Sigma Announce 50mm F1.4 DG DN L mount

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In case you missed it:

https://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/sony/50mm-f1-4-dg-dn-a

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

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https://dustinabbott.net/2023/02/sigma-50mm-f1-4-dg-dn-art-review-a2023/

[Babylonia]

Last week I ordered a Lumix “plastic” 50mm / F1.8 and arrived at the camera shop.
Made some test pictures right on in the shop first.
But something was wrong with this particular copy of the lens.

Decided to investigate test pictures at home more deeply, before making a choice.
And asked to bring over the new  Sigma 50mm / 1.4 DG DN  from central stock.

Another choice now for L-mount camera’s.

Next day this new Sigma offering arrived. Very nice metal build & finish.
A real other class of lens. But hey, keep in mind over 2x the weight of the Lumix 50mm / F1.8
And the same weight as my Lumix 24-105mm zoom / F4.0
About 2.5x the price of Lumix 50 / F1.8   So you have to reconsider the offerings.

Only made some test shots to, for further investigation of the images at home and think over the offer.
But was an easy choice.  Decided to buy the Sigma lens.

Is it the best choice??
That is a personal question everyone has to make for it’s own.
From my first test images, I already know the advantages & disadvantages.

* Very sharp right away at F1.4 in the center
(not far behind over the frame into corners).

Bitingly sharp for portraits (using Lumix S1R).
So you definitely have to use “tricks” for best perceptual “portraiture” quality.
= by using mist filters or by other “softening” processing editing methods.
To keep the image more “skin friendly”.

* Processing is necessary anyway because the lens has a quite amount of LoCA.
(Set for maximum LoCA correction & color shift).

At F1.4 - F2.0 and even some minor traces at F 2.8
(But keep in mind the cheap Lumix 50mm lens do have LoCA to).

* Auto RAW processing to correct the lens pincushion distortion (by included profile).
(Keep in mind also other modern lenses like Lumix Pro 50mm/1.4 do have distortion to).

* Lens not intended for videography as it has to much focal breathing.

So why still choosing this lens?
By using the Lumix S1R sensor in “cropmode” - I still have a 23.5 megapixel camera.
(Far enough resolution for portraits in general).
And can use the Sigma lens as an equivalent angle of view about 70 mm / 1.4 lens in comparison to full frame sensor size.
By just two button clicks (i have made an Fn function to change full frame into cropmode).
So two lenses in one (three if you consider 2x tele cropmode). 🙂

Very happy with it.

Compare lenses:
Philosophical Consideration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6IiC9Awth8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15AU-PW-7nk

LoCA:                                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj3RN8GUnm4&t=323s

Comparison 35mm Art lens:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJl8MPb3Pr4&t=485s

Strong  &  weak points in comparison to Sony lens:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNTrLG5pvHo&t=260s )

Interesting as for L-mount:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh-L62mfBzo&t=451s

Focus breating (video):          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnZIHl94NsM

Edited April 5, 2023 by Babylonia

[Archiver]

@Babylonia I own a Panasonic 50mm f1.8 and have been considering adding the new Sigma 50/1.4. The sample images that can be found online have a lovely quality wide open that I would be happy to be able to access. When price comes down or a secondhand copy turns up for a good price, I'll probably move on it. An allternative is the newly announced Sigma 50mm f2, which is much smaller, a bit less expensive, and f2 should be fine as it is perfectly acceptable with my Summicron 50 M.

[ruskkyle]

13 hours ago, Archiver said:

@Babylonia I own a Panasonic 50mm f1.8 and have been considering adding the new Sigma 50/1.4. The sample images that can be found online have a lovely quality wide open that I would be happy to be able to access. When price comes down or a secondhand copy turns up for a good price, I'll probably move on it. An allternative is the newly announced Sigma 50mm f2, which is much smaller, a bit less expensive, and f2 should be fine as it is perfectly acceptable with my Summicron 50 M.

Or you could try the sublime 35/1.4 Summilux TL which is becoming ever more affordable used.

[Babylonia]

Comparing different focal lengths (35/1.4 Summilux TL  versus   50 mm Sigma), is like apples and oranges.
At least as for its widest angle of view when using  "full frame"  (when no cropmode settings are used).
Different use as for subjects.

