Sigma 56mm f1.4 review BEST portrait lens SONY e M43

[@cameralabs]

Find out why Sigma's 56mm f1.4 is one of the best portrait lenses for Sony e (APSC) and M43! Check prices at B&H: bhpho.to/2ravbfT Check prices at Amazon UK: amzn.to/2BZwnZW Gordon's In Camera book at Amazon: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Like Cameralabs? Get the T-Shirt: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop

[@johndonaldson5126]

I just used my 56mm 1.4 today for a family portrait shoot. Every time I use this lens I'm astonished at the quality of the images it produced including sharpness and contrast. I have several other lenses that are all high quality but none come close to this one.

[@cameralabs]

It is really nice for portraits...

[@nateshf9303]

Your video pushed me one step closer to getting my first camera in 40 years.

[@T-Slider]

A spectacularly revealing, AND crystal clear review! In a word: perfection! You’ve earned you coffee on this one!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! I worked hard to try and include everything in this one! And thanks for the coffee, much appreciated!

[@T-Slider]

What editor do you use for your reviews?

[@cameralabs]

@@T-Slider you mean video editor? I use Adobe Premiere Pro CC, but it's pretty basic editing.

[@geopapa80]

One of the most pleasing product reviews I've watched!

[@cameralabs]

Why thankyou!

[@tvurk]

Great lens for a great price, a no-brainer if you're a Sony APS-C owner. I wish they would make their f/1.4 primes (16mm, 30mm and 56mm) for the X mount too. The Fuji lenses are also great but they really need more (budget friendly) alvernatives from third party companies like Sigma and Tamron.

[@cameralabs]

I agree, I'd also like to see this for Fuji X.

[@BikeLife154]

Gordon Laing did you ask sigma if they’re gonna make it for X mount?

[@cameralabs]

@@BikeLife154 I will next time I speak to them.

[@BikeLife154]

Gordon Laing Thanks! I think there would be a lot of Fuji shooters interested in this lens at or around that price. I’m sure the Fuji 56 f1.2 is nice but it’s almost double the price.

[@cameralabs]

@@BikeLife154 I completely agree!

[@royhobbs785]

The sony 50mm apsc lens is perfect on the a6000 because of OSS. Now on a a6500 I would go with the Sigma. I use a lot of vintage lenses on my a6000 they seem to work well as long as shutter speed exceeds the focal length. Nice review

[@cameralabs]

I agree, having OSS is valuable on the A6000 and A6300, BUT most of those sample images you saw in the review were taken with the A6000 and while I did miss having stabilisation, it was workable even with my shaky hands! But yes, hopefully all bodies going forward will have IBIS...

[@JeanV1986]

Great review, Gordon.That is one of the rare lenses I want to buy as soon as it comes out (for my micro 43 camera).I had the Oly 75 1.8, and while it was a fantastic lens, I didn't use it enough so I replaced it with the great Panasonic 35-100 2.8, but I must say I miss the 1.8 aperture. I also have the 45 1.8 Oly, which I love, but it's a bit short and it could be sharper wide open. This lens is exactly what I've been waiting for.

[@cameralabs]

It sounds perfect for you! Let us know what you think when you get it - and if you're ordering online, please do consider going through my links at cameralabs.com thanks!

[@geraldundone]

Great review, Gordon! But I'm going to send you a rocket blower to keep the dust of the lens for your b-roll. 😜👌

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Yes, it does become a bit obvious in my 4k footage under this lighting. In real life you can actually hardly see it.

[@KenMyers]

I had the MFT version for a few days but sent it back. The close focusing was way to long. Also the focusing speed was 1/3 as fast as the Pana 42.5mm. Also when shooting video focusing was off way more than the Pana 42.5. You can get closer to the subject with other lenses and get just as much background blur with f1.7 as you can with the Sigma at F1.4. I found the focal distance in a no man's land. It also was too slow to focus for indoor sports. I find the 42.5 and the Oly 75mm make a great pair for that.

[@CameraRay]

I had the same issues with the Sigma on Micro Four Thirds. Just too slow focusing and the close focus distance it just to far away. The images look flat. No depth to them or 3D feel like the Olympus 75mm.

[@KentuckyMan30]

Excellent content as always, Gordon! I would love if they eventually made this for the Fujifilm X mount. It would be a great alternative to Fuji's 56mm 1.2 at half the price.

[@jalendvenn7990]

3 years later and we are finally getting just that!😁

[@TravellLove]

This was awesome!!!! Thanks for including FE 50mm 1.8. I have it and always wanted a side comparison with E mount Sigma lens. You just earned one more subscriber!

[@andrewh4026]

I would've preferred seeing this tested on a m43 body, as there are already dozens of reviews on the Sony system. For the price, size, weight and f1.4 aperture it represents a compelling alternative to the 75 f1.8, or the absurd prices of the f1.2 lens (42.5, 45) if you don't need those focal lengths. Will you be following up with a review on a m43 body?

