I got my D3200 camera a few years ago and it was an incredible leap from the point and shoot cameras I had been using. With young kids, I wanted to be able to get some good photos and especially needed to be able to do so without flash.

Sigma turned more than a few heads when it hinted its 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art ($949) lens was poised to perform in the same league as the Zeiss Otus 55/1,4. Sigma's older 50mm F1.4 EX DC HSM was a good lens, but it lagged behind the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G ($462.85 at Amazon) in sharpness, especially at the edges of the frame. Now that we've gotten our hands on a production sample and put it through its paces, it's clear that the new lens is a huge step forward from the older Sigma optic. It outperforms the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G at wider apertures, and while it's not an example of pure optical perfection like the Zeiss Otus, it's not that far off and it's a quarter of the price. Like its wider sibling, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art ($679.95 at Amazon) , it earns high marks and our Editors' Choice award. Design Make no mistake, the 50mm F1.4 ($948.99 at Amazon) is on the large side for a standard-angle prime lens. It measures 3.9 by 3.4 inches (HD), weighs 1.9 pounds, and uses b...

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM doesn't quite achieve the optical perfection of the $4,000 Zeiss Otus, but it gets close at a quarter of the price.

Incredibly sharp; Minimal distortion; 15.7-inch close focus; Available for several camera systems

Big; Depth of field scale isn't that useful; No optical stabilization; A little pricey; Dim corners at wide apertures

My biggest disappointment is very inconsistent AF performance - same picture taken twice from the same position - one is in perfect focus, second is completely soft. Huge vignetting at f/1.4. My first and last attempt buying third party lens. Nothing compare to Canon 50 f/1.2.

nice looking

very inconsistent AF performance

a good 50mm for canon

Excellent tool for three quarter and full length studio shooting, and most work,this is the lens of first choice for day to day shooting both inside and outside. The quality when attached to a full frame FX body is quite unbelievably good,It has been said that this lens is bulky however to achieve...

Compliments D800; Durable; First Choice Lens; Great Picture Quality; Stunning Picture Quality; Stunning Quality; Well made

None

Although zoom lenses are certainly versatile and convenient, they do have some drawbacks, including relatively small maximum apertures.

I use this on my Canon 6d. This is by far the sharpest lens I've ever used. It doesn't focus as sharp on the outer edges. When you use your outer focus points, it struggles to keep up with Canon's L series lenses.

Bokeh; Focus Response; Quality build; Sharpness

Blurry On Edges; Heavy

Until recently, if you wanted a fast quality prime you had to buy from your camera manufacturer. Those days are gone with Sigma now creating quality lenses that are matching, and even surpassing, the quality of the big hitters.

This is an in-depth review of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art prime lens that was announced on January 6, 2014 for Sigma SA, Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony A mounts. Ever since Sigma announced its new "Art" lens line, it has been releasing superb new lenses and updates.

Sigma's 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM lens , which we reviewed in August 2008 has been joined by a serious alternative that complies with the high standards of the Art line within Sigma's Global Vision series of lenses.