Sony photographers everywhere are rejoicing over the long-coming rollout of Sigma’s Art series lenses on FE mount. But will Sigma’s new Sony-focused lineup be the answer versus the smaller native lens options?
In the first part of his review of the Sigma Art series for Sony FE mount, Abbott examines both autofocus performance, as well the build and design changes versus the previously available Canon mount with attached MC-11 lens adapter. Abbott also allows for a physical comparison versus one of Sony’s native lens options, the FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA.
In this matchup in size, both the Sony mount 50mm f/1.4 Art and the native Canon mount Art lens with MC-11 adaptor attached come out to be basically identical in size. What this ultimately means is that unfortunately what you are getting on Sony is a comparatively larger lens versus say the Canon or Nikon version when used on those respective mounts. A crucial deciding factor for those who had chose Sony mirrorless to begin with was certainly both lens size and weight savings. So, it’s unfortunate that neither will be found here. Ultimately, how important those sacrifices are and whether they will be dealbreakers are factors you will have to determine when shopping for your next lens. Nonetheless, it's great to see Sigma lenses come to Sony.
I'm a Sony shooter and I am not rejoicing. These odd adapter + lens sandwiches feel like short-term stopgaps that will eventually be replaced by fully realized lenses.
And not everyone wants submarine-sized f/1.4 prime lenses. A lot of Sony shooters prefer the 55mm f/1.8 to the f/1.4 because of size/weight.
I bought the sony plannar on a open box deal and sold it two weeks later because of its weight. It's optical qualities are on a league of its own (obviously above the 55) but comes at a very high price, weight and size.
Now I'm happy with the 55 1.8, but the minimum focusing distance is a bit on the long side. Or maybe I got used to the 50 1.4 plannar mfd? On an infinite budget situation (lol) I would have both
I never bought the Sony for weight, I bought it for features. I wouldn't mind a 200/2 - I care only about image quality, if the lens is heavy... so be it, stick it on a tripod. That's my feeling on it as a working pro.
Looks like I'll be sticking with my Canon lenses and MC-11 for the time being.
At least it's an additional option available to Sony shooters.
I believe Sigma have a license from Sony to make Art E mount lenses. Just becuse they need to put that bit of the MC-11 adapter does not mean it's a build in adapter. It might just be the required extension to fit mirrorless.
How does the Sigma 50 compear in size to a Canon 50 1.4? The Canon is smaller - right? So what does it tell that the Sony 50 1.4 is smaller? Only that it's smaller, and that Sigma do choose quality over size with there Art range of lenses.
I expect the Sigma 50 E mount lens to behave good, in the range of a Sony. And better then the Sony 50 f 1.8 for sure.
That's wonderful news. New Sigma E mount lenses are fantastic improvement to lower cost high end glass.
If you want portable smaller lenses get some Sony Zeiss lens.
I had owned both the (Sony-Zeiss) 50/1.4 and 55/1.8 at one point, although I only own the 55/1.8 now. Half a stop is simply not worth the bulk of the 1.4. This is particularly so given that the 55/1.8 is marginally sharper on the edges anyway. The 55/1.8 is the "right size" -- a rarity for "premium" FE mount optics. The Batis are FAT. The Arts are LONG. The 55/1.8 is meh with longitudinal aberrations, but I can live with it since I don't shoot high contrast fencing or news print at an acute angle much if at all. I am tempted by the 40/2 optically but not too thrilled with the angle. I like my standards a bit longer rather than a bit shorter. 55 is great, 60 will be better. I still have the Zeiss (Contax) 60/2.8 Makro-Planar C, but it's a pain to use with an adapter and focus peaking is NOT ACCURATE enough for close up work.
The Arts are archaic looking with the focus indicator under a window. Jeez... reminds me of mechanically coupled AF Nikkors of yore.