ULTIMATE LENS BATTLE: Sony 50mm F1.4 GM vs Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art (Real World Review)

[@JeffWeymier]

Gotta love the sniff test. I did that in a camera store once and the guy waiting on me asked if there was something wrong with it.

[@WrongEnd]

I did the same in Victoria secrets, and got kicked out and went to the police station, i told them i learned that from Jared and they let me go with 2 used panties as a gift.

[@hawahyew6525]

Actually it was something wrong with you

[@jgaffney567]

I played stairway in guitar center and was told the same thing

[@bennieferinga9609]

@@WrongEnd 😂 Love this 😂

[@Deathhiko]

I'm a professional videographer and I don't understand those videos saying there's not much difference between Sigma and G master. There's absolutely a massive difference between the image quality. You feel that G master is way more smooth and has more range in colors when you're shooting. I was using Sigmas in the beginning because I saw comparison videos prior to the purchase saying there's not much difference. But once I got my hands on G master lenses, I was like "What are those KZbinrs saying!? G masters are way better than Sigmas". So G masters for me hands down.

[@brettalexander.studio]

Interesting take, but my experience has been quite the opposite. All of my native Sony lenses are consistently a stop darker compared to my Sigma lenses. For example, my Sigma 24-105mm f/4 is noticeably brighter than my Sony 24-105mm f/4, and the same goes for my Sigma 35mm f/1.4 versus the Sony 35mm f/1.4. This has been the case across multiple bodies, including the A7Sii, ZV-E1, and FX3. Yes, you lose out on features like focus breathing compensation and dynamic active stabilization with third-party lenses, but I wouldn’t call Sony glass 'significantly better.' Based on my experiences, Sigma lenses hold their ground and, in some ways, outperform native Sony glass. Of course, everyone’s mileage may vary, but I’ve been pretty frustrated with how Sony lenses stack up in this regard.

[@VZAAGE]

I'm tempted by the f 1.2 but I love that the f 1.4 is so much smaller and lighter. Is 50% of a stop worth 50% more money. I just don't know.

[@Mr.J633]

The reason I’ll take the Sigma is price. But the crazy thing is there was a time when 15fps was considered overkill and now it’s not acceptable if there’s something better.

[@Fabianvolf]

For the bottom of my heart thank you for all your outstanding reviews! I've been watching you for at least 4 years now and became a full time professional during that period. You are without a doubt the single best review channel that I know of and surely saved me a lot of money!

[@bruce-le-smith]

love these reviews, so much better than reading the technical documentation in text form, thanks! more tests with Sydney please

[@guyprolly]

Sydney's eyes are the most amazing part of this review. But everything else is icing on the cake. Good job Jared.

[@MonteMediaProductions]

Perfect timing, I've been contemplating between these two lenes.

[@stephen.]

I would love to get the Sony but for what I do, the Sigma is more than enough. The image quality and autofocus looks superb for portraits and it’s $450 less compared to the Sony. Photography isn’t my full time job either, so this new Sigma version of the 50mm 1.4 is close to perfect for me

[@taylorhickman84]

Is it just me or does the Sigma render more pleasant(warm) skin tones?

[@mxtchv]

@@taylorhickman84 True, that's correct.

[@Fontsman]

50mm GM 1.2 is a magical lens.

[@jesse2450]

I always base my purchases on your wind and sniff tests. Thank you for putting in the work!

[@exposurebar-andrewhoyle]

It's interesting to see that the Sigma & the Sony f/1.2 seem to be slightly darker with their images. Not sure if that's because of the time between shots changing the environment or not, but it is interesting to see either (I-ther) way.

[@Cony989]

I love my Zeiss 50 1.4 ♥️

[@pranjalsharma479]

Jared said at 1:12 that the Nikon and canon nail focus at wide apertures. Hence the Nikon focus is at power

[@CHTFilms]

I prefer having all the Sigma lenses instead of half the Sony lenses due financial situation... I have Sigma DG DN Art 24mm f/1.4, also Sigma DG DN Art 24-70mm f/2.8. Next one is gonna be Sigma DG DN Art 50mm F/1.4. Then I will start looking to buy Sigma 14-24mm F/2.8 DG DN Art... and so on :)

[@larrypatterson2096]

I've been waiting on this Fro. Thank you

[@ElMundoDuro]

I don't really do portraits so I probably won't get either. But the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN is amazing for Astrophotography. Especially with the manual focus lock feature.

