40mm Art lens samples posted

hikerdoc wrote:

Given their current pursuit of sharpness over everything else I am not sure Sigma would be interested in a Nikon 58mm f/1.4 competitor. That Nikon seems to be a poorly understood lens that is not intended to render the same type of crisp photo that we look for from the Sigma Arts. It seems to be loved by those who purchased it for its intended use and vilified by everyone else.

Nikon states: “When shooting stills of a close subject, the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G can achieve beautiful bokeh with soft, natural edges that diminishes smoothly away from your focal point. When recording HD video, use these outstanding bokeh characteristics for interesting smooth focusing transitions and drawing attention to your subject.”

Soft edges and diminish smoothly are words you will not hear from Mr Yamaki in describing Sigma’s current lens design philosophy.

D

True, but the 58mm f1.4 G Nikon is an expensive upgrade alternative to the Nikon 50mm f1.4 G, which is not as good or as sharp. Sigma could do the same with a 58mm f1.8 Art, making it the equivalent of the upgrade to 40mm f1.4 Art from the old 35mm f1.4 Art. That's a significant upgrade in size, cost, and detail. The same could be said for the upgrade from a 50mm f1.4 Art to a 58mm f1.4 Art . . . or from the Nikon 58mm f1.4 G to a Sigma 58mm f1.4 Art. All those who vilified the Nikon lens might like a 58mm f1.4 Art from Sigma, and the price could be comparable to that of the 40mm f1.4 Art, which would keep it well under the price of the expensive Nikon lens. That's what I mean by my use of the word "slaughter" really. It would slaughter the Nikon in detail capture and cost . . . though the depth of field rendering and bokeh might not be a match. It would make a great partner for the 40mm f1.4 Art and 85mm f1.4 Art though. I think those three would make a really nice set of portrait lenses for someone who likes to capture the finest detail in their portraits . . . such as someone who shoots with a Nikon D850, Canon 5Dsr, Sony A7r III, Sigma SD1, or SD Quattro H.