Sigma 50 f1.4 HSM

[Jonathan K]

Hi all,

I went to Photokina on Friday and had the opportunity to check out the newest HSM lenses. I absolutely fell in love with the new 50/1.4:


100% crop:


These are taken with my own A700 which totally backfocuses with my own Minolta 50mm 1.4... at f2, ISO 400, converted with ACR 4.6 no sharpening. So: Why does it work while the Minolta doesn't? Is my lens faulty or is the design of the Sigma just better? Or is the HSM just more precise?

The only thing bothering me: I had the feeling the HSM focus motor was less immediate in reaction that the old screw-drive focus... The same goes for the 70-200 SSM. But since I have never used any SSM or HSM lens in good light, I would not know if that true or not. Any ideas?

But I believe I might postpone my plans to send my A700 to a Sony service to be calibrated, after the price of the Sigma has gone down a bit and after I have acquired one... if it works fine, I would sell the Minolta lens and finally, finally be able to use this lens the way it is supposed to be used.

By the way: The 70-200 was less impressive, at least at first view. But after having experienced the service at the Tamron booth, I might be inclined to get the Sigma nevertheless... even for 100€ more.

Cheers Jonathan

[Dr. Harout]

Don't even think of persuading me...

[Mark K]

50/1.4 HSM must be the best standard lens out there but I will prefer a Sony one because of

1. less pricey
2. smaller size,
3. better build quality

I used to have many alpha mount Sigma lenses including 24-135/.35-5.6, 28-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8. Despite their excellent optical quality, the just need more thinking about the finish