This telephoto macro lens was the first lens I purchased for my DSLR. It was intended for insect macrophotography, and has not disappointed. At around f8, the lens is very sharp; it is softer wide open, but this is not a problem for macros as the depth of field at f2.8 is too shallow anyway.

Sharp image and 1:1 magnification

Clunky focusing system

Great lens! I don't know how else to describe this lens in 50 characters

I also have the 30mm 1.4 Sigma and I just love these 2 lenses they behave similarly but the 50mm Is probably sharper. Obviously I use the 50 as an 80mm small tele on DX format Nikons. I am a regular newegg customer but I did not buy this lens from newegg, I should have...

Very well built, SUPER SHARP, fast AF (HSM), perfectly balanced on D300; It is soo much better than the Nikkor 50mm 1.4 that I traded the Nikkor away; The Bokeh` is (to me) Gorgeous, so just run and get this gem!!

NONE; well OK perhaps didn't need to be a 77mm filter tread..

One word for the product: AWESOME Let me list out the pros and cons below for better readability. I am so excited about this product that my words will just mix-up. PROS: 1. SUUUUUPERIOR quality images. DAYUMMMN sharp.

This is not a lens I would have considered except that I was offered it at such a bargain price that I could not refuse. I have been nicely surprised. I find that having more flexibility in aperture makes a prime lens like this more useful than a mid-range zoom such as the 24-70 f/4 that it has...

Wide aperture Fast focussing Solid build Excellent IQ overall Versatile Pleasant to use

Corners are not so sharp as some alternatives Quite big and heavy compared to alternatives No Image Stabilisation Not weather sealed

One of the nicest things about Sigma lenses is that they come with a padded pouch, instantly suggesting that the manufacturer feels the lens is worth protecting. Sigma's 50mm f/1.4 is no exception, boasting an enormous front element and a .

Imposing presence

Distinctly heavy

Gary Wolstenholme takes a look Sigma's first f/1.4 aperture standard lens, which sports a silent HSM focusing motor.

Excellent sharpness in the centre at most apertures; Low vignetting; 77mm filter size is the same as most professional level zooms

Maybe a little softer than I'd hoped at f/1.4; Heavier than any other 50mm f1.4 lens; Bigger than any other 50mm f/1.4 lens

It is hard not to be drawn to a fast prime - the short, fat, solid-feeling lens with very low-light capability is very attractive. So, I don't find it surprising that the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens has received a lot of attention in the early days of its availability.

Although zoom lenses are certainly versatile and convenient, they do have some drawbacks, including relatively small maximum apertures. A typical 28-90mm equivalent zoom may provide an aperture of f/3.5 at short focal lengths but it will be f/5.6-6.3 at longer zoom settings.

good value, best 50th i have seen, good useable for studio and on location, you need a little time to focus, thearefore in use, when aperature must be wider than f4

great bokeh; sharp from f 1.4 onwards; good contrast; no problems wirth autofocus accuracy; speed similar to good macros

CA wide open; focus ring does not work smooth