50mm f/1.4 - Canon or Sigma - opinions please

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I'm looking to treat myself to a prime lens and having played about with my bro's Nifty Fifty 1.8 I quite like the 50mm focal length but didn't like the build quality in the slightest - just felt so wrong on my 7D.

So, having read a fair bit, it seems that Sigma's version of the 50mm f/1.4 is better/sharper/whatever than Canon's, but wanted to see what people's real world experiences of the 2 are.

So opinions and pro's/con's of one vs. the other please

thanks as always
 
I have NOT used the Sigma, but I have used the canon, 1.8 and 1.4. Build quality and performance of the 1.4 is, in my opinion, not proportionately better than the 1.8 considering the huge price difference. The focus ring is horrible to use as the lens does not use true ring USM, so it feels like it's meshing with sand and pebbles and the focus accuracy and speed also leaves a lot to be desired.

The Sigma is supposed to be better in just about every way, and, if the focussing system on the 10-20 I used to own is any indication, the focus on the 50 will be to die for.
 
I've owned the Canon 50mm f1.8, later upgraded to the 1.4 and then sold it recently.

50mm f1.4 certainly doesn't have very good built quality, just quite plasticky (although not as much as the 1.8!), and the focus ring does feel a little flimsy.

I'll be picking up a Sigma and by all accounts it is as good in terms of IQ and better in terms of built and usability.

Have a read of these reviews from DPReview.com

Canon 1.4
Sigma 1.4
 
thanks chaps - by the sounds of it the Canon seems the one to avoid. I'll see what Santa brings me tomorrow morning, although I'm sure he hasn't got a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 in his sack! not for me at least!!
 
There are several threads on this from the last four weeks alone (one linked by Grum).

Personally I rate the Sigma as easily being the best.
 
Just ordered the Sigma 50mm F1.4 so I'll be able to give you a quick run-down with my thoughts after owning all three (I'm going about this lens buying the most expensive bloody way possible aren't I?!)
 
I'd definitely get the Sigma. Have a search on these forums, as there have been a few threads in the last month regarding this lens. I just bought one and don't regret it in the slightest. I'll take some photos of something other than figures and my cat soon!
 
Lens arrived today.... Wow.

Firstly, comes in a well made protective zip lock case (with removable pad to make a bigger space inside for other lenses). Taking it out it feels heavier than the Canon, has a solid built and feel to it, almost like metal. Focus ring is firm, no wiggle. Focus is quiet and accurate. Finally, it comes with a hood that feels very solid and has a distinct clunk as it locks into place.
Very impressed, feels streets ahead of the Canon. Images at max magnification on the LCD look very sharp (with micro adjust at +8).
 
Im going to be watching this thread and you from now on, i want a Sigma 50mm f1.4 and want to see how you get on with it.
 
J4MIE_P said:
Im going to be watching this thread and you from now on, i want a Sigma 50mm f1.4 and want to see how you get on with it.
Click to expand...

:withstupid: tried the 50mm 1.8 and couldnt take it off my camera and give it back quick enough, felt crap. the sigma is the one im looking to try so look forward to seeing some pics
 
philgale said:
:withstupid: tried the 50mm 1.8 and couldnt take it off my camera and give it back quick enough, felt crap. the sigma is the one im looking to try so look forward to seeing some pics
Click to expand...

I can't stand my Canon 50mm f1.8, but after sticking the Canon 50mm f1.4 on my camera today at work it seemed perfect enough quality to be honest.
 
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