KOMQI 311955
The 14-element optical design with three ED and one aspherical element delivers exceptional sharpness and suppresses aberrations even at its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture. Its robust, weather-sealed metal build and smooth, ring-type HSM autofocus system offer a premium handling experience that belies its price point. This lens is best for portrait and studio photographers using Nikon F-mount DSLRs who demand critical image quality and shallow depth of field control without the cost of first-party optics.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art delivers bokeh in the 98th percentile and an f/1.4 aperture in the 97th, making it one of the best portrait primes we've tested. Optical quality is excellent and users rate it 4.7 stars across 1,869 reviews. The catch is 815g of weight and autofocus that's only average, but at the low end of its USD 599 to USD 1,049 price range, it's a bargain.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Bokeh in the 98th percentile, best-in-class background blur 97th
- f/1.4 aperture ranks 97th percentile for light gathering 97th
- Optical quality in the 89th percentile, sharp across most of the frame 90th
- 11-blade diaphragm produces smooth, rounded highlights 84th
- User sentiment score of 88/100 with 4.7 stars across 1,869 reviews
Cons
- 815g weight makes it heavy for a 50mm prime
- AF performance only in the 54th percentile, average at best
- Travel score of 50.2, this lens is a pain to lug around
- Soft edges at f/1.4 according to multiple owners
- Stabilization in the 37th percentile, no built-in IS
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q1 202698/100
Reviewers praise this Sigma 50mm lens for sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and value versus Canon equivalents. Some note it is heavy but acceptable.
- Sharpness and image quality are consistently highlighted as outstanding.
- Bokeh is praised, especially for portrait and wide-open shooting.
- Lens offers great value compared to more expensive Canon models.
- Weight is noted as a minor drawback, but performance offsets it.
- Q1 2025100/100
Buyers praised this lens for versatility, sharpness, fast autofocus, and good value, with positive comments on facial recognition compatibility and build quality.
- Lens delivers tack-sharp images across various shooting scenarios like portraits and video.
- HLA focus motor is fast, quiet, and works well with facial recognition on Sony cameras.
- Excellent value, described as an affordable alternative to pricier Sony lenses.
- Sturdy build, good weight for handheld stability and gimbal use.
- Q2 202485/100
Buyers praised the lens's sharpness, build quality, and beautiful colors, but noted it is heavier than expected.
- Sharpness and build quality praised overall.
- Beautiful colors and fast delivery from B&H.
- Lens is heavier, but some find it worth it.
- One buyer questions sharpness vs other Art series lenses.
- Q4 202267/100
Buyers praised the lens sharpness and compatibility with D5, but one noted it is heavy. Overall positive sentiment with mixed feedback on weight.
- Lens is sharp and works great with D5.
- Lens is heavy but image quality compensates.
- Good for beginners; fast delivery.
- Weight mentioned as a drawback.
- Q2 2022100/100
Buyers praised this lens for exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, fast autofocus, and solid build quality, calling it perfect for portraits and wedding work.
- Superb sharpness, exceeding expectations even compared to Canon L lenses.
- Beautiful creamy bokeh and fast, reliable autofocus.
- Excellent build quality, solid and well-constructed.
- Ideal for portraits and wedding videography, minimal editing needed.
- Q1 202290/100
Buyers praise the lens for sharpness, build quality, and affordability, though some note lack of weather sealing and image stabilization.
- Outstanding sharpness and image quality, even outperforming Canon RF L glass.
- Excellent value compared to pricier alternatives from Canon and Lumix.
- Lack of weather sealing and image stabilization noted as drawbacks.
- Robust build quality; feels sturdy and well-constructed.
- Q4 202185/100
Buyers praised the lens for studio work and close-ups, rating it excellent value. Some found distance photos lacking versus Canon.
- Excellent glass quality, comparable to Sony GM, great for studio and weddings.
- Good close-ups but distance photos not as sharp as preferred.
- Affordable alternative to Canon, perfect for studio use.
- Primary lens for weddings, reliable and highly recommended.
