The Value Champ! - Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review & Comparison

[@geraldundone]

Thanks for watching! 🤓🙏 Don't forget to Try vidIQ and their new AI coach for just $1: vidiq.com/geraldundone

[@elementary8963]

Surely on Lumix S series cameras, focusing is repeatable if you set the lens to linear? :)

[@ShashankTinkuSharma]

great video as always.. please review samyang V-AF lenses. they claim to be the first Cine lenses which offer auto focus.

[@unspecialist]

Wide-Open Per Dollar is my new favorite ratio.

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

I think the reason you're remembering the chomatic aberration being better is due to how amazing the Sigma 40mm F1.4 is at that. It demolishes the old 50mm F1.4, while being in a similar use case, and was more recent. Still an insanely underrated lens for pure image quality, despite being even chunkier than all of them. I'll likely get this and keep both.

[@geraldundone]

Yeah, I loved that 40mm. Massive, but terrific image. And I'm a big fan of that field of view too.

[@nordfilmcompany]

100%! My favourite lense on the a7s III.

[@dreammachine86]

Yeah any of the samples I've seen shot from that 40mm look beautiful. There is just something about the rendering that makes it look lovely, and that's in addition to the sharpness. When I go full frame at some point (E or L mount) that lens will definitely be on my list. Considering it was designed as a cine lens first and thus has the optical benefits of one, the price really is ridiculously cheap. I saw it for just £699 recently.

[@RSB11069]

At first sight I thought the CA was a deal breaker... then I saw the comparisons and thought "No way is it really that bad"... so I zoomed in on a bunch of shots taken with my Zeiss and turns out, yup... there it is!

[@feederbrian9457]

Sigma has some really good glass in their new lineup. I was shocked with my DG DN 85 1.4 by how razor-sharp it is. It's my go-to for most things, even landscapes (when there's time to multi-shot them).

[@danielbogos263]

Well, really sigma took advantage of the popularity of sony cameras and did some crazy good lenses for both aps-c and full-frame . I mean, if you take the best 10 sony e-mount lenses, some would be sigma labeled for sure. This shows how good the lenses are and how well the lens pairs with the Sony cameras. To be honest I am thinking of moving to fuji but knowing how many good and decent price lenses are available for sony e-mount makes my decision soooooo hard and I would probably stick with sony aps-c just because of the low light capabilities and crazy amount of good lenses.

[@the_truffle_travels]

Why not compare it to the Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 Mark2 as well?

[@mickmick80]

Great review.. wanna add something about autofocus of sigma 50mm dg dn - it is disappointing! Maybe my copy had a problem but its focus tracking was weak and indecisive.. 2 out of 5 was in focus. For stable objects there was no problem - for moving scenarios go for sony.. Sorry but it was my experience..

[@pahountisg]

from what I have seen so far this lens is a winner for me. Smaller that the previous one, a bit better, close focus distance, price. I was even happy with the old version, but this ticks all the boxes for me.

[@PraiseYeezus]

Nice lens. Definitely well rounded, but for me I think the best combo of quality, price, and size remains the 55mm 1.8 (when it’s on sale)

[@The_Guth]

Man I love my Zeiss 55 1.8 it’s so sharp and compact.

[@The_Guth]

@@2000sidhupunjab you’re not wrong, I bought that lens about 5 years ago, it’s aged fairly well. And never has given me issues haha. What competes against it or would you recommend looking as an alternative? This lens?

[@mrwashur1991]

@@2000sidhupunjablol sure

[@mrwashur1991]

@@2000sidhupunjabthe ca it does have is 100% correctable. My Sony g master has equally as bad ca. there literally no point in spending the r&d to fix CA when it’s one slider in post. I’d rather see lens manufacturers focus on other things and keep the size/cost low. So many people overstate CA as being an issue. You should see my zeiss classic 50mm 1.4 haha. Even that lens is fixable in post. The 55 1.8 doesn’t have bad CA at all. It just has some.

