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<\/p>\nHere comes\u00a0a gear centric contribution:<\/p>\n
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From left to right: \t\tSigma 50 mm f1.4 EX DG HSM, Nikkor AFS 50 mm f1.4 G, Nikkor AIS 50 mm f1.2, \t\tNikkor AIS 50 mm f1.8<\/p>\n
The 50 mm lens has been a popular choice for portraits with APS-C sensor \t\tcameras and for low light photography in general. For Nikon based \t\tphotographers the AF-D version of the 50\/1.4 was long overdue for an \t\tupdate when Nikon introduced the AF-S G type version with a fresh and \t\tnew lens design.
\nLets summarize: mapping the market for a 50 mm for a while the only AF \t\talternatives for the Nikon F-mount right now are:<\/p>\n
1. \t\tthe new \t\tNikkor 50 mm AFS \t\tf1.4G<\/a>, For manual focus lenses there are more alternatives around. Usually \t\twith these low light and minimal DOF lenses you do want an AF option.<\/p>\n \n Of the 4 AF lenses 2 have an ultrasonic ring engine for focusing. So \t\tlets concentrate on these two concepts. The Sigma 50 f1.4 EX DG HSM and the \t\tNikon AFS 50 mm f1.4G are the most recent developments. There are \t\trumours floating around of a new Nikon f1.2 AFS version to be released \t\tsoon (might never happen – but who knows).<\/p>\n Sigma did put some effort into redesigning the 50 mm so it will be \t\tinteresting to see how the Sigma compares to the Nikon. This lens \t\tcomparison will primarily focus on some often not described \t\tcharacteristics of these lenses: out of focus properties or often \t\tlabelled “bokeh” characteristics. There are some other important aspects \t\tto consider when one decides which lens to buy. Sharpness and focus \t\taccuracy comes to mind. But my primarily concern was how the out of \t\tfocus areas look like in these lens designs. The Sigma received lots of \t\tpraise for its bokeh in various comments and net reviews – so this lens \t\tseems to be a clear option for portraits, weddings and child \t\tphotography.<\/p>\n The Sigma is a huge lens compared with the usual lens size in this \t\tclass. The front element is close in size to the Nikon 85 f1.4 AF-D but \t\tthe hefty feeling of this lens makes the lens\/camera combo just feel \t\tright – especially with larger Nikon DSLR bodies the Sigma seems to be \t\tjust right in size and weight. And that should be mentioned: the lens \t\tjust looks somehow good with this massive amount of glass (was just \t\twondering why I hesitate to name it: the lens looks sexy! here we go). The lens comes with the typical Sigma \t\tsurface finish. This crinkle paint seems to attract dust and dirt but \t\tthe grip with this lens is perfect.<\/p>\n The AF with my \t\tSigma sample was constantly \t\tback focusing on close and far range objects (could be corrected with a \t\tfocus calibration enabled camera body). The Nikon sample that I used is doing much better here. AF is nearly \t\talways spot on – but the Nikon AF is much slower than the Sigma HSM AF \t\tsystem. If you need a fast AF than the Nikkor is not the lens for you. \t\tThe AF just doesn’t “snap” to its focus point and seems slow and \t\tsluggish. The Sigma is more responsive here and the quick lock on \t\tobjects makes fun. The Sigma seems however to miss the precise focus \t\tpoint more often.<\/p>\n Resolution figures are not my main interest with these \t\tlenses. If you want to know more about MFT etc. than check the DPReview \t\tpages about both lenses:<\/p>\n DPReview Nikkor 50 mm AFS G f1.4<\/a> One aspect that is rarely tested is the quality of the OoF highlights \t\tand the quality of the bokeh of these two lenses. This is a property \t\tthat is difficult to measure and also subjective. Below: Sigma 50 mm f1.4 EX DG HSM, Above: Nikkor AFS 50 mm f1.4 G<\/p>\n This makes the problem more obvious: Read the full review here:<\/p>\n
\n2. the old D-type \t\t Nikkor 50 mm AF 1.4D<\/a>,
\n3. the D-type \t\tNikkor \t\t50 mm AF f1.8D<\/a> and
\n4. the \t\tSigma \t\tAF 50 mm f1.4 EX DG HSM<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nDPReview Sigma 50 mm \t\tDG HSM f1.4<\/a> .<\/p>\n
\nThe Sigma has a very two-sided character here. It renders the out of \t\tfocus objects with better (smoother) bokeh than the Nikkor – the style \t\thas a painting like finish – but this is only true as long as your out \t\tof focus area has no strong highlights.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.soerenhese.de\/reviews\/50mm\/Nikon1.4-50er-CoC700-4814.jpg\")
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