- Q3 2021100/100
Buyers are thoroughly impressed with the lens, praising its sharpness, build quality, color rendering, and value compared to Canon L series.
- Image sharpness and color rendering are exceptional, exceeding expectations.
- Build quality is rugged and lightweight, with a handsome carrying case.
- Lens is quiet and fast, making it enjoyable to use over zoom lenses.
- Great price point for the performance, strong alternative to pricier L lenses.
- Q2 202184/100
Buyers report excellent sharpness, color, and low-light performance for portraits. Some expected higher build quality.
- Sharp images and rich colors, especially on A9 cameras
- Strong low-light performance for portraits
- Quick, responsive autofocus
- Some expected higher overall quality from Sigma Art line
- Q1 2021100/100
All three reviewers praise Sigma lenses for quality, sharp images, and solid performance, with one noting slightly heavier weight.
- Excellent image quality, sharpness, and color depth reported across all reviews.
- Great build quality using metal and glass, though some mention heavier weight.
- Autofocus works perfectly out of the box with no calibration needed.
- Favorable compared to Nikon branded lenses, considered a worthy upgrade.
- Q4 202093/100
Reviewers praised the lens for its sharpness, build quality, and low-light performance. One noted slower autofocus on some cameras.
- Excellent sharpness and image quality, especially at f/1.4
- Sturdy build and durable construction
- Autofocus can be slow on certain camera bodies like Panasonic S1
- Good value compared to Canon alternatives
- Q3 202092/100
Buyers loved this lens for sports and portraits, praising its sharpness, build, and low-light performance; only minor weight noted.
- Great for sports (volleyball/basketball) and portraits.
- Sharp pictures paired with S1h and other lenses.
- Sturdy build quality, feels solid and worth the investment.
- A little heavy but not a deal breaker.
- Q1 2020100/100
All three reviews in Q1 2020 praise the lens for outstanding sharpness, optics, and value compared to pricier alternatives.
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality
- Outperforms more expensive name brand lenses
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Great low-light performance and construction
- Q4 201987/100
Buyers praised Sigma's high quality/price ratio and sharpness, with one noting occasional blurry images.
- Excellent value and quality for price, competing with top brands.
- High sharpness and overall lens quality praised.
- Surpasses misconceptions about third-party lenses.
- 1 in 10 images blurry despite great sharpness.
- Q2 201998/100
Buyers praise the lens for outstanding sharpness, excellent build quality, and superb bokeh. It is considered a top performer for high-resolution cameras.
- Exceptional sharpness, even at f/1.4, and excellent bokeh are consistently highlighted.
- Solid, professional build quality that feels robust and durable.
- Superior optical performance compared to older/native lenses, especially in low light.
- Some users need to pair with high-resolution cameras to fully realize the lens potential.
- Q1 201972/100
Buyers praised the lens's sharpness, bokeh, and value, but a few noted focus reliability issues.
- Sharp and excellent bokeh, especially wide open.
- Focus accuracy issues reported, especially with non-native cameras.
- Considered best value 50mm lens, rivaling premium options.
- Overall love for image quality but some had focus trust problems.
- Q4 201894/100
Lens is extremely sharp, with excellent autofocus, eye AF, and image quality. It is heavy but users see it as a worthwhile trade-off.
- Tack-sharp image quality and great corner sharpness, even wide open.
- Fast, reliable autofocus with strong Sony A7III and Eye AF compatibility.
- Lens is quite heavy, but many users accept it for the image quality.
- Excellent for event, concert, and portrait photography.
- Q3 201895/100
Buyers praise the lens for exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and great color, with most calling it a worthy upgrade despite its weight.
- Sharpness is outstanding, often described as 'critically sharp' and 'absolutely'.
- Fast autofocus in good light, reliable and quick.
- Good value upgrade especially from kit lenses, although price is noted.
- Heavy build; one user with crop sensor sees limited improvement yet.
- Q2 201890/100
Buyers rave about sharpness and build quality, though some need focus adjustment and note the hood lacks felt lining.
- Sharpness and image quality praised, even wide open. Bokeh and contrast also highlighted.
