Sigma vs Canon 50mm 1.4 Same Price - Buy Which?

I can get either the Sigma or Canon 50mm 1.4 lens for the same price (around $449 CDN). At that the Sigma has the case and hood which are substantial cost (more than $100) for the Canon.

I see that both lenses have their issues (Sigma - possible misfocus, Canon - Fragile AF drive).

I know that a lot of users questioned whether the Sigma was worth the extra bucks but I don't have that problem here.

The other option is say scr#w it - buy the Canon 50mm F1.8 to learn about using primes and small DOF while waiting to buy the Canon 50mm F1.4 Mark II whenever it is released.

Thanks
Don

sigma... check out the Lens Sample Photo Archive.. if you have a sigma service center near you have it calibrated as soon as you get it. wonderful lens. my fav so far if not.... well... if you don't want to have the hassle to shipping it back and forth go with the canon.

they say sigma is close to the 50L in terms of Bokeh.

DDL wrote in post #10248671
The other option is say scr#w it - but the Canon 50mm F1.8 to learn about using primes and small DOF while waiting to buy the Canon 50mm F1.4 Mark II whenever it is released.

Thanks
Don

Don - What I would do in my opinion is get the 50mm F1.8 first to learn the small DOF. I don't own one myself but I've had it in my camera. It's a fun lens but you have to know how to use it and get used to DOF. In my opinion it's a killer of a lens as long as you know what to do with it.

The sigma for sure. It is sharper between 1.4 and 2.2.
When I had my Canon 50 1.4, I was quite disappointed by softness of the lens below 2.0 :/

robbykh wrote in post #10248803
Don - What I would do in my opinion is get the 50mm F1.8 first to learn the small DOF. I don't own one myself but I've had it in my camera. It's a fun lens but you have to know how to use it and get used to DOF. In my opinion it's a killer of a lens as long as you know what to do with it.

I see your wish list of the nifty. Why have you not gotten it yet?

And to the OP. Go with the 50 1.8 as a starter. You can't go wrong for the money! It's a great prime to start with and you will get some awesome photos from it!Then if you decide you want more, upgrade.

DDL wrote in post #10248671
I can get either the Sigma or Canon 50mm 1.4 lens for the same price (around $449 CDN). At that the Sigma has the case and hood which are substantial cost (more than $100) for the Canon.

Is there a reason you're wanting 50mm? It was an awkward focal length when I had a crop sensor camera.

Focus problems can be fixed, but the bokeh cannot. The Sigma wins in that regard.

You should only consider the f/1.8 if you cannot afford the others.

Another vote for the Sigmalux here, it is an awesome performer!

Tony-S wrote in post #10248874
Is there a reason you're wanting 50mm? It was an awkward focal length when I had a crop sensor camera.

Focus problems can be fixed, but the bokeh cannot. The Sigma wins in that regard.

You should only consider the f/1.8 if you cannot afford the others.

While I prefer my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 on my T2i... I think calling the 50mm awkward is a harsh statement. It really depends on what type of photography the user is doing. There's A LOT of users who consider the 50mm f/1.4 from Sigma very useful on an APS-C camera.

robbykh wrote in post #10248803
Don - What I would do in my opinion is get the 50mm F1.8 first to learn the small DOF. I don't own one myself but I've had it in my camera. It's a fun lens but you have to know how to use it and get used to DOF. In my opinion it's a killer of a lens as long as you know what to do with it.

The OP is worried about how fragile the 50 1.4 is - the 1.8 is worse in that regard!

jmurph wrote in post #10248826
I see your wish list of the nifty. Why have you not gotten it yet?

Because I just purchased the Canon EF-S 15-85mm and of course it didn't come with a lens hood so I purchased the lens hood separately as well, the lens deserve it. I don't regret it at all I'm so happy with the lens. It is a very sharp lens, smooth zooming, color looks great, sturdy yet not too heavy, IS is quiet and focus is fast. I know that some people might complain about the price but good lenses really do tend to be pricy.

I just came from the Sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4 and returned it the next day for a full refund, the lens came with focusing issues right out of the box.

realmike15 wrote in post #10248982
While I prefer my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 on my T2i... I think calling the 50mm awkward is a harsh statement.

Yes, and if you re-read what I wrote you'll see I was referring to my personal experiences.

for me, I like it on a crop. up to 3/4 body... but more on head to shoulders. I'm finding it long for full body... but on the 5d its great for full body not so much on head - shoulders.

its very very sharp at f2 - 2.8 if you nail the focus.. I had mine calibrated.

The sigma is a bit wider. I'm not sure why, but when I look into my viewfinder everything seems a bit smaller. I like it for being very useable indoors. And I find it sharper near wider apertures than the Canon.

SMP_Homer wrote in post #10249007
The OP is worried about how fragile the 50 1.4 is - the 1.8 is worse in that regard!

I wouldn't expect the 50 mm F1.8 to be the long term solution - I'd just use it until the newer Canon F1.4 is released (rumoured to be possible soon but whenever).

Even if the 1.8 broke it is still pretty cheap to replace.

Thanks
Don