SIGMA 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM
A review and sample images of the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM used with the SIGMA sd Quattro and FUJIFILM S3Pro.
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Table of contents
Gallery
The following cameras were used to take the sample photos:
Review
1．Overview
The 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a large-aperture standard lens released by Sigma.
Key specifications are listed below, with details in the table.
- Aperture: F1.4
- Lens Construction: 6 groups, 8 elements
- 1 aspherical lens
- Aperture Blades: 9
- Minimum Focus: 0.5m
- Hood: Dedicated flower-shaped bayonet hood LH829-01
The lens name includes EX DG HSM, with the “EX” designation indicating a high-grade lens among Sigma’s lenses, “DG” indicating digital compatibility, and “HSM” indicating an ultrasonic motor. Although not included in the lens name, it also features an aspherical lens element, making it an extremely luxurious standard lens.
2．Usability
When using the 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with an SD Quattro, the autofocus (AF) speed is largely dependent on the camera’s capabilities, so while it’s not incredibly fast, it focuses smoothly and quietly.
It also has decent resolution, and when used with a camera with an APS-C sensor, it performs well enough even without the larger Art lenses that came after it.
The lens covers 35mm film, but since I only used it with a digital camera with an APS-C sensor, I can’t comment on its peripheral image quality. Older double Gauss lenses can exhibit vignetting and image distortion at the edges depending on the aperture, so it’s best to test shots before using it with a 35mm full-frame sensor to check the image quality.
The Sigma SA-mount version has a simple lens barrel with only a focus ring and AF/MF switch, allowing aperture control from the camera. The lens position indicator is a plastic-covered scale in meters on the side of the lens.
This lens has a diameter roughly the same as the lens mount and is not particularly long, making it easy to store in a camera bag. Its successor, the Art 50mm F1.4, released in 2014, is 30mm longer (68.2mm → 99.9mm) and 300g heavier (505g → 815g), likely due to the pursuit of lens performance, but this change is disappointing for users who prefer compact lenses.
3．Summary
In conclusion, to sum up the 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a lens with a well-balanced size when attached to an SLR camera, and its optical performance is more than sufficient for APS-C size sensors. If you are using a 35mm full-frame sensor, we recommend that you check its compatibility with your camera before purchasing.
Specifications, considerations, etc.
Looking at the release status of 50mm focal length lenses by the three Japanese companies that provide lenses for other companies’ cameras, Sigma has had a macro 50mm for a long time, a 50mm F1.4 since 2008, and a standard focal length 50mm F1.2 for mirrorless cameras in 2024. Tamron does not have a 50mm focal length lens in its product line. Tokina had a blank spot in its product line until it released the Opera 50mm F1.4 in 2018.
It is thought that these three companies are reluctant to sell 50mm focal lengths because the focal length can be covered by zoom lenses and because camera manufacturer-issued 50mm F1.4-class lenses are sold cheaply. Of the three companies, Sigma has established itself as a camera manufacturer in recent years, and has developed a variety of prime lenses, including those with a focal length of 50mm, as a supplier of lenses for its own use. Among these, the 35mm F1.2 DG DN | Art for mirrorless cameras is the only lens with autofocus capabilities, and is an ambitious lens that has not yet been released by any other camera manufacturer.
| Items | EX DG HSM | Planar | SUMMILUX(I) | SUMMILUX(II) |
| Focal length(mm) | 50 | ← | ← | ← |
| Max aperture | F1.4 | ← | ← | ← |
| Min aperture | 16 | ← | ← | ← |
| Leaf blade | 9 | ← | ← | 8 |
| Lens Construction | 8 elements in 6 groups | 7 elements in 6 groups | 7 elements in 6 groups | 8 elements in 7 groups |
| Min distance(m) | 0.45 | ← | 0.5 | ← |
| Lens length(mm) | 68.2(SA) | 44(ZF) | 50.6 | 51 |
| Max diameter(mm) | 84.5 | 66 | 68.5 | 70 |
| Filter Size(mm) | 77 | 58 | E55 | E60 |
| Weight(g) | 505 | 330(ZF) | 395 | 490 |
| Hood | flower shaped hood LH829-01 | cylindrical bayonet hood | Built in hood | ← |
| Release date | 2008.06.14 | 2006.4.30 | 1989 (Model 11777) | 1997 |
| 対応マウント | CANON EF NIKON-F SIGMA-SA PENTAX-K SONY-A | Nikon-AI Pentak-K M42 EF | LEICA R | ← |
| Price(Yen/No-tax) | 60,000- | 59,500- | – | – |
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Update history
- 2025.9.3
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