[@BrianTheCameraGuy]

Hey Gerald. Love the way you are presenting your videos lately. It feels more like a conversation vs talking at us. Feels more like a friend conversation and you were the 1st video I watched. Thanks.

[@ComedianXTREME]

Thank you 🙏🏽 ❗️🤍

[@SimeonKolev]

1:48 the best way to test bokeh is electronic shutter without any curtains :). In my experience all Sony bodies have more or less shading from the shutter in mechanical shutter at its maximum speed - 1/8000s. Which causes some cutting of the bokeh in the top left corner of the image, turning on the EFCS makes other problems after 1/1000s up to 1/8000s like cutting the bokeh in half. The only mode where the bokeh is perfectly preserved is electronic shutter or silent mode which is the strong side of the A1 - you can shoot that camera only in that mode without any limitations.

[@spencerfr1]

So on an a7iv, am I better off leaving electronic curtain completely off? Doesn’t that affect the life of the shutter

[@SimeonKolev]

@@spencerfr1 if you use one or two curtains it is the same... you are using the mechanics and they will fail one day. Only electronic shutter had no mechanical parts and in theory is going to last forever. But it is mostly unusable on most cameras.

@@spencerfr1 for any moving subjects, mechanical or efcs is much much better on this camera than full electronic for landscapes and overall things that don't move (or move very slowly), full electronic is perfect since it doesn't break I use EFCS for years all the time (except for shooting with flash) and never had any problem, those situations where it messes with bokeh are extremely rare

[@Reviews4fun1]

I probably would have bought this a year ago. Sigma 24, 85 and 24-70 Art pretty much covers my needs now. Sigma is excellent!

[@mr.j5526]

That's why I like listening to multiple youtubers cause Tony killed the planar in his comparison review. It's always interesting to see different view points

[@heathwirt8919]

Solid new lens by Sigma but not exceptional compared to the older competition. The Zeiss holds up surprisingly well and is still a great lens. Thank you for the review.

[@OriginaldoBo]

Welp I’m glad a little birdie told me to wait. Looks like I’ll be snagging this. Thanks Gerald you rock

[@illia_krm]

Wait a bit more and look on the upcoming sony 50mm 1.4 GM 😉

[@v3zMedia]

The best Sigma Lens is still the 40mm 1.4. It's just huge!!!

[@ubercurious]

Thanks Gerald. I'm wondering if you would expect to see the chromatic aberrations in a shallow, high key portrait for example?

[@EricSwain79]

Again, killer review, only thing missing was for Video. Would like to see how the CA and flaring affects video imagery. I'm in the market for a 50mm and at 1.4 and with the lighter weight this looks like a better lens for gimbal work.

[@illia_krm]

Thanks Gerald! Great, comprehensive review as usual! Now waiting for the announce of the new Sony 50mm 1.4 GM

[@ryanrootphoto]

I remember the first time I heard your intro song, I laughed so damn hard. I've since stayed for the insanely insightful information you provide. Thanks!

[@oluwapelumiapooyin8471]

Video codecs are very confusing for beginner filmmaker like me. Please kindly make a video explaining every codec format on digital cameras and how they function. Thank you Gerald.

[@SourPlanet]

The upcoming Sony 50/1.4 GM is going to obsolete this thing. But I kinda assume the new GM will be similar price point to the 35/1.4 GM. So Sigma may position themselves as slotted between the Samyang type brands and the Sony stuff. Either way, for us used buyers.. nice to see everything old keep dropping in price ha.

[@tylersnider3479]

When is that supposed to drop?

[@Reviews4fun1]

I think Sigma dgdn is still the winner price/performance on the a7iv or lower mpx models. Unless you shot a lot of video.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@Reviews4fun1 There's an issue with sigma glass that nobody talks about, and it's colour rendition. I have all GM lenses, but at 85mm I use the sigma DG DN because the Sony is so old and clunky. Every time I get back from a wedding the images from the Sony lenses need little to no adjustments, while the sigma images need a lot of white balance corrections to make them match. Maybe not an issue if you use all sigma glass, but still. Something to keep in mind.