[@tim1398]

Gerald Undone (kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4XTYmWfrbhmobc) and David Thorpe (kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4u4c3mceduJjM0) had nice MFT reviews of this lens.

[@TKSung]

Everything should be the same on MFT other than you need to stand 1.4x further from your subject, I think.

[@kentmemories]

Thanks Gordon for comprehensive review.. I have Lumix 42/1.7 on GX9 and used it for both portrait and indoor sport (table tennis and basketball).. I want to have more background blur in portrait, and less noise (or more aperture) in indoor sport.. For both situation, f1.7 is not enough.. I am deciding between Sigma 56/1.4 ($450) and Nocticron 42/1.2 ($1,000).. Price asides, between these two, Nocticron will give me more pleasing portrait (skin tone and Leica micro contrast) and less noise from lower ISO @ f1.2 in indoor sport.. But 56 is appealing too, especially from weight/size/price and reach (for sport).. However, these two lens are not main lens, but mostly for "special occasion" lens, so weigh/size concern is a bit less significant.. And for price, if I use purchased price minus resell value, the different of the two becomes less significant also.. I probably lose $250 for Sigma, and $300-$350 for Nocticron for its lifetime usage.. For these types of shooting, which one would you recommend? Thank you in advance.. (ps> I purchased your book already.. Very useful and interesting book indeed)

[@cameralabs]

Hi Kent, thanks for buying my book! I do love the Nocticron, but now this Sigma is out, I would find it hard to pay 2.5 times as much on it. I would if I desperately wanted the 85mm focal length, but if I could work with 112mm, then i'd go for the Sigma.

[@KenMyers]

If you are used to the focus speed of the 42.5 for indoor sports you will be disappointed with the Sigma. I found it too slow for action shots with auto focus. With basketball I had to manual focus on a spot and wait for the players to enter it. With the Pana 42.5 it hits auto focus almost every time.

[@kentmemories]

@Ray Myers Thank you very much.. I am about to buy 56 for indoor basketball, so I hold purchase for time being.. 35-100/2.8 is another choice, but I may need to raise ISO to 6,400 to have fast enough shutter speed..

[@anthonyjj89]

Great review bud. Purchased this lens recently and found it helpful post purchase also.

[@cameralabs]

Glad you found it useful!

[@GregorMima]

Considering Sony´s 50mmOSSF1.8 is ancient - the oldest crop E-mount lens, it is still an amazing performer ... Cheers.

[@cameralabs]

It's still a contender for the money, plus it has OSS, but this new Sigma is now my preferred choice.

[@ayhancapan]

Tony Northrup explained why we can never get sharp photos with full frame lenses on APSC bodies... I've watched his video and it makes sense... And thank you for this elobarate review. I have 58mm helios f2. And really awesome focal distance for esp. headshot portrait photography.

[@San13692]

That was such a beautiful and calm review...you earned a ☕ from my end a new subscriber...keep up Gordon...waiting for more..📷😀

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed my style!

[@andersfernandez13]

thank you for such a detailed and systematic review! helps a lot. I have the sony' aps-c 50mm and now wanting to have sigma's 56 rather tyab the FE instead.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! I think that's the best choice!

[@HusseinKefel]

Hi Gordon and Season's Greetings, nice and useful tutorial as usual. Thank you

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@VlogdeJorge]

Beautiful lens this sigma, excellent review Gordon, thank you so much. Merry Christmas from Canada.

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou, and Merry Christmas to you too!

[@thegirlwholeftthefridgeopen]

Great review, Gorgon! I have a G9 but don't have a weather-sealed lens so this looks like a great option when I can't risk my 45 1.8 and 75 1.8 out in the light rain!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, but remember it's only weather sealed at the mount, so it's not impervious to moisture.

[@PhotoGearFun]

Great review as always! Very thorough and informative. Keep up the awesome work. This one may end up on my a6500 and even my a7iii for video.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, and thankyou also for the coffee, much appreciated! I wanted to try this on full-frame to see how big the imaging circle was, but of course you could always shoot / film in Super 35 format.

[@PhotoGearFun]

@@cameralabs It's my pleasure. Yeah I would use this like I do the 16mm f/1.4 in Super 35 mode on the a7iii. I find the video quality to be excellent. I wouldn't use it for photo since the crop mode is a bit aggressive for me and I have the a6500 to use for crop photos at the full 24mp size. Cheers.

[@superman2j3]

This takes a lot of work and time. On top of that, it was an extremely well done review. Thanks!

