Sigma 24 + 50L vs 24LII + Sigma 50

Alright, so I'm liking the 50mm focal length that the nifty fifty gives me, but think it's time to put some better glass in front of my 5D2's gorgeous sensor. So, two possible options (among many others) are above.

What would you do and why? Also, I'd like people to state if they have got actual real world experience from the lenses or just third hand internet hearsay.

Edit: I should mention I'm looking for answers from a FF point of view

Shouldn't there be 2 seperate threads - one asking about 24 and the other about 50?

gasrocks wrote in post #11364386
Shouldn't there be 2 seperate threads - one asking about 24 and the other about 50?

Should there? I don't see it as a Sigma 24 vs 24LII and Sigma 50 vs 50L because the two L's are many times the price and the 24LII + 50L would be the better choice. But in this material world, unfortunately I can't spend every penny I earn on sexy L glass so a compromise is in order.

Okay, this isn't a full frame point of view, so feel free to disregard, but it is an opinion based on lenses that I own or have used:

The single best piece of glass in that list is the 24L, period. The 50L has a few little buggy issues here and there, and by all accounts (though not through firsthand use) the Sigma 50 is a fantastic piece of glass if you get a good copy the first time.

mikemo618 wrote in post #11364534
Okay, this isn't a full frame point of view, so feel free to disregard, but it is an opinion based on lenses that I own or have used:

The single best piece of glass in that list is the 24L, period. The 50L has a few little buggy issues here and there, and by all accounts (though not through firsthand use) the Sigma 50 is a fantastic piece of glass if you get a good copy the first time.

I certainly won't disregard that post. Thanks.

The main issue I have with the 24LII + Sigma 50 combo is that the 50mm focal length is 80% going to be my goto lens. So is sinking the majority of the £ into the 50mm lens the best idea? I don't know.

I have had 2 Sigmalux before I got the 50L (oh yes it's that good). On saying that the 24L II is hands down my best performing lens and given the current economic circumstances I would go with the second option any day

Jam.radonc wrote in post #11364555
I have had 2 Sigmalux before I got the 50L (oh yes it's that good). On saying that the 24L II is hands down my best performing lens and given the current economic circumstances I would go with the second option any day

Ah I see you have both Ls. So, if you had to swap one of your Ls for the siggy alternatives you'd go for the sigma 50mm?

I suspect I'll end up with both Ls but that's not gonna be for a while (unless bonus season next year gives me a pleasant surprise!)

Just out of curiosity then, what are you shooting? Is it generally something that won't be replicatable if you just move the few steps closer that it would take to shoot with the 24? Perhaps your shooting style might be able to adapt to the lesser reach, and if that is the case you will find it far more versatile for landscape and wider angle work.

.mark. wrote in post #11364568
So, if you had to swap one of your Ls for the siggy alternatives you'd go for the sigma 50mm?

Absolutely the Sigmalux is an excellent performer and has less focus shift issues than the 50L. My gripes with the 50L is that it can shift at f1.8-f2.2 at MFD so I tend to shoot it away from these apertures at MFD. The Sigmalux doesn't do this which is huge bonus.

mikemo618 wrote in post #11364572
Just out of curiosity then, what are you shooting? Is it generally something that won't be replicatable if you just move the few steps closer that it would take to shoot with the 24? Perhaps your shooting style might be able to adapt to the lesser reach, and if that is the case you will find it far more versatile for landscape and wider angle work.

I'm the typical hobbyist and don't have a specific "subject". If you check out my flickr you'll see I tend to be quite varied. I do want to start getting into land/seascapes though as I live on a beautiful island that needs my photographic attention.

I don't see the "few steps closer" trick working, as I don't believe that you'd get the same "look" that the 50mm combined with f/1.2 can give. I could be wrong though?

Jam.radonc wrote in post #11364615
Absolutely the Sigmalux is an excellent performer and has less focus shift issues than the 50L. My gripes with the 50L is that it can shift at f1.8-f2.2 at MFD so I tend to shoot it away from these apertures at MFD. The Sigmalux doesn't do this which is huge bonus.

Alright, you've got me nearly convinced. You and the landslide poll that's currently 20:1 in favour of the 24LII/Sigma 50.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

I think option 2 is the best option of the two. The 24L is the best 24mm lens you can have. So that's a easy pick!

lol, it's pretty one sided and i agree

banpreso wrote in post #11364963
lol, it's pretty one sided and i agree

I see you have both sigmas. What are your opinions on the two lenses? Have you used either of their canon counterparts?

.mark. wrote in post #11364997
I see you have both sigmas. What are your opinions on the two lenses? Have you used either of their canon counterparts?

here's my opinion. the sigma 50mm is to me just as good as the canon 50mm f1.2. i've used my friend's 50mm f1.2, and i've seen many samples. even if $5k falls from the sky into my pocket, there's a lot of other lenses i'd grab before i get to the 50L. it's just not that special of a lens.

the canon 24L ii is way better than the sigma 24mm in terms of IQ. i will eventually upgrade the sigma 24mm to the canon. to me my sigma 24mm is a good place holder until i can afford the 24L ii. the 24L ii is probably the best lens in its class.