[@SourPlanet]

@@Reviews4fun1 As of now, definitely. The 50/1.4GM will probably be over $1000. If it's under $1000, then sigma is in trouble. The Sigmas are amazing values used though. I got the 35/1.4 DG DN for $600 mint. Lotta lens for that price.

[@SourPlanet]

@@tylersnider3479 The 50/1.4 GB announcement is coming Feb 21st, as far as I know.

[@salduaij]

5:56 maybe the red and green color are from the Sony sensor

[@dinoschachten]

I believe the focus by wire behaviour of it covering more distance when moved quickly (if I understood that correctly) is absolutely intentional. It's a feature that is implemented on macOS (and I believe Windows, too) in cursor movement and in my opinion is a very elegant feature that allows a very intuitive and dynamic response to your input. If it was linear, getting from one end of the spectrum quickly (or screen, in case of the cursor) would require an absurd amount of hasty input - perhaps the one thing that frustrates me about Ubuntu ;)

[@benjhaisch]

So interesting. The chromatic aberration is really similar to the 28-70/2.8 from them as well.

[@Stasiek_Zabojca]

Is there any video about that shutter type vs bokeh situation? If not, I think that Gerald would nail that if made video comparison 😉

[@MasterLemon98]

how different are the different mount lenses?

[@VideoMakerTwist]

Off-topic question: can you please tell me what is the exact model of the clapperboard behind you with text "UNDONE"? Thanks!

[@youssef-omar.108]

15:55 Too much light can damage the sensor.

[@sleepless51]

Hardly a video lens with that focus breathing. But looks great for stills, as long as there's a proper Aberration correction in Lightroom.

[@saerimner]

Something I would love to see is a collected rundown of a bunch of the cheap primes for sony full frame. I vlog and youtube (other account) and figure I would probably be fine with Samyangs and Tamrons in the $300~ area with my A7C but all the reviews of them are kinda bad. So Gerald gets me craving Sigma, Sony and all that when I probably don't need it ;) budget value lenses that work well is plenty for me, but which ones?

[@jmssun]

Please review FP series again with newer firmware

[@flochfitness]

$850. That’s-a steal!!! Can’t wait to check this out!!!

[@joakimolsson1024]

Samyang equivalent is even cheaper!

[@illia_krm]

Wait unti sony announces 50mm 1.4 GM. It's gonna be in a week or so 😉

[@TechnoBabble]

@@joakimolsson1024 With worse image quality and unreliable autofocus! What a steal!

[@joakimolsson1024]

@@TechnoBabble the reviews i have seen of the version ii it had both good IQ and AF. But if premium is what you want then go Sony.

[@joakimolsson1024]

@@illia_krm im sure it will be awesome! But maybe not so much "value"

[@PeterYacono]

Nice work as always, Gerald!

[@DeadReckoner]

Props for the speedcube! I love the rounded corners of the central piece :D

[@markfischerFPV]

Thanks for the review. Maybe a suggestion (and I know it's asking alot)... for those of us switching from all our previous Canon lenses to Sony E mount... a general "overview" - or comparison between Sony's G Masters and Sigma's line up - or maybe even adding 3rd budget lenses like Samyang / Rok. With the whole video AF world ever evolving, it's hard to stay current. Keep up the good work!

[@andy.photoandfilm]

Great, so i dont need to switch from my planar ;-) curious how the new GM 50mm 1.4 will perform (could be tempting if better and lighter and abit smaller)

[@xFreyelis]

I hate chromatic abberation / fringing... Is there an actual 50mm f/1.4 or even lower that has no fringing for the E mount?

[@TableRumble]

I would wait for the Sony version and its comparison to make the decision, well done, Gerald!

[@ro3843]

It's lenses like this which is why I chose to switch from Canon. I just am disappointed that Sony hasn't lowered their prices. They could make huge share gains if they did

[@1337ghomri]

I have the Sigma 50mm DG HSM. My wrist always hurts after long time of using it. I just used it for a wedding this weekend. For video I would also love better autofocus performance, which it seems this new one has drastically improved. Howerer pretty disappointing to see that chromatic aberration not has been fixed, as it often become pretty bad at f/1.4. I'm not sure it will be worth it upgrading to this new lens.