[@villemononen5303]

This looks great and nicely compact! Call me silly, but i haven't been excited on Sigma since the 30mm f2.8. Well, i'm excited again and this lens looks amazing! 16mm and 30mm were tad too big for my liking (and not my preferred focal lengths), but this seems PERFECT! Another lens i'm excited to get is the Laowa 7.5mm f2.0 for m4/3. This one will be bought for APS-C though, since it's really lacking. M4/3 is already way covered in great small lenses, and the good ol' Olympus 45mm f1.8 is hard to beat. When i've been testing film lenses, 50mm prime are generally all good. Yet there seems to be something special about the slightly longer lenses, like the 55mm and 58mm... Maybe this lens will catch some of that magic, especially when it comes that slightly smoother bokeh...

[@cameralabs]

I certainly liked it! I think Sigma's done a really good job here...

[@fellowcitizen]

Uncompromised thrift and versatility to buy both the Sigma 56mm F/1.4 & Panasonic 42.5mm F/1.7 rather than the Leica or Olympus night-portrait lenses. The 42.5mm F/1.7 is very compact with stabilisation, and performs well. The 56mm F/1.4 out-performs the rivals and is still quite compact. It's possible that the Olympus is better corrected optically, but it comes at a price in pounds and pockets.

[@opalyankaBG]

Been drinking too much coffee, Gordon? ;) Nice review!

[@adrianthomas2132]

Great review Gordon...just got mine yesterday ... previously my portrait lens was the sony fe 85mm 1.8.. and well i hope this is better...

[@cameralabs]

Well it'll be shorter anyway! I think it'll be sharper and more contrasty.

[@adrianthomas2132]

@@cameralabs its definitely not as sexy as the 85mm for sure..Ahaha.. thanks so much Gordon

[@charliegreen1989]

Great review. I picked this lens up a couple of weeks ago to take with me on a Portrait Workshop and found it great. I prefer the sharpness over the Sony 50mm which has been echoed in the comparison shots.

[@cameralabs]

Which Sony 50mm did you have? That said, I prefer this to both of them, but especially the FE version.

[@charliegreen1989]

I have the APS-C version which I have been pleased with but this Sigma has taken the shots to another level. I’ve also ordered your book In Camera as I don’t really like to edit unless I really have too and prefer to try and get it right first time.

[@cameralabs]

@@charliegreen1989 Thanks for ordering my book Charlie, I hope you'll enjoy it!

[@BrandonColePhotography]

Hey bro question When I put my 56mm 1.4 on my A7III, I notice the brackets on the screen. Almost like the phase detection brackets or af brackets. How do I remove these brackets?

[@cameralabs]

I'm not sure, you'd need to read through the Sony manual. You know it won't look great in full-frame mode, right? It's designed to be use din Super 35 / APSC mode. If you're in full-frame, maybe it's showing the area it'll work properly with.

[@frankluo230]

All we need now is a a7000 body to properly use this new benchmark portrait lens for APSc. A6500 is over 2yr old and a6000 is 4yr+. What were they at Sony thinking?

[@frankluo230]

@@CGadua I think Fuji XT3 proved apsC system is still very much alive and vibrant. Imagine a Sony version a7000 uses same sensor as xt3, awesome af, awesome video capability,, but with fz100 battery and improved 5axis stabilisation, which are two of XT3's most obvious shortcomings. I would totally buy it over a A73.

[@dasaauto2024]

Angelo Duarte The a7III is still about twice the $1,100 price that the a6500 has been selling at for a few months. Comparing the price of camera bodies alone is a dangerous way to look at it. You get far more for your money with the a6500 vs. a discounted a7II. If video is of any concern at all then going with the a7II wouldn’t be a great choice since it lacks 4K and has soft Canon-like 1080P. The a6500 also has far better focusing capabilities (with 4X the phase and contrast detect points) and its AF applies not only to native lenses but also to any Canon lenses you might want to adapt. The a7II has a 5 frame per second burst rate with a 50 photo max (which isn’t bad) but the a6500 can shoot at 11FPS with a 300 shot buffer. If you plan on putting your camera to good use, the cost of the camera body isn’t nearly as important as the kinds of lenses you want to shoot with. Lenses for FF are on average about 3X the price of APS-C. People who jump at FF just because it’s FF probably have a lot to learn about photography anyway. The mirrorless lenses that Sigma and Samyang/Rokinon offer on E mount are really high quality and all of them are about $300 to $400, covering almost every common focal length from 12mm to 85mm, and all but the 12mm are f/1.4, with Rokinon’s 35mm and 50mm both f/1.2. Look before you leap is my advice. Almost every lens I’d want to own for FF E-mount is $1K plus, and the three f/2.8 zooms are each over $2K. 😬

[@taylor1038]

I've been wanting to get the 30mm for a while but now they had to come out with this and tempt me. Very well done review, it makes my decision even harder.

[@cameralabs]

You know you'll now need to buy them both! And the 16mm too...

