Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

I had it sent into Sigma to get calibrated, and it's amazing. Sure, the focus was a tad off, but I wanted to get it right. This lens wide open is super sharp and the bokeh is simply amazing.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

With Sigma lenses, you hear that there are a lot of variation and the QC isn't that great. Mine front focuses a little. But owning a D700, I can microadjust it. I could send the lens to sigma for a calibration, but I don't really need to. I've sent a few lenses to Sigma for calibrations and cleaning and they've came back perfect. Turn around time is about a week.
I would have gave this lens a 5 star, but the front focusing made me gave it 4 stars. This is a great lens that is better then the Nikon equivalent.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

Clearly better than the Nikon 50 f/1.4. Sharper wide open and the bokeh is to die for. It's the cream machine of the 50mm focal length. AF is faster with HSM than AF-S and on my D3s it doesn't get any better

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

I went through two copies before deciding to stick with my Nikon 50mm f/1.4D lens. The first Sigma copy was HORRIBLE. Nothing was in focus. The second copy was much better, but not superior to my current Nikon D lens. I buy f/1.4 glass to shoot at f/1.4. If I want to shoot at f/2.8, any of my zooms will do AND are VERY sharp doing it.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

This 50mm f/1.4 is AMAZING! It is built like a machine and is PRO QUALITY all the way. Typically the Nikon and Cannon brand lenses are superior to the 3rd party lenses, but this is NOT THE CASE in this lens! Amazing image quality that will leave you wondering how you ever shot without it! I find it hard to remove it to shoot with my Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, especially when shooting indoors! Low light is no match for this lens!

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

the caveat w/ doodling w/ this purchase is that you have to see if your Sigma copy does not exhibit any front or back focus. It took quite a time to learn about any setting pattern at which a sharp image can be obtained on a regular basis. I have concluded that the expert reviews hit it right on the spot when they said that the mid-range of the aperture produces best sharpness. AT f/1.4-1.8 100% sharpness is almost inconsistent (for point focus) and at times gave me compunction as to whether the lens is worth keeping; but @ f/2.8 best results abound (i.e. DOF is not so shallow), though satisfaction w/r to artistic photos @ nice bokeh are still in the works. I have yet to learn more (i.e. more shoots) about this sturdy lens, as results for f1.4 (auto ISO) demand more adjusting. I would recommend this lens to all ... w/ finger crossed. I keep my copy bc the build quality & quiet focus are worth something not to be denied for my use ... especially since I have 5 more lens to alternate w/ this lens.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

great lens,[...]

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

With it's HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), it is a perfect compliment to any Nikon D40 user looking for a fast autofocus prime 50mm lens. It's low light performance is incredible, almost like a vacuum that sucks up all available light!

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

The lens is made in Japan, yet the quality isn't all that good. Definitely I would pick any Nikon lens made in China that this. Don't get me wrong it all depends on what kind of copy of the lens you get. I got a fairly good one. I am happy with it, to an extent though. I am very picky. So this perhaps might explain my discontention with the quality of manufacture.Lens has a beautiful bokeh. I love it. I would say that it's mainly for portraits. Since the lens is heavy and if you want something for general photography I would advise Nikon 50mm F1.8 . I am still keeping that Nikon lens, because it's light sharper at 1.8 and smaller than Sigma.I haven't compareed this lens with Nikon 50mm G. So I can't say how much better or worse it is than that lens. however I will say this:Nikon 50mm G is still largely out of stock with a highly inflated price. I got this Sigma for [$] I didn't overpay for the lens because it has a lot of glass, hence the 77mm filter size. So you are getting your money's worth. Unless you are Nikon die hard fanboy rather than a rational and a photographer who actually knows what he/she wants I would say get this lens. It is cheaper and just as good. Unless you have flimsy muscles in you upper body than the weight of the lens might scare you. ;pPS- The lens isn't incredibly sharp at 1.4, but since it's for portraits it's all good. Ahh and don't worry about sharpness in corners unless all you do is looking at pictures at 100% magnification.PS2- The lens' HSM manual overdrive of focus is kind of not good don't expect it to be as smooth and snappy as Nikon's M/A[@]

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

I got this lens a few days ago and took it to a few local trips including landscape areas, zoos, etc. I've also shot a lot with portraits for my son and all I can say is 'Wow'! This is truly amazing lens, extremely well build. I've used Nikon/Canon 50mm f/1.4 before and by far, this 50mm f/1.4 is the biggest and best build I've ever seen for 50mm lens. Sharpness is probably close to genuine manufactures but the bokeh is superior (I think). I can call it "creamy". 1.4 and 1.6 is a little soft, especially 1.4 but still usable, from 1.8, the image is tack sharp. (But be aware, bigger aperture has very narrow DOF, its not easy to get the focus, so don't always blame the lens not sharp). Another big gain is I don't have to flash in low light. Being able to capture the nature light in relative low light environment is much better.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

This is a phenomenal portrait lens and the bokeh is beautiful. I don't mind the heaviness of the lens that just means that its well built. I like the filter size because I can exchange other filters with other lenses. The auto focus is very fast and accurate on my Nikon D300. I don't mind the new matte finish. I love how I can shoot at night without using a flash all the time. This lens has very sharp and clear optics. I would have to say its even better than Nikon's 50mm f/1.4 G series.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

Amazing lens. Much better than nikkor f/1.8

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

Buy this over the Nikon, it's cheaper and better built.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

Used for night photography and sunrises. It seems to gather all available light.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

This lens is incredibly sharp at 1.4. I wish I had bought this lens first, but perhaps it's better that way. I may have never bought any more lenses. This lens is my goto lens for all purposes now, nothing can beat its light gathering abilities and its sharpness. Amazing quality.

Comments about SIGMA 310306 - 50MM F1.4 EX DG HSM For Nikon:

Love this lens. 77mm thread is great. Huge for a 50mm lens which I love. Sharp with great color and bokeh.