lens decision... anyone used the Sigma 50mm 1.4 exh dg hsm?

[HopefulM]

Hi All

I've had a Nikon 50mm 1.4G for about a year, it's always 'backfocused' a bit and went back to Nikon with my D5000 for recalibration.

A few months down the line and a new camera... trying this lens on it showed backfocusing again... (about 2cm @ 1.5M so quite significant) Lens went back to Nikon for a second time...
(none of my other lenses have this problem and it's not the camera as I've tested it with another toggers 50mm 1.4)

...and come back with the same problem but not quite so bad

the shop I bought it from has been brilliant - they've offered me a straight exchange for a new one, or to trade it in (at full price) against the Sigma 50mm 1.4 EXH DG HSM

I've tried both on the camera and can't decide between the two.

Has anyone used both lenses and can comment the pros & cons versus the Nikon?

thanks

 

[t-m]

I can't compare the two i'm afraid as I don't own the Nikon, but I do have the Sigma and am more than happy with it

 

[woof woof]

Same here I only have the Sigma in Canon fit.

Good points - Sharp, good focus performance and you get full time manual focus plus it comes with a hood and a case.

Not so good - Some blooming around bright subjects and some fringing at wide apertures but these things are par for the course with wide aperture lenses I suppose.

 

[Catdaddy]

Here are a couple of reviews...

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/441-nikkor_afs_50_14_ff

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/616-sigma5014ff

He seems to prefer the Nikon...

 

[iamchrisphoto]

I have the Nikon. Its an excellent lens. I'm sorry to hear you had issues with yours.

I've never used the sigma, but what I can say is that with any lens/manufacturer, you can never guarantee you will get a perfect copy. Your next nikon could have perfect focus...or the sigma might have the same issue. It's partly down to luck.

 

[HopefulM]

thanks all, I've had a good think & read plenty of reviews.... Nikon is the winner

 

[PsiFox]

Interesting reviews.

Having tried both, I bought the Sigma. It is generally accepted that wide open, the Sigma is sharper centrally than the Nikon, which has the edge in the corners(pun intended) although you really have to pixel peep to notice. As it is usually teh central part of the image that I am concerned with I got the Sigma. Very happy with it.