[@khanguyen4868]

just buy all of them

[@taylor1038]

Haha, yeah I'll probably get all 3 eventually. My wallet can't quite handle all three at once.

[@exar8355]

Thanks for this great video review. I suppose the closest rival on the sony system is the zeiss 55mm 1.8, which is also sharp, compact and works great on apsc. It's just a whole bunch more money. As I have that lens I am wondering whether to dump it and get this instead for my a6500. I would imagine they perform similarly.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Yes, I'd have liked to compare the two on APSC. It's one of my favourites for full-frame as it keeps the system down in size compared to newer lenses. In terms of performance, I would expect similar sharpness and essentially the same DOF. The SIgma will be a tad brighter, but it's not that huge a difference. When you saw my focusing speed examples, how do you think it compares to your Zeiss 55mm on an A6500?

[@exar8355]

@@cameralabs thanks very much for your reply. The focusing speed on the zeiss 55mm is very fast, and the mechanism is quiet. However, at high speeds where the subject is moving toward the camera it can lag behind the sony a6500 autofocus tracking, which is very fast. It's probably on par with this improved sigma system. One thing I love about the 55mm is the smooth bokeh. Also this seems to have that quality too. So it would be close if the price were the same. But the Sigma is half the price of the Zeiss so not much of a competition for apsc users. In my case since I have the 55 it might take more to convince me. But I have the 30mm and 16mm and love them both. Especially the spectacular 30mm with that super practical 45mm equivalent focal length.

[@cameralabs]

@@exar8355 thanks! I'd say unless you can sell your 55mm for MORE than the Sigma costs new, then I'd stick with it. The overall performance on APSC will be similar.

[@exar8355]

@@cameralabs agreed. Also one day sony may release a full frame camera in the a6500 form factor and I would snap that up, so would be nice to have the FE lens. Thanks so much for the advice. Pleasure chatting!

[@elinavance3476]

@@exar8355 did you buy the sony a7c? :D

[@frankfeng2701]

Blessing for Sony users.

[@cameralabs]

It sure is...

[@justinsmith6923]

Very informative - thank you!

[@guitardipu]

The sony 50mm oss or the sigma 56mm for the sony a6400.?

[@tanertekin763]

What a fantastic review, thanks Gordon 👍

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, you're very welcome!

[@dan_lazar]

What camera did you used in the first pictures? Thanks

[@cameralabs]

A mix of Sony A6000 and A6500.

[@loveyou-ts4rm]

do we use the canon adapter for sigma 56 mm 1.4 on canon m50 . what lens would you prefer for portrait photography canon 50mm 1.8 or canon 32 1.4 or sigma 30mm 1.4 or sigma 56 mm 1.4 .

[@nightcoder5k]

Great review as always. That is a nice lens. I already have the SEL50F18, and I think it's good enough for me.

[@MenM1807]

Hello Gordon, I really like your video! But i'm really confused what sort lens i should buy for portraits. Because i have seen the Sony 35mm the sony 50mm and ofcourse the sigma 56mm. I'm using the A6000 so my biggest concern would be no stabilization and the 1.5 crop factor for the APS-C. I hope you see this and again thank you for all your wisdom.

[@tanavutveratar857]

i love the way no photoshop no lightroom.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, me too!

[@victor.ivanov]

How you made those shots with the dog. They look almost identical. I just have no idea how to do that if the dog is alive. And it looks pretty alive to me.

[@cameralabs]

I asked it in my nicest way to stay perfectly still and it'd get a biscuit... Only kidding, it's actually stuffed, but it DOES look very real!

[@victor.ivanov]

@@cameralabs Oh my... That's hilarious!

[@ayanmondal22]

Thak you sir... It's really good review,,,,I use lumix g85 body,can I fece stabilization issue if I use this lens.?

[@cameralabs]

Yes, it should work

[@joaopauloferreira2585]

Great review! advice... going to iceland with the sony a6500, what lenses would you recomend? i was thinking on taking de sigma 16mm and buying this one the 56mm. keep the good work

[@cameralabs]

Depends what you're shooting. if it's landscapes, you may want something nice and wide. The 16mm is great, but may not be wide enough for some views. Also if the weather is bad and you don't want to swap lenses, a zoom may be more appropriate. But I do think the 16mm could still be a good choice as it's wide and bright, so in poorer light, could prove more flexible than a slower zoom.

[@joaopauloferreira2585]

@@cameralabs i think i Will do some portraits a long the trip, but it will be landscape, aurora... Whales I hope. And the the 56mm in combination with the 16mm? Ps. It Will be 14 days... 4 people

[@nikizzam]

Awesome review Gordon 😎 I wonder how does it compare with the sony fe 85mm in terms of dof and compression?

