Product ReviewsSigma 311101 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon

Amazing lens after firmware update via USB dock.

This is a fantastic lens. All of the Sigma Art series lenses have been fantastic. I now own the 24mm, 35mm, and 50 mm. I currently have the Tamron 85 1.8 that is going to get switched with the Sigma 85 1.4. That's how much I've enjoyed my others.

Fair warning, though, you will need the USB Dock to update the firmware on all of these. I had MAJOR focus issues with all three prior to updating the firmware. After I updated, I only needed to make very minor in camera calibrations (+/- 3) to get these things absolutely tack sharp. These adjustments were so minor I opted to make them via my 5D IV in camera calibrations by lens instead of the USB dock. It was just easier that way. After updating the firmware these things get the focus bang on at a way higher percentage than the majority of the Canon L glass I have owned and do own (at comparable apertures). Being someone that can afford all Canon L glass if I wanted, I would still buy these over the Canon versions. The only thing that would sway me would be if I required weather sealing, and I don't. If weather sealing isn't an issue for you, and you make sure you get the USB dock to update/calibrate the lens, this thing is a no brainer.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: thepixelhub

Great but needs the firmware update

I can tell this lens is going to be amazing but I knew ahead of time that I might need to purchase the usb dock and do the firmware update. At first, I was super happy with the lens just testing at Thanksgiving with some candids with my family, it seemed to focus much faster than my Canon 50mm. But, then I took it with me for an actual session with a new client (which maybe I shouldn't of done) but I was excited!! Anyway, there were times that I could not get it to focus at all! Nothing I did would get the focus to work. It became frustrating! One of the things that appealed to me with the Sigma lens was reviews talking about very little chromatic aberration. My edit time for this session was wayyyyy tooo long trying to fix the chromatic aberration. It was worse than my Canon lens. I'm really hoping that after the firmware update, some of these issues go away because it will be hard to have this as a go to lens with these issues. This lens is super heavy!!! Just giving a heads up on that! Other than that, when it would focus, it was fast to focus! My images are pretty dang sharp and I'm excited to see what this lens can do with the update. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: redtagcamera

Little Mighty Sigma 50 mm F1.4 Art Lens

Very pleasant surprise of the Sigma 50 mm F1.4. I’m a long time Canon CPS and has been using Canon Cameras and Lenses.
Since retired for pro, I was looking for a fast 50mm for fun. Canon was considered, but I was not always satisfied with the 50mm L f1.2, but found the review on this sigma 50mm. Pulled trigger on Sigma 50 mm F1.4 Art lens. The built and construction of this lens from Japan, was nothing but total satisfaction. The quick focusing, Auto and manual focusing couple with the Canon ear R5 and R6 were amazing!
Since then I pick up the Sigma 105 and 35, too. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: districtdrive

Best 50mm glass for under $4000

This has been called the sharpest lens they've ever reviewed by DPReview(.)com, equal to the $4000 Zeiss Otus. At just under 1/4 the cost, that's a hell of a deal. My experience is that they're right. Also, I compared this to 2 different Canon 50mm f1.4 lenses, and this one beat them both, so I sold them. The one thing you must be aware of, however, is the weight. This is serious optics, and it's heavy. The Canon f1.4 weighs 10.2 ozs., while the Sigma weighs 17.8, i.e. 70% more, or nearly double. The work I do requires the kind of precision this lens delivers. Being used mainly in the studio and on a tripod, weight is not an issue for me. It could be for others. But it's phenomenal glass!Read full review...

Amazing lens

I'm a wedding and portrait photographer, and I typically use my Canon 24-70mm 2.8 USM II and my Sigma 70-200mm 2.8. I've been wanting to upgrade my prime lens because all I really had for portraits was my Canon 50mm 1.8. I was looking to upgrade to the canon 50mm 1.2 but had read a blog of 50mm lenses being compared to one another. It appeared to me that although this lens was a 1.4 the sharpness could not be beat. I already love my sigma 70-200 so I thought I'd give it a try. I not only saved myself a few hundred dollars but I was NOT disappointed. In the little time I've had this lens I've done an engagement session, three family sessions, and a senior session and it may be some of my best work. This lens is amazing! Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: onewaylogistic

50mm Art lens is a great prime!

The Sigma 50mm Art 1.4 lens is pin sharp and creates amazing bokeh. I have paired it with a Canon R body with great results. The price for these lenses have become very reasonable which make it a bargain.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: ymcamera

The sharpest prime lens I've had the pleasure of using.

The sharpest prime lens I've had the pleasure of using. Focus is spot on and very fast. If you're on the fence between this and the Canon 50mm f1.4, this is the one to choose if you have the extra cash.Read full review...

Awesome Lens

I think this lens is awesome, I am very impressed with it.
My 85 MM art misses focus 10 to 20% of the time, this 50 hasn't missed focus yet.
I have 3 or 4 L lenses, this is my favorite.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: onewaylogistic

Fantastic portrait lens

I owned the 85mm f1.4 Art lens before and it was a phenomenal lens. This lens is essentially that lens but with a much better (for me) 50mm focal point. I already am loving it!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: japan-camera_gezin

Good sharp lens with great bokeh and high quality build!

Good lens and while I haven't used the Canon 1.2L. I find this to be much better than the Canon 1.4 (and obviously 1.8). It is well built and focusing is fast. It does have a bit of hunting problem in low light compared to Canon L-lenses but it's workable.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: 4kcreative