[@JPMNRB]

Is 20 better than 14 mm? I am planning to get either the sigma 1.4 or the sony 1.8 for Auroras.

[@ElMundoDuro]

@JPMNRB If you don't need the extra wide 14mm, the 20mm works great and costs about $600 less. It is also smaller and lighter. When I need a wider landscape shot, I just take a few shots and stitch together a panorama from the raw files after the fact.

[@matthewpierce8935]

The colors in those game photos are great. Nice. What preset did you use to edit them?

[@AnthonyGarmont]

I was really torn on these lenses. I do concert photography and bought the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 hoping it could cover me better from my trashy focusing Sony nifty-fifty. I shoot mainly really dark goth shows and the nifty F/1.8 could get better shutter speeds, but the focus on it was hunting constantly and just really shitty in these situations. So I bought the Tamron with lots of hope. But F/2.8 is just not open enough for these dark venues. I'm glad you mention the differences in focusing between the two because other than that - I might have considered the Sigma because I'm always trying to save a buck. But I think I need to bite the bullet and do the Sony in my case. I really miss the extra stops of light. I also miss having a really fast prime.

[@riOdariot]

crank your ISO

[@vtxgenie1]

Thanks for mentioning the focus breathing compensation and the higher rate only being on the Sony lenses.

[@NEROGIL1]

Thanks!

[@n2hobbes]

Thank you for this comparison! I like the size and weight of the Sony, but for the price and near identical performance, the Sigma is hard to pass up.

[@Shankovich]

Not really related but recently got the Sony 90mm macro over the 105mm sigma, and oh boy does it work amazing for portraits and sports in good lighting. Love that we have these options with the emount system

[@ChrisHagan]

Totally agree with your take on shooting sports with primes. I shot some basketball on the Zeiss 85 1.8 and friggin loved the shots I got. A7 IV performed well enough to get some standout images that you just don't see all the time.

[@ThreepeatB]

I have to thank you. I’m a new photographer. And after watching this I took my cheap Sony 50MM 1.8 out to the local court and shot some of the best photos I’ve shot yet!

[@ersway]

My cheap 50mm 1.8 takes awesome shots on my A7rii was only £160 here in the UK

[@marcofabiocarosi2996]

I love there’s choice for the Sony shooters. I’d probably buy the Sigma. I’m a Nikon shooter though.

[@tperkins073]

...Horizontical? ;-) Seriously though, this is a great comparison of the two lenses and it helped me choose which one I purchased. Thank you Jared!

[@JustinPinedaMedia]

Lighter, better AF motors and uses 67mm filter like all my other lenses. The GM is my pick.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video. I will add the Sony f/1.4 to the video kit I'm building to use along side the 20/1.8, 24/1.4, and 35/1.4. Having similar size and filter use will be a big plus. I do already have the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM that I use for portraits with the 85/1.4 GM and 135/1.8 GM and really like that so for now I will have them both when the pre-order arrives in May. Will sort it out by then hopefully.

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Great review, and I love you energy!

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

You always shoot wide open for sports, I don't understand why people don't get that.

[@sl3vin_]

But we can always change the lens hood of the sigma right?

[@ondrejbobek.]

I will definitely get the Sony GM, not so much because of the size and weight, but more because i want to be able to match colors more easily when using fixed lenses (they are all Sony). Unfortunately the price difference in the EU is even higher (over 640 USD)

[@harryvuemedia]

Im definitely picking up the Sony 50mm F/1.4. Much more affordable and lighter so will help out with videography as well. I barely use F/1.2 so F/1.4 is enough for me. Thanks for the review Jared.

[@anhphamviet7522]

You didnt mention that the Sigma is also available for LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL-Mount Alliance Alliance Alliance.

[@rickymcc8624]

Agree, most can use either GM, or Sigma or indeed pretty much any half good 'nifty fifty' for decent real world results. For me I had no hesitation buying the new f1.4 GM for several reasons, even though I already owned the excellent 24-70 GM ii and 55mm F1.8. Why? a) I like shooting primes when I can b) I can afford it (or any of them) c) Value subjective - for me f1.4 is best d) f1.2 benefit is pretty marginal vs f1.4 and f1.2 doesn't broadly match other Sony primes (heft/mass) e) f1.4 GM is smaller, lighter vs others f) Shares same 67mm thread with 20, 24, 35 and 85mm Sony primes. g) Better focus breathing and in-body correction (on newer bodies) vs other 50s bar GM f1.2. h) Better low-light vs GM zoom i) Better gimbal experience as similar size to other Sony 67mm primes j) IQ is more than good enough I will now prob sell my excellent 55mm F1.8

[@capics6779]

It's the first time that I hear about limitations on fps, are these limitations on all third party lenses?