[@dasaauto2024]

Izzat Amir The Sony 85mm f/1.8 will produce far more shallow depth of field over the Sigma 56mm f/1.4. (It’s also has a much more narrow FOV.) At 9 meters away from a subject, the 85mm f/1.8 produces a depth of focus that’s twice as thin as the 56mm. Check out dofsimulator.com for a quick calculation of lens differences.

[@nikizzam]

@@dasaauto2024 thankss a lot!

[@WhiteWulfe]

Now I"m suddenly curious as to how the rendering differences are between the Sigma and the Olympus Pro. That 56mm is kind of tempting, that's for sure.

[@cameralabs]

I would love to do a shootout between the Oly 45mm f1.2, Nocticron and Sigma 56mm. Plus throw in the 75mm f1.8 and the 45 f1.8 too!

[@sharingtheadventure]

Thorough...with tons of great examples. Thanks!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@_Jess]

Full frame lenses are going to be less sharp on APS-C, compared to lenses that natively cast their image as a smaller patch of light.

[@cameralabs]

Not in my experience. A full-frame lens is designed to be sharp over a larger area, so when you take a cropped region of it - such as APSC - it's using the best part of the lens and should stay well-clear of regions which become softer towards the edges of the imaging circle. What is true however is that the pixel-pitch of APSC is often denser then full-frame, and hence places greater demands in terms of resolution on a lens. But what you see in this video with the FE 50mm f1.8 is a poor imaging circle.

[@dasaauto2024]

JSal You’re right. Not many people understand this, actually. The recent Samyang 85mm f/1.8 for mirrorless APS-C, for example, is sharper on a Sony a6XXX than Sony’s super popular $600 85mm f/1.8 FE. Also, the Sony 50mm f/1.8 OSS in this video does as good (or slightly better) on crop than the legendary Zony 55 f/1.8. I don’t know why the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 was even included in this review because it’s probably the worst FF prime Sony has made to date for FE (and on a crop camera it’s an even bigger disaster). 😂

[@agenericaccount3935]

Still one of the best bangs for buck

[@cinemenico]

You ever had your hands on a Tomioka (Revuenon/Yashinon/Chinon/Cosinon) 55mm f/1.2? It's supposed to be a legendary vintage lens. Wonder how it compares.

[@clubphotoraw8577]

Hello Gordon, i've the Sigma 16 and 30mm f1.4 and both get the same problem with EVF / AF-S mode / Front focus on my A6000. Does the 56mm the same problem ? I was thinking that it was other people who have problems with their models or A6x00 but me too have the problem. Update firmware doesn't solve anything. Thx for your great job.

[@cameralabs]

Sorry to hear about those issues. I should say most of my sample images were shot on an A6000 and I didn't notice any front or back focusing. Here are my samples www.cameralabs.com/sigma-56mm-f1-4-review/3/ But I haven't tested those other two lenses yet, so can't comment on whether this felt or operated differently.

[@dasaauto2024]

I haven’t heard of this issue either. If all your firmware is up to date and you’re sure none of your settings are incorrect, you might want to have your camera looked at. Mirrorless cameras rarely have front or back focusing issues (at least not persistent issues).

[@cinemenico]

Ooh, was thinking about getting this. The 19 & 30mm f/2.8 EX DN really surprised me back in the day (well, for optical quality, build wasn't to write home about). The 30mm f/1.4 DC DN really is something else as well. Much cheaper than say a Leica 42.5mm f/1.2, but quite a stunner too. Expensive month this, will sleep on it some more. :P Thanks for the vid!

[@cameralabs]

Yes, concentrate on how much cheaper it is than the Nocticron!

[@jesusdiaz7485]

Hey Gordon, have you had any fog build up inside your sigma 56mm? i was taking some pics inside my apartment today and a few minutes into the shoot i noticed fog was building up inside the lens. Wondering if this is normal or if i need to get in touch with sigma for warranty. Had to change to my 30 mm to finish shooting.

[@cameralabs]

Hmm, I didn't experience this when I tested it, but it was a review sample that was returned to Sigma - like all my reviews - afterwards. If the humidity didn't change you may want to contact them

[@Diminish12]

Nice the review we all been waiting for. All 50s..

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@javajolt4212]

I have the NEX 6 and love it! I use a number of vintage glass as well as the sigma 16, sony 35, sony 55-210 . I would love to add the 56mm. When you are ready, you can move to a6400. :)

[@Smoothblue90]

Nice video. Great audio. Good photography. Looks like this lens on the a6500 vs Fuji 56mm 1.2 would be a good comparison. But I don't know what Fuji body would be the correct one to use for that comparison.

[@cameralabs]

I would also be quite interested to see how they both compare. I've shot with the Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 a lot, and love it, but I seem to recall the rendering style is quite different.

[@laurencegr9978]

Wow, beautiful lens. I've heard that they're selling it for half the price on Amazon Japan.