- Focus adjustment needed but can be fixed with dock; some prefer included dock.
- Solid construction and compatibility with various camera bodies appreciated.
- Hood not felt-lined; dust may collect inside.
- Q1 201894/100
Buyers in Q1 2018 overwhelmingly praise this lens for its extreme sharpness, fast autofocus, and beautiful bokeh, with some noting minor delivery issues or wish for lighter weight.
- Exceptional sharpness and detail, often described as the best 50mm lens ever.
- Sharpness at f1.4 is soft for some but improves upon stopping down.
- One unit arrived with a broken box and loose cap, indicating possible repackaging.
- Wish for lighter weight; the lens is heavy but handling is comfortable.
- Q4 201796/100
Reviewers praise the lens for sharpness, color fidelity, and bokeh. One neutral review notes limited experience, but overall sentiment is highly positive.
- Image quality, sharpness, and color fidelity are excellent.
- Bokeh is milky and pleasing for portraits and weddings.
- Performs well in natural light and cloudy conditions.
- One reviewer gave 4 stars due to limited experience; no defects reported.
- Q3 2017100/100
All 8 reviews are 5-star, praising sharpness, fast autofocus, and image quality. Buyers are extremely satisfied with the Sigma 50mm Art lens.
- Sharp, crisp images with excellent picture quality.
- Fast and reliable autofocus performance.
- High satisfaction, recommending Sigma Art lenses.
- Heavy and expensive, but considered worth it by buyers.
- Q2 201795/100
Buyers praise the lens for exceptional sharpness, sturdy build, and fast autofocus, though some mention needing calibration for optimal focus.
- Extremely sharp, outperforming expectations at this price point.
- Factory focus may require calibration via camera or USB dock.
- Solid build quality with quiet, accurate autofocus.
- Weather sealing not as strong as desired by some users.
Based on 128 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
The optical score lands in the 89th percentile, which translates to one of the best on the market for sharpness and rendering. The bokeh is the real star here. An 11-blade diaphragm and f/1.4 aperture put this lens in the 98th percentile for background blur, and users consistently describe it as smooth and creamy. The three aspherical elements and three ED elements do serious work keeping aberrations in check, though a few owners note soft edges wide open at f/1.4. That's pretty typical for fast primes, but worth knowing if you pixel-peep corners.
Autofocus is a mixed bag. The HSM motor is fast and quiet, which users love for both stills and video. But the AF score sits in the 54th percentile, right around average. Some owners report hunting in low light, and a few mention front or back focus issues that needed calibration. The minimum focus distance is 450mm with a 1:5.6 magnification, so don't expect macro-level close-ups. The macro score of 61st percentile confirms it's serviceable but not a specialty.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Prime |
| Focal Length Min | 50 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
| Elements | 14 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | HSM |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 400 |
| Max Magnification | 1:5.6 |
vs Competition
Stacked against the competition, the Sigma 50mm Art holds its own where it counts. The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 offers way more versatility with its zoom range, but it can't touch the Sigma's f/1.4 aperture or bokeh quality. The Viltrox EVO FE 85mm f/2.0 is a solid portrait option with a longer reach, but it gives up over a stop of light and doesn't have the same optical pedigree. The Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is a completely different tool for wide-angle work, and the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is a travel zoom that beats the Sigma on portability but loses badly on low-light performance and subject isolation. If you want a dedicated portrait or low-light prime, none of these zooms compete. If you want one lens for everything, the Sigma isn't it.