[@DB-lr6kl]

Is this one lighter?

[@1337ghomri]

@@DB-lr6kl The old one is 815g while new one is 660g, plus it's better balanced because it's shorter.

[@ThisGuyRocksLikeCrazy]

How's the distortion handled? Does it rely on post to fix it similar to the new 85mm?

[@conradjavier5180]

Hey all, how do you set this focus to infinity for this lens???

[@bernardomoreira7144]

good review, regarding the autofocus of this 50mm with the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN, do you think that the autofocus is the same in video performance or is the 50mm better in that regard

[@NathFilms]

Will this for my GH5? Panasonic

[@stkuj]

I'm a big fan of the DG DN lens (I owe the 35 & 85 1.4). However, I will say that recently I moved to the 50 1.2 GM. I now see how much better the GM's - my Sigma's do tend to hunt and breath quite a bit. I do still feel that if you can deal with some short comings, the Sigma's build and quality (for 3rd party) is a great value (they are the only 3rd party prime lenses that I consider).

[@jonshin31]

This 50 dg dn has new focus motors that should be silent and faster.

[@firpofutbol]

Tamrons are better IMO. Unfortunately they don't offer many prime lenses for Sony.

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

I would like to see the comparison between this Sigma and Sony 50 1.2 GM from you. That would be the most reliable source. Hope to see it soon.

[@theinfinityzero]

Excellent review! The LoCA is kind of a buzz kill. I get that at this price point it's currently the better choice over the Zony and over the DG HSM. I wonder how the new Sony 50/1.4GM will perform for its price point. I'm somehow content with my Canon EF 50/1.2 + MC-11 combo or 55/1.8ZA lens... for now.

[@Pontcher]

Between these and zeiss 55mm 1.8, wich u think is better on optical quality and video performance?

[@CpIt69]

when will u review the r8

[@genjii931]

So I take it Sony's breathing compensation doesn't work on third-party lenses, right?

[@geraldundone]

Correct. ☹️

[@TheToyOdyssey]

Is this lens compatible with Sony emount a6100?

[@joesomsom]

Thanks for the fast review video after Sigma's YT announcement . Enjoyed watching it.

[@CharlPantaleon]

How does it compare to the 50 GM?

[@celestial_78]

YES, BEEN WAITING FOR SO LONG FOR A SIGMA 50MM!!!!!

[@StuartRichardson-tt6fh]

Thanks for the very useful video! I am using L mount and it really makes me appreciate the Leica 50mm APO Summicron. Of course, it is multiples more expensive, but you do get what you pay for. Sharpest lens I have ever used...tack sharp edge to edge wide open, focuses to .35m and has literally zero LOCA. I think they are seriously worth considering if you are more focused on stills and shoot L mount. Used copies are available with quite a bit of savings. They are so good even in the macro range that I have been able to use them for professional artwork reproduction and camera scanning. My experience in comparing the 35mm Leica to the 35mm Sigma shows a similar pattern. The Leica is dramatically more expensive, but also dramatically better, particularly with respect to LOCA, something which can be very difficult to correct.

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

It's an F2 lens and the real question is how much worse is the Sigma actually, if both are compared at F2? The difference from F1.4 to F2 in CA and sharpeness can be a huge shift.

[@StuartRichardson-tt6fh]

@@CanditoTrainingHQ Based on my experience with the Sigma 35mm, I would imagine that the difference is still very large. This is an area where Leica is way ahead, but of course the price is 5 to 10 times more expensive depending on the lens. The 35mm APO Summicron is way ahead of the 35mm Sigma both in sharpness and freedom from CA and LOCA.

[@63MacGuy]

How would you compare the Sigma to the Sony 55 f1.8? Should I upgrade. Wedding video / photo

[@PurpleSkittle285]

I wish you had added the 55 1.8 to this review. Its obviously not 50,but god is it amazing!