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Yep, grey market, not US warranty.

[@bevisual]

Great review. For 4/3 is 112mm equivalent and is too much for portrait. It's much better for sony. The olympus 45mm 1.8 are very sharp, small and cheap lens. For better lens I prefer olympus 45mm 1.2 or panasonic 42.5mm. 1.2.

[@cameralabs]

I agree it's a bit long for M43, but still usable. I know many portrait shooters who use the 75mm f1.8 and that's much longer still.

[@funtikos]

Hello Gordon, i want to buy this lens for Streetphotography. To much? Inappropriate? Great Review. I saw all videos for this lens. Your Review is the Best! Thank you!

[@cameralabs]

If say too long for street but depends what coverage you want

[@andreik3096]

wonder how it'd compare it to my rokkor 50mm f1.4, i paid $30 for it on a flea market and it IS one of the best portrait lenses on m43 for me (90% of the time i don't need l'af for my portraits, i grab panny 42.5 f1.7 then i do need af, but rokkor is just great, i like its microcontrast more than panny's one, + i'm not afrait of killing it under rain or loosing etc)...

[@reigateschoolofballetcomme8629]

Sigma 56mm1.4 or sony 30mm 1.8 for quick autofocus of quick moving dancers, using sony a6400? Does this translate with the 30mm (sigma) and 35mm (sony) also?

[@cameralabs]

The Sony would be faster.

[@azlanamin7054]

I have a Sony nex 6 that I bought five years ago but kit lens wasn't good and it broke. I am considering buying this lens but I was wondering if it makes sense to invest in this for a body like nex 6. Thanks for your advice in advance

[@cameralabs]

If you had the 16-50 kit zoom, or 18-55, then this lens would be like having your old zoom fully zoomed-in all the time. So it depends if that's ok for you or not. It's probably a bit too tight for general use. Consider the Sony 18-135, or one of the wider Sigmas.

[@azlanamin7054]

@@cameralabs many thanks for the quick response. Is the camera body ok for a good lens investment? I don't want to buy a great lens and then be let down by the camera body

[@cameralabs]

@@azlanamin7054 the high ISO and also video quality wasn't great on the NEX 6 and 7 compared to the latest ones, but the photo resolution is still ok.

[@azlanamin7054]

@@cameralabs between Sony 18-135mm and sigma 30mm f1.4 which one has the sharper image? I like the flexibility and range of Sony but also think my needs may be met by the sigma. So wondering about image sharpness. A sharper lens may compensate for the lower mega pixels on next 6? Thanks for your advice

[@cameralabs]

@@azlanamin7054 the prime

[@OswaldoLafee]

Excellent review. Many thanks.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@GregThurtle]

You probably know - how does the 55/1.8 compare being the closest to 56mm - as someone who already owns the 55/1.8 but loves the 30/1.4.. do you think I'll benefit from this?

[@cameralabs]

I wanted to make that comparison too, but stuck to the cheaper options for this first test. I am fond of the 55mm f1.8, and as I recall from using it, I think you'll enjoy similar sharpness, but the Sigma is a tad brighter. Not massively though and since they're also roughly the same size, weight, closest focusing etc, I don't think I'd swap if you already owned the 55mm. If I were buying new and ONLY wanted to use APSC, then I'd go for the Sigma to save money, but unless you can sell the Zeiss 55mm for MORE than the Sigma costs new, then I wouldn't bother making the switch. I am interested to hear how you think the focusing in my demo compares to yours with the Zeiss though.

[@GregThurtle]

@@cameralabs seems similar - though the sigma is significantly cheaper so if I was using on APS-C bodies only then this would be a good buy I think

[@andrewbell8964]

Now available for my Nikon z50. Saving my pennies for this one 🙂

[@natzirt]

Olympus 75mm vs 56mm Sigma? Which to choose? Wanted to upgrade from my 45mm 1.8 Olympus

[@cameralabs]

As I said in the video, I'd go for the Sigma as it's cheaper and a more practical focal length for portraits.

[@jedunboxing4127]

Is there any adapter to mount this in fujifilm cameras?

[@cameralabs]

Sadly not.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

I bought one in March 2023 for my a6000 - Sigma sale $376US.

[@kumingo]

Love the sigma 56mm so far.

[@cameralabs]

Me too!

[@AromaFrank]

Will the LUMIX g 42.5mm 1.7 or Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens fit the Sony a5100?

[@cameralabs]

No, they're a different mount.

[@GuitarJerk13]

Since I’m stuck in the land of Fuji and won’t get access to this lens, how does the Sigma compare to the 50mm f/2 and the 56mm f/1.2?

[@cameralabs]

Out of curiousity I am interested in comparing it to the 56mm f1.2, but since the Sigma's not available in an X-mount (yet) it's only academic.

