sigma is every bit (if not a bit more) as accurate as my old Canon 50 f/1.4. The Sigma's the better lens optically, though it's larger as well. Bokeh is comparable to the 50L. I would say there is probably worse quality control on the Sigma. A lot of people have had bum copies, but mine was perfect out of the box, as were many others.

Canon's only real advantage is the size (and marginally lower price, but poorer overall value). My Canon 50/1.4 wasn't remotely sharp...my takumar was better, lighter and cheaper.

If weight is the primary importance, the Canon is maybe worth a look. Otherwise, the Sigma is the superior lens.

The Sigma is a f1.4 lens morning, noon and night... the Canon is more accurately a f2.0 or f2.8 lens, depending on the quality of lighting.

Had the Canon, sold it the day I got the Sigma. But I am a bokeh nut and only MF.

Checking the specs of each more closely, I found that the Sigma weighs 1.1 lbs. while the Canon weighs .64 lb.

Most of the reviews list "heavy" as the most mentioned con of the Sigma. I can get a feel of this when comparing it to the 1.4 lbs. of my 17-55mm f/2.8 which I use most of the time but admit that it does get heavy for extended walking periods.

The Sigma comes w/a lens hood, the Canon is extra of course @ $26.95.

Nearly every reviewer/owner says they would recommend both lenses to a friend.

I'm not yet sold on either right now.

my Canon 50 1.4 USM died after 13 months !

neil_r wrote in post #8212322
my Canon 50 1.4 USM died after 13 months !

Did you get it fixed?
Do you now have the Sigma?

I'm sure you've read the tons of threads related to the differences between the two and the multiple reviews comparing the two when you google it, but the gyst of the story is that the Sigma 50 1.4 is valued somewhere in BETWEEN the 50 1.4 & the 50 1.2L. That would mean it's better than the canon, wouldn't it?

btw, I love mine as well!

Warranty is something else to consider.

Canon - 1 yr
Sigma - 3 yr USA, 1 yr worldwide

Especially since there have been multiple reports of the canon's AF dying soon after the warranty expires, as mentioned above.

[Hyuni wrote:
='[Hyuni];8212389']I'm sure you've read the tons of threads related to the differences between the two and the multiple reviews comparing the two when you google it, but the gyst of the story is that the Sigma 50 1.4 is valued somewhere in BETWEEN the 50 1.4 & the 50 1.2L. That would mean it's better than the canon, wouldn't it?

Only if one were to get a good copy.

I'm still reading and truth be told, leaning toward the Sigma but still on the fence.

After having the Sigma for about 72 hours, I love it. Much sharper than my canon and a more robust size. I love the build and feel... also the fact that it's a 77mm thread so my filters for the 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 will fit it. They aren't real easy to find for sale either but today happens to be your luck day!!!

I'm about to put my Sigma 50mm 1.4 up for sale as I STUPIDLY bought an 85L for a great price thinking that I would just flip it and make some extra cash... Well I took about three pics with the 85L and decided it's not leavin unless it's for the 50L. So that means the Sigma's gotta go! PM me if you are interested. It is like BRAND NEW!

Jeff81 wrote in post #8212391
Warranty is something else to consider.

Canon - 1 yr
Sigma - 3 yr USA, 1 yr worldwide

Especially since there have been multiple reports of the canon's AF dying soon after the warranty expires, as mentioned above.

You have to make sure you get a white market Sigma and not a grey market for the 4 year warranty.

Retired_97 wrote in post #8212368
Did you get it fixed?
Do you now have the Sigma?

No I did not get it fixed I got the f/1.2