[@froknowsphoto]

Sony limits all 3rd party lenses to 15fps. But, it's only an issue if you own an a9, a9 II or a1...

[@DavidHuisman-dc1nw]

Hi, I am new to Sony (I recently purchased the A7R4). I am new to AF tracking also and wondering if you must hold down the AF-ON button continually and simultaneously press the shutter to get the action shots - or is there a way to lock the camera in AF-C with tracking on and just click away any time you want to shoot? Thanks

[@tomariko]

I went for the sigma as I had the 85 1.4 and plan to buy the 35 1.4

[@mr.j5526]

Is the fps half for all sony cameras or just the a9 and a1

[@careylymanjones]

I'm shooting an A7iii (24MP, no focus breathing, comp, no high-speed burst shooting). I went with the Sigma and put the $450 difference in my A7Rv fund.

[@victahh281]

Could it be that the Sigma appears to be longer since it's a physically taller lens and therefore slightly closer? Would that matter since the sensor is on the same plane in both photos? Interesting..

[@VZAAGE]

No... that shouldn't matter. When the 50 f 1.2 came out most of the reviews noted that it was slightly wider than other 50mm lenses and they guessed it was around 47mm. That's probably the same thing going on with the new 50mm GM. Good news is that after applying lens breathing compensation, the lens will be locked down at about a 50mm focal length.

[@TheInvaluableCaptures]

Can you please make a video on 'Comparison Sony a7iii vs a7cii'?

[@djmeredith1081]

Great review... I'm going to go with the Sony 1.4 because I already have filters for the 67mm, would have to buy a new set of filters for either the Sigma or Sony 1.2... 1/2 of my A7R4 is Sigma, 1/2 is Sony, so no allegiance either way... I think the Sony 1.4 is a clear winner for me in this case.

[@DaltonSignature]

I get so pumped with each and every new video. you put out! I'm still fairly new to photography coming from a graphic design background. I'm loving it! My focus so far has been more on sports photography because I had a switch to #SportsDesign graphic design edits in the past few years. I purchase a used Nikon D3400 to start for $150. Started w/ the kit lens but, a friend let me use his AF-S VR-NIKKOR 70-200mm 1:2.8G Nikon ED and I'm in love with the outcome! My nephew showed me his Sony camera w/ a similar lens that was a $2k lens - I was blown away by it all! Sheesh, I have a lot of work and money to save up to move up in equipment. Regardless, thank you Jared for all your work and inspiration to put out to the world!

[@nroose]

What's the difference between "over" and "well over"?

[@cHadyboi_TV]

Can be used for canon 90d?

[@ulisescarreno6788]

Would this lens be good on a Sony A7ii

[@7743dustin]

Jared I think the sigma offers great value.

[@ihanak8814]

would love 2 pickle sydneys beandip taco!

[@MAF247]

Does this fit on a Sony alpha A7 IV

[@ASouthernBoyCanSurvive]

"Let me jump in here real quick" would you be interested in talking about Primerica?? If so, they would love to sit down with you.

[@padiver]

Like you said, a full pro should go with the Sony, but for me I am going with Sigma and saving the money for other items. I own the sigma 85 1.4 and the 24-70 2.8 and I am happy with sigma so far.

[@jaipalreddy4894]

how is 24-70 quality and AF? I am planing to buy one.

[@riotrob]

Greentoe could probably get you another 10% off on the Sigma. I would doubt that there are any discounts on the Sony.

[@adamadamis]

Most Sony lenses get 100 off with 'Welcome to Alpha', which can then also be combined with a summer or winter cashback. And often you have Sony 10% off days at stores.

[@riotrob]

@@adamadamis i dont think that Sony 50 will be part of any promotion soon.

[@adamadamis]

@@riotrob The 'Welcome to Alpha' 100-off is already available. Too early for the summer/winter cashbacks though.

[@Johsua_v]

aren't sigma lenses generally warmer than Sony? I couldn't tell a difference in a color or were the images edited to look the same in color?