[@GuitarJerk13]

Of course it is, and that’s OK :) I love my Fuji and I don’t think I will ever switch systems but the nice Fuji glass is so expensive. As a student living on loans it’s hard to save up to the 9000+ swedish royal crowns that is asked for most of the good primes and the 10-24 f/4. Buying used is always an option but I like buying stuff new. Seeing Sigma release this and hopefully more lenses like this one (a wide angle would be nice) for such a competative price makes you wonder wonder what am I missing out on for choosing to shoot with Fuji?

[@orlandedios5492]

Hello sir what do you recommend sigma 30mm or 56mm?

[@cameralabs]

That depends what you're shooting. 30 for standard stuff, 56 for portrait stuff.

[@mklphoto]

I wonder how it does against the Sony Zeiss 55 1.8?

[@dasaauto2024]

mklphoto The Zony 55mm f/1.8 performs almost identically to the Sony 50mm f/1.8 OSS in this review on an APS-C sensor. The Sigma would actually be a sharper, faster option with less chromatic aberration.

[@natzirt]

Thank you for this review

[@laxuscloud2495]

fuji's 56 1.2 is superior than any of those lenses, is that correct? or im missing something?

[@froznfire9531]

This doesn't fit an any fuji anyways, so there isnt really a need for discussion

[@laxuscloud2495]

@@froznfire9531 lol. Adapters doesnt exist in your country boy?

[@froznfire9531]

ofc they do, but then you mostly loose the functions like good af or apartue control or they cost so much that it bearly is worth it... and native mounts are better in every way....

[@weknowmacs.3787]

Worth getting if you have the Sony 50?

[@cameralabs]

I compare it to both Sony 50mm f1.8 lenses in this review.

[@gameroja]

Great review!

[@matt_phistopheles]

Too bad that it's not available for Fuji X even though it was designed for APS-C. It would be a great alternative/addition to the existing Fujinon 56mm F1.2 lens.

[@cameralabs]

Yes, it would be interesting to compare them as the Sigma is almost half the price...

[@michaelk.9986]

Thank you for the nice review 👍👍🙏🙏👍👍

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, you're welcome!

Nice review. Can you make a comparative this lens vs the Zuiko 75mm or a 85mm E-mount using the same subject?

[@momchilyordanov8190]

The 16, 30 and this on the new 6400... sweet

[@GameForge7426]

I LOVE Sigma lenses. Im shooting for the 16mm though

[@cameralabs]

As coincidence would have it, I just got one for my A6400!

[@GameForge7426]

@@cameralabs nice! I was struggling to choose between the a6400 and the a7iii but I think mirrorless has advanced enough that I should go with the a6400

[@cameralabs]

@@GameForge7426 they're both mirrorless

[@cinemenico]

P.s. will you be doing a video on the DJI Osmo Pocket? :D And do you think we might get to see a Pro and Zoom version thereof at some point?

[@cameralabs]

I do hope to at some point, but I think it might have been reviewed to death by the time I'd get hold of one, so there'd be little point.

[@cinemenico]

Supposed to ship in 5 days I believe. Curious about getting one. Thing is... I keep getting bigger and better gear... but I end up taking it out less and less. Think the Osmo Pocket might be a way to get back into the rhythm of shooting more. And you're the Gordon Laing. Authority of relaying an impression to you straight! Not easily affected by wining and dining. :P Trustworthy. I've always checked in on Cameralabs to see your opinions. How I miss the Queenstown scenery btw.

[@cameralabs]

@@cinemenico Thanks! I do like to spend longer on reviews for greater credibility, but sadly that delay is not rewarded on KZbin as you get fewer views and less revenue as a result. YT rewards the first to post and the most regular posters. I don't qualify as either. Take my Nikon Z7 in-depth review for instance. Because it took me about a month to put together, it's later than most and has only had a fraction of the views of my first looks version. Sadly there's little encouragement for producing quality here.

[@cinemenico]

True that. You hear a lot about the elusive 'KZbin algorithm'. It sucks that YT is playing games like that and putting quantity over quality sorta speak. I see this also in the car/motorbike industry. Praised to bits by the ones who get wined, dined and early exclusive access. Honesty and criticism gets rewarded by not being invited to these events and being 'old news' when finally getting to experience it, if at all provided the oppertunity. Unfair but hard to combat.

[@vinaynagdev03]

Is it worth buying 56mm in comparison to 16mm lens?

[@cameralabs]

do you mean instead of? Depends if you want a wide angle or a telephoto, they're completely different.

[@zwete]

I wish they could start releasing lenses for Fuji.

[@cameralabs]

Me too, I'll ask them...

[@PR1NCELOZANO]

Wow. This makes me want to pick the a6000 over the fuji xt100

[@cameralabs]

there are some amazing prices on the A6000, but vs the XT100 you don't get a screen that faces forward for vlogging or selfies, if that's of interest!