[@MichaelAres]

Where’s the Nikon 85mm 1.2 S preview?!?

[@xasaintx]

Have you used the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM? I know it is twice the price but I was wondering if you had any thoughts on it in comparison to these other lenses?

[@artofvisual_videography]

I was watching yesterday your video about the sigma 35 and wondered when will they release a 50. I should asked for something else!!!

[@TheMiddlemanPc]

Hey man, I need your thoughts on something. I bought the ZV-e10 about a year ago. It is 24mp and obviously an apsc camera. I just purchased the Sony a7 IV, but I only have apsc lenses, so if I were to use my current lenses with it I would have to put in apsc mode at 16mp. Are the mega pixels what I should focus on, meaning I should use the ZV-e10 until I get FF lenses? OR since the a7 IV is a far superior camera otherwise, use it with the apsc lenses?

[@zach_blackburn]

"Fits with the Christmas colors of the winter!" hahahaha. Yes, not a good thing.

[@kathlaughs1991]

Would i be wasting my money to use this with A7ii

[@UnicornRiderNarresh]

Baptised : The Fringe Master 50. The lovely new Baby.

[@karelinstudio]

another outstanding video by Gerald

[@orphanuprising]

I've noticed that the bokeh changes with efc shutter. Why is that exactly? I can't make sense of it

[@JamesClark1991]

There's a few explanations of this online. I think Manny Ortiz did a video on it

[@gabrielmachadobsb]

I was excited about the declickable aperture, but the non linear focus is really disappointing. At this point every lens manufacturer should know that this is a demand for hybrid and video shooters. I love the focus clutch on the Tokina 11-16 and Olympus m pros. I believe new Panasonic lenses also have it. Hell, if sigma came out with a 18-35 mk 2 with better manual focus (longer throw, linear clutch mechanism with hard stops) and a declickable aperture, I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

[@dreammachine86]

I believe if using the L-Mount version of Sigma's DG DN lenses you can adjust the manual focus to be linear (with a choice of degrees of throw) or non-linear. Tamron has a great idea with their Lens Utility software though, can adjust the manual focus response amongst other features directly on the lens by plugging in a USB-C cable. I agree that the demand is big for hybrid featured cameras atm - myself I'm considering something like a Panasonic S5 II so I can get some higher end video features. I only have an Olympus EM5.III at the moment and the 30 minute record limit is annoying, along with other video limitations - and then there's the lower performance in low light from the Micro Four Thirds sensor if it's not a static shot where the IBIS can level the playing field. Going full frame is quite expensive though so still deciding.

[@Sil3nC4]

Meh, gonna keep my Zeiss 55 1.8 and wait for you review on the Sony 50 1.4 GM due to be announced end of this month.

[@MichaelSchultzNZ]

Not sure why you wouldn't feature the Sony 50 1.2 in this budget maybe?

[@muzlee7479]

Yeah that costs more than 2x of the sigma

[@Tarets]

Man I've been waiting so long for this mirrorless-designed FF Sigma for my favourite focal length, but I'm somewhat disappointed.

[@illia_krm]

The distortion is 🤯💀

[@Tzadeck]

Hmm, yeah, but aren't 50mms just like this? Most of them are anyway.

[@illia_krm]

To a degree - yes. But this one is definitely the most distorted from what I see. It's also funny how the old sigma has almost zero of distortion

[@freespiritsquest]

I was excited to see this get released. Definitely looking like a contender for me to shoot detail real estate shots/portraits.

[@kenzobrei]

Can you use it with all functions on a rf Mount adapted?

[@SamandSteve]

Nope. You are stuck with a deliberately limited lens range. Blame Canon.

[@Herkulez1981]

When it comes to sharpness its wide open that counts. The difference stopped down is neglible you have to reslly pixelpeep

[@kazlepek6552]

I have the Sony Zeiss 55mm f1.8 … is there much of a difference between that lens and the new Sigma or G Master? (for video, I don’t care too much about razor sharpness)

[@joe2snj]

I own both the 55mm f1.8 and the 50mm f1.2 GM, the GM is much sharper at wider apertures and much much less CA. Stopped down the 55mm improves and gets closer to the GM but the GM is still a bit sharper. Rendering wise to me the GM is much much nicer.