[Boojay]

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21 hours ago, Babylonia said:

Comparing different focal lengths (35/1.4 Summilux TL  versus   50 mm Sigma), is like apples and oranges.
At least as for its widest angle of view when using  "full frame"  (when no cropmode settings are used).
Different use as for subjects.

Would have to disagree, I believe @ruskkyle was making a good point.   The 35TL which is an amazing lens gives a 50mm FOV when used on a FF body so is worth comparing if you have a high megapixel camera.  Examples below, just for comparison taken outdoors five minutes ago... just quickly converted to jpeg in Lightroom same settings applied.

Sigma 50mm 1.4 DG DN S52

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

35TL S52

Edited April 10, 2023 by Boojay

[Babylonia]

23 hours ago, Boojay said:

The 35TL which is an amazing lens gives a 50mm FOV when used on a FF body

Well I didn't say a 35TL is not an amazing lens.
But  NO  the  FOV  (Field of View) of a 35mm lens of-course is not the same as a 50 mm lens.
Both used on a full frame camera (and no cropmode used).   Just simple optical mathematics.

I doubt that the 35TL  can be used on a full frame camera  -using full frame mode-  anyway?
As that lens  is designed for the APS-C format,  and the image circle likely shall not cover the full frame size.
(Which shall result in black shadowed corners).
By the electronics  of the lens, maybe it is not possible at all to use or "overrule" the APS-C format into real full frame format??
I don't own an L-mount "electronic" connected APS-C lens - so no experience what the options are by that.
(At least some old APS-C lenses I have in a closet, and connected by mechanic adapter, black shadowed corners can be seen at full frame).

Looking to your comparison of both images, easily the different FOV can be noticed, specially in background.
Besides the different point of view already can be noticed in foreground.  (So apples and oranges anyway).

Using a 35TL on a full frame S5 II,  and using APS-C "crop mode" setting of the camera.
(so the FOV can be comparable as about a ~50mm lens used at Full Frame size).
Only about 10.5 Megapixels resolution of your S5 II is left over for imaging.

That could be too limited for general use and the image quality that remains.
(When owning a full-frame camera, personally I never would buy an APS-C lens for that camera.
Not new - not second-hand. That is putting the cart before the horse).

Edited April 11, 2023 by Babylonia

[insomnia]

I didn't keep it due to 

1. Size

2. Weight

3. LoCa

4. Price considering all above

 

Colors, Resolution/Contrast - all fine. But too hefty for my taste. LoCa is correctable, but 50 is my main horse, don't want to look for this in every shot.

[Babylonia]

I can imagine.
Each lens choice is related to your own personal expectations, handling, choice of subjects, budget etc.

Keep in mind however, when it comes to fast  "50mm / f1.4"  L-mount lenses (including AF), there isn't much choice.
The   Lumix S Pro 50mm / f1.4     and   Leica Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH   offerings, do a far better job as it comes to LoCA.

But the bulky size and weight of respectively  955 gram   and  1065 gram  even is exceeding far more in negative way.
(Not even considering the price of these lenses =  ~2.5x   and    6x  of the Sigma offering).

By using an adapter you can make use of fast and not "that" heavy manual lenses like Voigtländer.

Or make a choice to less fast lenses, if AF is needed.
In relation to this subject of a "Sigma lens":   The new Sigma  50mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary  offering can be a nice option,
if you do like the mechanical feel and finish of Sigma lenses, with their own aperture ring.  But still less bulky and more light weight (355 gram).

[ropo54]

3 hours ago, Babylonia said:

Well I didn't say a 35TL is not an amazing lens.
But  NO  the  FOV  (Field of View) of a 35mm lens of-course is not the same as a 50 mm lens.
Both used on a full frame camera (and no cropmode used).   Just simple optical mathematics.

I doubt that the 35TL  can be used on a full frame camera  -using full frame mode-  anyway?
As that lens  is designed for the APS-C format,  and the image circle likely shall not cover the full frame size.
(Which shall result in black shadowed corners).
By the electronics  of the lens, maybe it is not possible at all to use or "overrule" the APS-C format into real full frame format??
I don't own an L-mount "electronic" connected APS-C lens - so no experience what the options are by that.
(At least some old APS-C lenses I have in a closet, and connected by mechanic adapter, black shadowed corners can be seen at full frame).