[@PR1NCELOZANO]

@@cameralabs its not really a deal breaker. as long as i can take sharp images and videos, it's fine.

[@PR1NCELOZANO]

@@cameralabs by the way, the a6000 and fuji xt100 costs the same in my country.

[@analienundercover8207]

can someone tell sigma we really need a wide angle like 10mm f1.8 or even faster for crop sensor???? imagine a lens like that as sharp as 16mm or 56mm…damn! also a +100mm f1.4 is a blessing tho

[@cameralabs]

I'll suggest it to them!

[@analienundercover8207]

@@cameralabs thank you gordon :)

[@FrankP83]

this lens is actually a 84 F2.1 on a7iii right? There is a lens that you suggest for a7iii for portrait?

[@cameralabs]

Get yourself a Sony FE 85mm f1.8

[@FrankP83]

@@cameralabs thanks for your answer Gordon! Except for this one (that i fortunally already have), on the range of 50mm , there is something that really matter? :)

[@cameralabs]

@@FrankP83 50mm on full-frame is more general-purpose rather than portrait, so you'd need to get quite close, or of course use it for small groups. There's lots of 50mm options, but if you're using them on full-frame, you'd need FE models. So this Sigma wouldn't do, as it's designed for a smaller APSC sensor only. The cheapest is the Sony FE 50mm f1.8, but it's not great. For compact size but good quality I like the Zeiss 55mm f1.8, but it's around $999. The Sigma ART 50mm f1.4 is also great, but it's large and heavy.

[@FrankP83]

@@cameralabs thanks a lot for your explaination and suggestion. I think i will go for the Zeiss 55, here in italy is available for 500 euros used, and i think that worth the value. However i will wait...for now :D

[@funsnowy]

Great review Gordon. Good for a double Espresso.

[@cameralabs]

Why thankyou!

[@carmenfissenden2530]

The sigma is top notch

[@robertocarlosxx1]

Is this better than the 85mm

[@robertocarlosxx1]

For portraits

[@cameralabs]

Do you mean is this focal length better for portraits than an 85mm? It depends how close you like to get. An 85mm forces you to be m ore distant than a 56mm for the same size face, so depends how far you want to shoot at. I prefer 56mm on APSC as it's a closer experience, but not too close. Also note the longer the focal length, the more magnified the background will be, so again depends on how much or little of it you want to see. If the f-number is the same, you'll also get more blurring at longer lengths. If your question is do I prefer 56mm or 85mm on a Sony APSC or MFT camera, then I'd choose 56mm.

[@robertocarlosxx1]

@@cameralabs thank you, I should of just asked that which one you preferred since i will mainly going to be focus on portraits i wanted your thoughts on the lenses. On another note I do have a 50m. E 1.8. Is the difference alot between the 50mm and the sigma 56?

[@cameralabs]

@@robertocarlosxx1 I compare them in this video!

[@mavfan1]

I admire your patience. It seems almost every question in the comments could be prefaced by "It depends" because they're usually so broad. @@cameralabs

[@mynameispooop]

Really helpful

[@Aswinishere]

I'm so sad it doesn't come out for Fuji. And no I don't have money for the 1.2.

[@cameralabs]

I'm going to ask Sigma if they can do it! I agree, it'd be a great alternative to the 1.2.

[@peasantrobot]

6:18 6500 with Sony lens on face focus has much better colors!

[@ChillWithMe_musics]

Sigh... It's just the white balance. It's not the "lens colors" and "sony colors" or "color science"..... The white balance has completely shifted between the 2 clips, thats all........

[@Magneira]

Sigma is making some killers lenses!

[@adrianthomas2132]

Hey Gordon..i think someone stole ur review. Search for reviews for this lenss...

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I had a quick look, but couldn't see any obvious copies - do you have any you can link to?

[@adrianthomas2132]

@@cameralabs hi gordon.. yea, i cant seem to find it too, now. I totally forgot to copy the link.. sorry bout that. Will go look again later after I'm done with work. Apologies for my absentmindedness

[@cameralabs]

@@adrianthomas2132 no problem, thanks for mentioning it! If you spot anything in the future, just send me a link and I'll investigate!

[@biginjapan8]

Gordon, you been shaking too much your hands... Is everything ok? Take care please!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for your concern. I've been shaky pretty much my whole adult life, regardless of diet, caffeine, drink or anything!

[@Carmerafe]

Wish Sigma comes in x mount

[@cameralabs]

You're not alone!

[@davidalencar398]

Zeiss 55mm/1.8 is the best!!!

[@cameralabs]

Here's the cameralabs review of it: www.cameralabs.com/sony-sonnar-fe-55mm-f1-8-za-review/

[@existenci_ya]

Вау! Какая красота! Лайк и подписка))