Canon 50mm 1.4 USM vs other primes (Sigma)

[Muz]

Greetings. Just after some shopping advice again.


My plastic fantastic 50mm 1.8 II was unfortunately on my 60D when my tripod tipped over one time. It took the blow like a champ and still focuses, but has obviously jumped a cog or something internally and the action is stiff (I suspect quality time with a resolution chart would show it a bit softer on one side but it's not generally noticable).


Being ever reliant on fast lenses and noting that the 1.8 isn't terribly good for video operation I was planning on upgrading anyway, probably to the 50mm 1.4 USM. Sadly, just before I placed my order last month Canon's prices jumped quite a bit apparently due to the falling US dollar. So I have to think a bit more. It's not at the no brainer price any longer. Their price rising and others falling mean that the Canon 50mm 1.4 is now in the ballpark of a few other lenses that seem interesting; notably the Sigmas, 50mm 1.4 and 30mm 1.4.


Those two review pretty well, so I thought I'd ask if anyone had any opinions on how they compare to the Canon (I've checked out a few thread, but it wasn't an exhaustive search). Also are there any other third party primes in that sort of price area and speed that folks like?


cheers.

[Sean Setters]

Honestly, it comes down to which lens

[clemmb]

I have the canon 50 f1.4. It took a bump, my camera strap broke, and the lens would no longer work. Got it fixed and I love it. Sharp and fast.


My only experience with sigma was a zoom and the experience was poor. I have read stories here about people getting a sigma prime and having to exchange till they get a good copy.


Mark

[Muz]

Cheers guys.


Yeah, erring on the side of width does seem like a sensible thing to do after playing around for a bit with my zooms. A 50 on a 1.6 crop can get a little tight in smaller spaces. It

[Sean Setters]

I've become even more impressed with the Sigma now that I've had more opportunities to test it. Quality control may be a bit sketchy at the factory, but I seem to have gotten a really good one.

[Keith B]

Nice shot Sean.


I

[andnowimbroke]

Ha! Loved it

[Muz]

Well this is interesting. I was all geared up to get the Sigma 50mm 1.4. Some of the bad reviews of the 30mm have kinda taken root. Even the ones who like it say it tests weak in the resolution away from the centre. I was replacing a 50mm, so I figured at least I wasn