| Spec | KOMQI 311955 | Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | 7Artisans Lite Series AutoFocus 35mm F1.8 Full Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 16-300mm | 17-70mm | 17-28mm | 16-50mm | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/3.5 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.8 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 815 | 615 | 544 | 450 | 107 | 426 |
| AF Type | HSM | HLA | RXD | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | prime |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOMQI 311955 | 53.8 | 97 | 49.3 | 62.5 | 84.1 | 97.1 | 80.5 | 33.6 | 90 | 36.1 |
| Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Compare | 53.8 | 87.3 | 62.1 | 87.4 | 99.1 | 80.1 | 0 | 99.6 | 80.8 | 99.2 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.8 | 88.9 | 67.3 | 85.4 | 90.3 | 86.3 | 63.7 | 89.6 | 85.6 | 81.3 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 85.5 | 88.9 | 74.2 | 85.4 | 87.5 | 86.3 | 90.9 | 67.9 | 67.6 | 36.1 |
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 53.8 | 78.4 | 98.3 | 42.8 | 66.4 | 80.1 | 63.7 | 83.4 | 80.8 | 92.7 |
| 7Artisans Lite Series AutoFocus 35mm F1.8 Full Frame Compare | 85.5 | 96.4 | 60.2 | 97.2 | 61.9 | 94.3 | 90.9 | 33.6 | 45.3 | 81.3 |
Price
Value & Pricing
The price spread on this lens is wild. In the US, you'll see it listed anywhere from USD 599 to USD 1,049 across 25 listings. That's a USD 450 gap for the same glass, so shopping around actually matters here. The lower end of that range is where this lens becomes a steal, especially when you compare it to first-party options. Users repeatedly call out the value compared to Canon L or Nikon G glass, and the 90th percentile social proof score backs up that reputation. In Europe, prices range from EUR 650 to EUR 1,044 across 7 listings, so the same advice applies. If you're paying near the top of either range, you're leaving money on the table.
Amazon 2 offers From ¥118,055
Price History
Read more
Overview
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art sits in the 98th percentile for bokeh and the 97th for aperture in our database. That's basically the top of the charts for creamy background blur and light-gathering ability. With 14 elements in 11 groups, including three aspherical and three ED glass elements, this lens was built to chase optical perfection, not to be small or light. At 815g, it's a chunky prime, but the image quality numbers back up the heft.
Our scoring puts it at 81.9 out of 100 overall, with portrait work leading the way at 87.4. Video and cinema use lands at 84.1, which makes sense given the quiet HSM focusing motor and the 11-blade diaphragm. The weakest area is travel at 50.2, and honestly, that's not a surprise. This is a lens you bring when the shot matters more than your shoulder comfort.
Common Questions
Q: Is the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art sharp wide open?
Mostly yes. The optical score sits in the 89th percentile, and users consistently praise center sharpness even at f/1.4. Some owners note soft edges wide open, which is common for fast primes. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 tightens up the corners significantly.
Q: How does the autofocus perform in low light?
It's a mixed bag. The HSM motor is fast and quiet, which users love for video work. But the AF score lands in the 54th percentile, right around average. Several owners report hunting in dim conditions, and a few mention front or back focus issues that required calibration. Firmware updates can help on some bodies.
Q: Is this lens worth the weight for travel photography?
Probably not. The travel score is 50.2 out of 100, the weakest area for this lens. At 815g, it's heavy for a 50mm prime and takes up real space in a bag. If you're traveling light, a smaller 50mm or a versatile zoom makes more sense. This lens earns its keep in controlled shooting situations where image quality trumps portability.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a travel photographer or someone who values a light kit, this lens will annoy you. The travel score of 50.2 is the weakest in our testing, and 815g is a lot to carry for a single focal length. The stabilization score of 37th percentile means no built-in IS, so handheld low-light work on unstabilized bodies will be a struggle. And if you need reliable autofocus in dim environments, the 54th percentile AF performance might frustrate you. This is a lens for deliberate, controlled shooting, not run-and-gun situations.
Verdict
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is a portrait and low-light specialist that earns its reputation. With bokeh in the 98th percentile, an f/1.4 aperture in the 97th, and optical quality in the 89th, the image output is genuinely top-tier. The 88/100 user sentiment score and 4.7-star average across nearly 1,900 reviews tell you owners are happy. The trade-offs are real though. It's heavy at 815g, the autofocus is only average, and the travel score of 50.2 means it's not a casual carry lens. If you're shooting portraits, events, or anything where shallow depth of field matters, this is one of the best values on the market. Just shop around, because the price spread is significant.
