Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum USA
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens is a standard lens that provides a large maximum aperture of f/1.4. It is the ideal prime lens for use with all Sony or Minolta Maxxum digital or film SLR cameras. When used on Sony digital SLR cameras with the smaller APS-C size sensor, the equivalent focal length of this lens will be 75mm, which makes it an excellent choice as a bright medium telephoto lens. Its large f/1.4 aperture allows for sharply defined contrasty images against a nicely blurred background. The lens offers superior peripheral brightness even at the maximum aperture, and corrects for possible flare.
The improved DG lens design corrects for various aberrations. This lens is specially coated to get the best color balance, while cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. The lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration, which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras.
This lens also incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focus override.
- EX lens series denotes excellence of engineering and new technology
- Super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting
- Equipped with the silent, responsive and high speed Hyper Sonic Motor and provides full time manual focus override
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.4 Minimum: f/16 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony Alpha, Minolta AF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 46.8° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.48' (45 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.13x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:7.4 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 2.7" (8.38 x 6.86 cm) |
| Weight | 1.11 lb (505 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (15)
- Strong construction (9)
- Consistent output (8)
- Durable (6)
- Rugged (6)
Cons
- Heavy (7)
Best Uses
- Low light (5)
- Portraits (4)
- Weddings (4)
- General purpose (3)
- Night photography (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (4), Semi-professional (3), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
Beautiful portrait lens... I have used this and the Sony f/1.4, and they were both quite tricky at f/1.4. But when you get it right, it's great.
Silent auto focus is great.
Lens quality is great.
Sturdy... kind of heavy and quite big for a 50mm.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
Very good lens. It is a bit soft at 1.4 but sharpens up from 2.8.
The issue is the manual focus ring. As I'm writing this, the lens has been returned for another one. The manual focus ring on this lens was very STICKY and not smooth.
I will write another update when the new lens arrives.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
After retiring my Rokkor 58mm 1.1.2 I needed something up to date capable of delivering those astonishing results I had gotten with my Rokkor.
To have a re-branded Minolta 50mm 1.4 launched in 1985 today just didn't sound that good...specially given today's progress in optics and AF motors.
So I gave a try on this fairly recent Sigma prime, and I just adore it!
AF is fast, silent and responsive on my A900. The 77mm filter tread actually worked on my favor given most of my lenses use 77mm filters. The hood is well build, although it's always made of plastic...
The minimum focusing distance is normal, that is 45 cms. Most 50mm unless Macro focus at this distance... including my 35 year old Rokkor
It looks very much like an 85mm 1.4 lens! It's sharp strait out at 1.4, and at 5.6 it's a beast...
I'm not sure if this lens is IF, but front element does not rotate. According to the latest trends in photo hardware, this lens only hacks weather sealing.
I find this lens weights the right amount, as it also feels right on both my A700 and the A900, specially with the grip on.
If I could have the option of a metal hood with linen ( like the carl Zeiss, without having to pay 130 Usd for it...)it would be a plus.
Finally, I'd put my hands on fire and say this lens exceeds in every aspect the Minolta/Sony version...which indeed may be a wake-up call to Sony...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
great forlow light situations
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
I use this as my prime lens it works great in low light. It also has worked great in landscape and infrared photographs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Its BIG draws attention
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
I use this lens for portrait. After testing out the Sony 50mm f1.4 and the Sigma 50mm f1.4, I decided to go for this Sigma version. This lens is sharper at fully open f1.4, the HSM drive make focusing fast and silent.
Built quality is great, the lens hood is rigid and snap tightly. There is a AF/MF switch on the lens body, but I seldom use, because of HSM, I can override the AF anytime.
Do note that the front element moves in an out during focusing, I am afraid dust might get its way into the barrel. I quickly protect this lens with a 77mm filter. (Yes! it is big at 77mm for a 50mm prime).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- FashionPortraiture
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
This Lens is very bright, with an ease of focus over it's complete range.As an Event/Fashion-Portrait Photographer i use this 50mm as my main lens. A crisp and detail prime lens.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Quick Focus
- Rugged
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Bigger than most 50mm
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoor Low Light
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
Bought this for low light indoor shooting. I had the Minolta 1.7 and this absolutely blows it away. The bokeh is super smooth and it is sharp at 1.4. I was worried about focusing, but on my A700 it is spot on. I love this lens. It is nice to buy a product and exceed expectations. Highly recommended. It is big compared to other 50mm, but not so much that it bothers me, actually makes the others feel too small.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Rugged
- Sharp Focus
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
I bought the Sony 50 1.4 but really was unhappy with it (see my review) so I got this. I love camera so have several of different brands. A 50 f/1.4 goes on them all! Much sharper throughout the range and has a good feel on the camera. Auto focus is not as fast as Nikon or Canon versions I have, but not slow by any means and pics are very competitive. I might even say a bit better wide open. The focus ring is a bit rougher than I like but not uncomfortable, a bit smoother be nice. This is more of a personal preference rather than a flaw in my opinion. I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 due to price a focus speed. At this price Focus needs to be up to par with the big names if not passing it. Over all this is a great lens that any Sony user should have.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Quick Focus
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Landscape Photography
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
after few years of using different zooms I decided to buy normal 50 and iam really happy .
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Quick Focus
- Rugged
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
I really like the lens, its fast and has great bokah. Its taking me some time to get used to a fixed focal length. I've been spoiled by macro-zooms. But the fixed 50mm is perfect for serious portraiture and it makes you thik more about framing. Did some excellent panoramas in San Diego last week with this and they are stunning.
- Recommended:
- Hoya 77mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Quick Focus
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Special Effects
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum:
I use the lens for indoor non-flash shots. I have used it at graduations, shows, dinners and gatherings. It focuses fast. You will want to control which-focus-point is being used to optimize sharpness. I am very satisfied with the lens.
Displaying reviews 1-12
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $53.85
- Price: $47.20
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
-
- Original: $11.99
- Save: $1.20
- Price: $10.79
Protective Wraps & Mats
- Price: $11.95
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- 1-Year Worldwide Warranty + 3-Year Extended USA Warranty
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