Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF USA

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

I have been using the Sigma f/1.4 EX DG HSM on both a Pentax K20D and K-5 with excellent results. I keep the aperture at 1.4 and adjust the shutter accordingly. As a portrait photographer, this lens is a must have. Being able to get crisp eyes while softening the nose and lips with the best bokeh around.

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

I love this lens! It's great in low-light situations and creates great images!

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

i know know, after buying loads of gear, over years, that the most important product in my bag (so to speak) is the photographer's eye. much more so than the sensor or the ISO setting or the ergonomic body. and after that - and a long way after that - comes the glass. the camera's eye. the sigma f/1.4 is the best prime i ever had for my pentax cameras. it's fast and sharp and serious, many things which i am not. it is a great lens. period.

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

I really enjoy this lens! I've been wanting a 50mm prime, and I had purchased another Sigma lens and love everything about Sigma. It's a joy to photograph with. It is a bit heavy, but I don't mind that at all. It has such a solid feel to it, and I like that.

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

Use this lens mostly for portraits. My copy seems to front focus quite a bit wide open. I have the K-5 AF adjustment set at maximum -10 which almost solves the issue (still ~2mm BF). I haven't found that to be an issue so far in real world shooting. Also, that's pretty negligible when stepped down.

The lens had some raving reviews which may have affected my expectations for its sharpness at f1.4. Plenty usable in my opinion. But I stick with 2.8 and up.

I love the weight and the size of the lens. Gives me better balance and grip on my K-5. It's a sharp lens, with a quiet operation. Bokeh is pleasing.

4 stars because of the BF, large filter thread, no weather sealing.

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

The lens has a wonderful bokeh and the colours are beautiful - but it has a bitter downside: The lens focused approximately 1/2 inch in front of the object (nearly too much for the camera - K20D - to compensate). Now it's on the way to SIGMA - and I expect them to fix it.
Some positive sides: The HSM is very fast, and you need nearly no light to make brilliant pictures. Also due to its full-frame compatibility there is barely any vignetting on APS/C cameras.
I would nevertheless recommend the lens - but be aware you might have the same problem to get solved...

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

First off it's a solid lens, a bit heavy but it takes a beating. Fast focus and quiet. I use it with k20 and I am very happy with the results. A must for low light photography.

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

Don't hesitate if you are considering this lens. Beautiful build, excellent IQ I have zero regrets with my purchase. I just spent a Sunday afternoon catching the last of the fall colors with my K7 and this lens, the results were superb in every regard.

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

I have had this lens a little over a month.

First let me say, that this was my first non-kit lens.. my friends were right, the quality of a standalone lens is far superior. So this may shade my review a bit. However, I did plenty of research prior to my purchase online. I considered the similar, but more expensive Pentax 55mm, but was sold by the Sigma's reported consistent focus.

I have been very satisfied: this lens is absolutely great for low light, or portraiture, requiring large apertures. I shoot with a Pentax k-x, non full-frame, and so the focal length is closer to 85 mm, perfect for portraits. However, I have not taken this lens off of my camera since getting it - it is a great "walkaround," versatile for many situations.

The only con I have seen from others is it's weight - it hasn't been an issue for me. Feels secure and doesn't at all affect image quality or tripod stability.

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

Very quiet, clear pictures

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

This lens is the master of Bokeh.

Beautiful tack sharp images with a bokeh background can be achieved with a bit of manual focusing.

In low light (shade and indoors) the lens produces amazing pictures without the use of a flash.

One of the fastest lenses I have ever used, action shoots can be frozen in time with ease.

This lens lives on my Pentax K20D and never fails to impress me.

The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was that it does need a small bit of assistance with focusing from time to time and it is heavy... but worth it!

Comments about Sigma Normal 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF:

Fast piece of glass! Would be good for low light situations, possible alternative to DA* 55mm f1.4, but the amount of purple and green fringe is excessive at large apertures for this price IMO. Surely, it goes away above f2+ but for my needs, intentions were keeping it at f1.4 most of the time.

Fast and accurate AF on K10D and K20D