Looking to your comparison of both images, easily the different FOV can be noticed, specially in background.
Besides the different point of view already can be noticed in foreground.  (So apples and oranges anyway).

Using a 35TL on a full frame S5 II,  and using APS-C "crop mode" setting of the camera.
(so the FOV can be comparable as about a ~50mm lens used at Full Frame size).
Only about 10.5 Megapixels resolution of your S5 II is left over for imaging.

That could be too limited for general use and the image quality that remains.
(When owning a full-frame camera, personally I never would buy an APS-C lens for that camera.
Not new - not second-hand. That is putting the cart before the horse).

There is no vignetting when using the TL 35 on the Leica SL 601.  

Yes, it is a terrific lens.  

10 mpx may be very adequate in many situations.

Yes, there are many full frame options as well.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Babylonia]

3 hours ago, ropo54 said:

There is no vignetting when using the TL 35 on the Leica SL 601.
10 mpx may be very adequate in many situations.

That is what I wrote.
As by the electronics of the lens "automatically" only the smaller APS-C  area  of the "full frame" sensor (24x36mm) camera shall be used.
So NOT  -using full frame mode-  anyway of the camera.  Darken / vignetted corners shall be cropped away.
Just like you are using a smaller APS-C  camera, NOT the complete sensor area of the Leica SL 601.  (That is why you don't get more than ~10 mpx).

Still a strange methodic IMO to buy lenses for smaller sensor areas?

OK, it is nice you have the opportunity just to use lenses not designed for the real sensor format of a camera,
"if you have that lens already" from a previous photography period, when using a smaller sensor camera?
Or make use of several systems anyway?  And you can mix-up some equipment, to keep investments more low.

But if not owning such a lens already from a previous time, "to get one" is  another cup of tea with a very "strange taste" IMO.

It is like using the  Leica S3 camera  as your base equipment, but don't make use of the Leica S-line lenses
or other medium format lenses (by use of an adapter), covering the more wide 30 x 45 mm sensor area.
But get advice to use lenses specially designed for smaller sized camera sensors?

And yes, also with that S3 camera, using "only" a 10 mpx part, it may be very adequate in many situations.
But that is not the intention of most photographers as a starting point for building up a camera system.

When making "ID card" portraits, you even can make use by far less mpx, that still is adequate.
Even far less reason to buy Leica cameras or lenses at all. As it can be done by a smartphone to.

All has to be seen in the right perspective. It comes down to realistic choices.
(Which can be different for one or the other).

[ruskkyle]

I think you’ve “made your point”.

Mine was that it’s a interesting option for this system due to the image quality and compact size.

[Boojay]

19 minutes ago, ruskkyle said:

I think you’ve “made your point”.

Mine was that it’s a interesting option for this system due to the image quality and compact size.

Indeed....😉

[ropo54]

 

Babylonia:

As I read your post I wanted to correct some of the impressions that you may have given to others:

First, as Ruskyle noted, the TL 35 is an option for 50mm.  It renders beautifully, is relatively inexpensive as a Leica AF lens, is beautifully built and has really terrific bokeh; It's weight is very manageable particularly on a SL series body.

Secondly, your post 'suggested' that one may see vignetting when using the TL 35 1.4 on a full frame.  I wanted to correct that impression, as it does not. Your post suggested - correctly - that some "old apsc" lenses may render with darkened corners on full frame, but that is not correct with the TL on the Leica SL full frame body.

Thirdly, some very well priced TL 35s now come up on the pre-owned market, so, it might be a viable option for someone wanting to stay with autofocus in the Leica ecosystem, or someone also still using a second body CL. 

Finally, I'll leave it to someone else to discuss enlargement for print of 10.5 mpx images. I'd think it might be very satisfactory for 16x20 inch enlargements. Considering that many of us are hobbyists that also makes it a viable option.

Having said that your points are also well taken about advantages of using full frame lenses.

Bottom line: its an option, it is a beautiful lens and can he found quite reasonably as a Leica product.  