[@mirage711]

You're getting the heavy CA from shooting in the snow at probably 1.4 most lenses do that You can't say that is unusual. I was just shooting in the snow last week with an 85 1.8 and since I had it set at one point eight I was getting heavy CA even my silver hair was turning purple on a different lens it's just something we have to deal with when we're shooting wide open but if you stopped it down to 2.8 I'm sure the purple fringing would go away.

[@rusinsr]

Thanks for the comparison! Boy am I glad I got my Zeiss planar for 750$ used 😄

[@heyheyhey520]

I really like my 35 1.2 DG DN Art from sigma, and I don’t feel like this is a good companion to it…Hopefuly at 50mm 1.2 from sigma might have better focus breathing.

[@ShashankTinkuSharma]

great video as always.. please review samyang V-AF lenses.

[@TheMash84]

Quite all the fast prime lenses at lowest aperture setting have LoCa, based on what I've seen during the past years. I'd be curious to compare it to an old Canon EF 50 1.2 L lens I own. I guess they would be similar at 1.4 🙂

[@GregorMima]

Except for the AF... Jeez i remember the old Canon... worst AF i encountered on EOS 😄

[@youknowwho9247]

Not all of them. The 50 1.2 GM is clean wide open. Different price point though.

[@TechnoBabble]

The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art has essentially no chromatic aberation wide open. The Sony 50mm f1.2 GM is also very good.

[@nando_rezende]

Thanks for the review Gerald :) Amazing as always!!! I'm really concerned about the distortion o this lens, but overall that´s a good lens...Nice price point!! Cheers from Brazil!

you won't get that "EFCS" in full electronic shutter mode... so it's safe to use A1

[@ephemere82]

i thought linear or non linear focus ring managing on linear motor lenses was managed entirely by camera settings

[@fasteddy191]

It is there. But only the l- mount version has this option

[@sigmaphoto]

Appreciate the review!

[@Valentino636zdm]

Now i need Canon R8 review ))) Trust only Gerald )))

[@patmat.]

Wait for the new Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 G due in a month or two. I bet it'll be half the weight.

[@StebanPantera]

Hello! I've been watching your reviews for a long time now. Can you please compare this new sigma and Gmaster 50 1.2. Sigma has a cool focus. 1.2 is also a cool focus. But it is interesting about aberrations. And distortion.

[@jpemile]

Imagine watching these reviews while holding a Canon mirrorless with RF mount 😢

[@SamandSteve]

Yep. Suck you in with ok cameras and the brand, and then….wow lens range is limited and the prices….!

[@dilfill]

If you can’t afford this maybe invest in a Leica 50mm f2. It’s one of the best lenses you can get and they sell for around 500 to 1000 bucks. This is a manual lens but the quality can’t be beat.

[@coffeewithdamian]

Why not Sigma 56mm f/1.4?

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

It's an APSC lens.

[@coffeewithdamian]

@@CanditoTrainingHQ I am thinking my categories, you are right!

[@RickMentore]

Gerald you're the best!

[@vergesslich82]

Let's see about the upcoming Sony 1.4 - performance and price wise.

[@Rafaelinux]

It's quite bad for what we're used to. Feels like the old samyangs. For half the price it'd be fine.

[@peterebel7899]

A decent review again! If you need good reviews for photo & video stuff: Some Canadians are rocking the world. Just those for wildlife shooting: Australian colleagues are really strong.

[@davidpark9325]

I have a 50mm Minolta rokkor 1.7. Manual but beautiful.

[@MaxWildlifePhotographer]

Next video intro, “Vodka makes the world bokeh.”

[@weisserth]

Ridiculous how massive and chunky these fast prime lenses are on modern mirrorless systems.

[@bobs...861]

Great review !

[@PorkChopify]

4:57 that's what she said