[@taylorhickman84]

it looks that way to me, her skin tones are better on the sigma IMO

[@richarddenise3886]

Really well done! ( Love the 50/1.2 ! )

[@happy030]

In Germany, the price difference between the 2 lenses is even worse: Sigma 50, 1.4 (949 € ) VERSUS Sony 50mm 1.4 (1699€) = ===So the price difference is 752€€€€€€€

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

nice review

[@AugmentedGravity]

I gotta be honest, i like the look of the Sigma more

[@taylorhickman84]

Agreed, for portrait and street photography sigma gets the nod.

[@sleepless51]

It would nice to have Samyang 50mm f/1.4 MKII in this to see how it holds up against these two monsters.

[@reynaldohernandez1425]

My wallet is the only one that can tell the difference between the three.

[@shirakawanaoya]

Could it be that the signs lens is slightly longer when it comes to to the slight tighter shot?

[@BrettTryon]

I prefer the skin tones on the Sigma. I know that can be changed in post, but just sayin.

[@DavidCastro-ko2yx]

Is it me or the background on the sigma looks a little bend? Like was a wide lens on the minute 11:50

[@jalf0007]

I respectfully disagree! I think that the cheerleaders ARE a distraction!

[@doughgarcia6086]

I Cant do (NEITHER) one,,, I have an Canon Reble T7 is still an ok camera... but love the review and i prefer candy lol... but one day i need you to yell at me about my picuters because my family just keep saying that they all look good everytime i take a picture lol and i know that there is something wrong with it but cant move past that if i dont know what to fix about it... keep it up learning a lot...

[@ro3843]

I just wish this was available for canon. The more time that goes on with their third party ban into effect the more glad I am to have sold my RF mount cameras already.

[@elboogie2324]

I'm not getting either of them since I don't shoot Sony, but I love Jared's reviews, so take the like.

[@jarlathmcnee3833]

Love my sigmas so far,but I shoot canon; does Canon limit the fps like the Sony limits the Sigma?

[@adamadamis]

Canon limits the Sigmas altogether! No third party AF lenses allowed for Canon RF.

[@jarlathmcnee3833]

@@adamadamis I use my ef lens with adapter. So far amazing

[@adamadamis]

@jarlath mcnee I used my EF lenses on the Sonys, worked fine

[@felixarm]

Im not a 50mm guy but I do like Sigma glass. #Chewyinside #RAWTalkListener

[@Caballeroshot]

Incredible lens review but.....how are the images from a Sony flagship camera that sells for $6500 rendering such noisy and grainy images at 2500 ISO? Yikes!

[@lumenspaul]

e mount also has samyang 50mm f1.4 2 versions mk1 and mk2 400+ grams half the price sigma 1/3 price of sony

[@lumenspaul]

cannot give an opinion or make subjective judgments However, Jared Polin, also known as "FroknowsPhoto,' is a well-known photographer and educator who has built a large following on social media and online through his photography tutorials and reviews. He is praised for his knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for photography, and has won several awards and accolades throughout his career. His style and approach to photography may resonate with many people, which may be why some consider him to be the best in the World.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Sony are locked in their business design, keep their own GM lens as the best of the best pair for their cameras making it the best options for pros, while leaving third party to do the entry to hobbyist level.

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

The bokeh on the Sigma is drastically worse. I don't get why some KZbin reviews don't state the obvious. It looks like the bokeh of a 150 dollar lens. You can literally see CA and ugly onion ringing in the example picture. The sigma 40mm F1.4 is by far superior to their 50mm F1.4 offerings.

[@NCSTalkid]

F1.4 is the sweet spot for fast prime 50s.

[@antwilkphotography]

Why would I buy the Sony when the Sigma is just as good at half the price in the UK? The same with the 85mm and 35mm.

[@adamadamis]

If you are a professional and want to be covered by SONY PRO Support. If you enjoy taking photos with lighter and smaller kit. If you already use 67mm filters with your 24mm, 35mm, 85mm and your Tamron lenses. If 15fps is not enough for your photos. If you want top-notch AF and image quality. If you're somewhat worried by that glossy area at the rear of the SiGMA lens..

[@antwilkphotography]

@Adam Adamis the image quality isn't any better as shown in the video. The AF isn't really that much better. All my kit is under warranty and insured so no need for Sony Pro support. Filters are neither here nor there for me apart from the odd one. I don't need more than 15fps either. So I'll repeat the question why would I buy the Sony when it's twice the price and doesn't offer me better image quality. If what you're saying applies to you fair enough but I'm more than happy with the performance of the Sigmas and Tamron lenses I use.