Rob

 

   On 4/10/2023 at 4:01 AM,  Boojay said: 

The 35TL which is an amazing lens gives a 50mm FOV when used on a FF body

I doubt that the 35TL  can be used on a full frame camera  -using full frame mode-  anyway?
As that lens  is designed for the APS-C format,  and the image circle likely shall not cover the full frame size.
(Which shall result in black shadowed corners).

By the electronics  of the lens, maybe it is not possible at all to use or "overrule" the APS-C format into real full frame format??
I don't own an L-mount "electronic" connected APS-C lens - so no experience what the options are by that.
(At least some old APS-C lenses I have in a closet, and connected by mechanic adapter, black shadowed corners can be seen at full frame).

Looking to your comparison of both images, easily the different FOV can be noticed, specially in background.
Besides the different point of view already can be noticed in foreground.  (So apples and oranges anyway).

Using a 35TL on a full frame S5 II,  and using APS-C "crop mode" setting of the camera.
(so the FOV can be comparable as about a ~50mm lens used at Full Frame size).
Only about 10.5 Megapixels resolution of your S5 II is left over for imaging.

That could be too limited for general use and the image quality that remains.
(When owning a full-frame camera, personally I never would buy an APS-C lens for that camera.
Not new - not second-hand. That is putting the cart before the horse).

[Archiver]

On 4/11/2023 at 6:05 PM, insomnia said:

I didn't keep it due to 

1. Size

2. Weight

3. LoCa

4. Price considering all above

 

Colors, Resolution/Contrast - all fine. But too hefty for my taste. LoCa is correctable, but 50 is my main horse, don't want to look for this in every shot.

Is there a lens you would recommend in its place? I've been eyeing the Sigma 65mm f2 and the new 50mm f2 as potential upgrades to the Panasonic 50/1.8.

[Babylonia]

Am 12.4.2023 um 13:17 schrieb ropo54:

Babylonia:

As I read your post I wanted to correct some of the impressions that you may have given to others:

First, as Ruskyle noted, the TL 35 is an option for 50mm.  It renders beautifully, is relatively inexpensive as a Leica AF lens, is beautifully built and has really terrific bokeh; It's weight is very manageable particularly on a SL series body.

Well, why to "correct" my impressions??
It is just my personal "opinion" about the given options, just how I think myself about it.  Nothing more- nothing less.
My opinion won't change at all whether or not subsequent posts from other members use bold red coloured quotes. (Why textually "yelling" ??).
My explanation given in the "why", written in  a subsequent post,  still stands on its own, and I hope you can understand that too.

  

vor 13 Stunden schrieb Archiver:

Is there a lens you would recommend in its place? I've been eyeing the Sigma 65mm f2 and the new 50mm f2 as potential upgrades to the Panasonic 50/1.8.

If "manual" focus only, and the use of an LT adapter to L-mount is not a deal-breaker.
Check the options of a  Voigtländer APO 50mm / F 2.0

Edited April 27, 2023 by Babylonia

[jaapv]

Posts on this forum are read by many photographers, members and non-members.  The forum also has a certain authority. So it is important to remember that a discussion is not just giving a contrary conclusion, it is read by the rest of the world and is not restricted to the participants. Your opinion can never remain "personal".

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[NigelG]

Hmm - a new member shilling a non-Leica L mount lens - seems familiar somehow….🤔

[ropo54]

1 hour ago, Babylonia said:

Well, why to "correct" my impressions??
It is just my personal "opinion" about the given options, just how I think myself about it.  Nothing more- nothing less.
My opinion won't change at all whether or not subsequent posts from other members use bold red coloured quotes. (Why textually "yelling" ??).
My explanation given in the "why", written in  a subsequent post,  still stands on its own, and I hope you can understand that too.

  

If "manual" focus only, and the use of an LT adapter to L-mount is not a deal-breaker.
Check the options of a  Voigtländer APO 50mm / F 2.0

Babylonia,

I was not trying to correct your impressions, but only to relay my experience with the TL 35 1.4;  that it renders beautifully, does not vignette,  might well be an affordable option, and is a fast lens alternative (f1.4).  For some, it might be a worthy consideration.

The red type was only to distinguish between my reply and your original comments. (Not intended to be personal).

Rob

 

Edited April 27, 2023 by ropo54