Sigma 50mm f1.4 Art Nikon F 508734787 - 1773997
This Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG Art Lens for Nikon F, #50873478, is in great condition with minor handling wear. I rate it cosmetically a (9). The focus ring is a bit stiff and makes some slight noise. The autofocus and aperture function properly, and the glass is clean and clear with no haze, marks, or fungus. There are a few faint specks of dust inside, but they do not affect image quality. This lens includes front & rear caps.
What our Experts Think
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Iconic “fast normal” prime for pro Nikon shooters
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (Nikon F) delivers a classic 50 mm field of view with a wide f/1.4 aperture — perfect for portraits, street scenes, environmental shots, and low‑light work thanks to its bright, versatile rendering.
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Outstanding optical resolution & contrast
With a sophisticated optical formula of 13 elements in 8 groups, including SLD and aspherical glass, this Art‑series lens minimizes chromatic aberrations and delivers crisp, detailed images with rich contrast and minimal distortion.
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Creamy bokeh and depth‑of‑field control
The f/1.4 maximum aperture and 9‑blade rounded diaphragm produce smooth background separation and beautiful out‑of‑focus qualities — ideal for portraiture and subject isolation.
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Reliable AF with full‑time manual focus
The ring‑type ultrasonic motor (HSM) provides fast, quiet autofocus with full‑time manual override, helping ensure focus precision in stills and video — though some users may fine‑tune with calibration tools on older DSLRs.
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Durable build & professional handling
Well‑constructed with metal components and a 77 mm filter thread, this lens feels solid on Nikon F bodies and includes a hood and caps — though it’s heavier than typical nifty‑fifty‑style primes due to its advanced optics.
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Great all‑around performer
Tested by reviewers and users alike, it’s widely regarded as one of the sharper and more capable 50 mm f/1.4 primes, often competing well above its price point and delivering consistent results across genres.
Q&A
Q: What type of lens is the Sigma 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art?
A: It’s a premium full‑frame standard prime lens for Nikon F‑mount cameras, offering classic 50 mm focal length with a fast f/1.4 aperture for versatile photography.
Q: What are the key optical and performance features?
A: The lens uses 13 elements in 8 groups with SLD and aspherical glass, a 9‑blade rounded diaphragm, and Super Multi‑Layer coating to minimize aberrations, flare, and ghosting while delivering high sharpness and smooth bokeh.
Q: How does autofocus perform?
A: It features a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ring‑type ultrasonic autofocus system that is fast, quiet, and supports full‑time manual focus override for precise control.
Q: What is the aperture range and minimum focus distance?
A: Maximum aperture is f/1.4 (minimal diffraction), stopping down to f/16, with a minimum focus distance of 40 cm (15.7″) and up to ~0.18× magnification.
Q: What build quality and handling can I expect?
A: It’s solidly built with a robust mount and smooth focus ring, though relatively large/heavy for a 50 mm lens—designed for durability and high‑res imaging quality.
Q: Is this lens good in low light and for portraits?
A: Yes — the wide f/1.4 aperture excels in low‑light, delivers shallow depth of field, and produces creamy background blur that’s excellent for portraits, street, landscape, and general use.
Maintenance Tips
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Clean lens elements carefully: Use a microfiber cloth and lens-safe cleaning solution to remove dust, fingerprints, and smudges without damaging the coatings.
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Use lens caps and hood: Always cover the front and rear elements during storage or transport to prevent scratches and debris.
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Protect from dust and moisture: Store in a padded, dry case; avoid rain, humidity, or sandy environments.
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Inspect and clean lens mount: Keep metal contacts free of debris for stable electronic communication with the camera.
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Handle with care: Avoid impacts and excessive force on the focus ring or barrel to prevent misalignment of optical elements.
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Check autofocus and aperture function: Periodically test to ensure smooth focus and accurate aperture performance.
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Consider a protective filter: Optional UV or clear filter can safeguard the front element without affecting image quality.
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Schedule professional servicing: Annual inspection by an authorized service center helps maintain long-term optical and mechanical performance.