[@adamadamis]

@antwilk1981 So, you answered your question. The Sigma is a decent, quality offering for the price if you are not bothered by the reasons I mentioned. Agree, Tamron and Sigma are great additional options to have, and more budget friendly. That said, Sony lenses often can be purchased a bit cheaper (thanks to cashbacks and 'Welcome to Alpha' offers)

[@brettalexander.studio]

​@@antwilkphotographyI'm wondering the same for videography.

[@stkuj]

I usually only sniff the rear of the lens only 🤣🤣🤣

[@Daniel_Zalman]

Side by Side, the Sigma produces a slightly cooler image, but that's being nitpicky, and is very easily and quickly fixed by adjusting color temp in post.

[@taylorhickman84]

hmmm, when I look at the images the sigma renders skin tones warmer than the sony

[@Twobarpsi]

Fro knows fro-toe!!

[@theflyest203]

The Sigma is the true 50mm the sony 50mm 1.2 is wider than a true 50 as well.. plenty sony shooters speak on this

[@dariooipad6430]

Great!

[@LGS_Inc]

Makes me glad I chose Cannon a few years back

[@wololo10]

I prefer the LIGMA

[@balazs.gyurics]

And Nikon 50mm took the show 😀

[@Garrett-In-Canada]

skittles lol love it

[@victormultanen1981]

Hi there, love from Israel.

[@glennn.3464]

It’s just a shame that Sony has to deliberately hamper the competition by limiting the FPS so that they can always have the edge over third-party lenses. It would certainly be more fair if they competed by offering superior optical performance and/or features for their higher asking price. I guess they can’t distinguish themselves enough on a level playing field so they put in a handicap. That certainly helps protect their bottom line but goes against "more competition is a good thing" which benefits the consumer.

[@adamadamis]

How many need more than 15fps? It's hardly a problem for the competition. Meanwhile, Canon prohibiting any manufacturer from releasing any AF lens for their RF mount is a serious blow to the competition.

[@glennn.3464]

@@adamadamis Obviously Sony thinks there are many pros and serious enthusiasts that want more otherwise they wouldn’t restrict it on third-party lenses. What Canon is doing is even worse, I agree, but that doesn’t justify Sony imposing their own restrictions that only harm fair competition, innovation, and the consumer most of all.

[@adamadamis]

@@glennn.3464 The 15fps limit applies to many Sony lenses as well, as they can't keep up with the camera's advanced AF. Only the best equipped Sony lenses (this 50 1.4 GM being an example) have quick enough motors that can keep up with the insane 30fps AF of the A1 or A9. Most other cameras don't offer more than 10fps anyway, and those are the cameras used by the majority of photographers anyway.

[@taylorhickman84]

@@adamadamis that brings up my question... is this a limit set by Sony, or the limit of the sigma autofocus speed? If the Sigma can't reliably hit focus @ 30fps, I could see Sony limiting it for good reason.

[@adamadamis]

​@@taylorhickman84 My understanding is that most SIGMA lenses can't move the glass elements fast enough for 30fps with accurate AF anyway (let lone 10fps in some cases!). SONY are testing their own lenses, and know which ones are properly equiped to achieve accurate results at 30fps. It would make no business sense for SONY to waste time and money testing every single lens from the other manufacturers, for those lenses that might be able to achieve 30fps.

[@AaronMcFadden]

i can't lie the sigma looks almost identical.

[@katource1]

Jared you growing something in your studio, Snoop dog coming over.

[@anuraj5295]

Hi

[@danarcher9012]

The candy centre please.

[@jackcroft315]

the walking test the sigma was off sometimes the sony stood on the woman more then the sigma

[@tdawg719]

no link to Sydney's gram

[@Dailydrivegti]

Skittles, BOOM

[@simonmaduxx6777]

Can you please next time include the canon RF 50 1.4 ? How did you leave it out bro? 😂

[@scheme4k733]

DROP SOME R6 mark 2 CONTENT!!!!

[@bbasiaga]

People would be burning Canon down over limiting 3rd party lens frame rates!

[@mikedimimd]

Sigma #candyinthemiddle

[@axel6405j]

HI

[@thomasuriarte3182]

#candy