Sigma 56mm f1.4 with Olympus or Fuji?

Purely from a focal length point of view, in FF FOV, I'd prefer the 85mm over 121.

Another question I would have considered is, in which mount am I likely to buy another / newer body and therefore more opportunities to use this lens. May not be relevant in your situation.

paolop23 said:

Also IQ will be better on the larger sensor.

Click to expand...

That depends on how you measure IQ.

The resolution in the centre of the image will be slightly better, but the resolution near the edges may be a lot worse (because MFT is using less of the image circle than APS-C and most lenses suffer a serious drop in resolution as you move away from the centre).

Tom Axford said:

paolop23 said:

Also IQ will be better on the larger sensor.

Click to expand...

That depends on how you measure IQ.

The resolution in the centre of the image will be slightly better, but the resolution near the edges may be a lot worse (because MFT is using less of the image circle than APS-C and most lenses suffer a serious drop in resolution as you move away from the centre).

Click to expand...

since OP wants to use the lens for portraits mainly, i dont see how he could benefit from that.

Also the Sigma is a pretty good prime lens. In situations where you would want good corner performance (landscape) you would probably stop it down and therefore get rid of most abberations.

paolop23 said:

Tom Axford said:

paolop23 said:

Also IQ will be better on the larger sensor.

Click to expand...

That depends on how you measure IQ.

The resolution in the centre of the image will be slightly better, but the resolution near the edges may be a lot worse (because MFT is using less of the image circle than APS-C and most lenses suffer a serious drop in resolution as you move away from the centre).

Click to expand...

since OP wants to use the lens for portraits mainly, i dont see how he could benefit from that.

Also the Sigma is a pretty good prime lens. In situations where you would want good corner performance (landscape) you would probably stop it down and therefore get rid of most abberations.

Click to expand...

That is true in the centre, but I think you will find that the edge performance is still significantly worse than the centre even when stopped down several stops.

paolop23 said:

Tom Axford said:

paolop23 said:

Also IQ will be better on the larger sensor.

Click to expand...

That depends on how you measure IQ.

The resolution in the centre of the image will be slightly better, but the resolution near the edges may be a lot worse (because MFT is using less of the image circle than APS-C and most lenses suffer a serious drop in resolution as you move away from the centre).

Click to expand...

i've never seen that actually lead to better edge/corner IQ on the smaller sensor system on a modern, good prime lens. The Sigma 56mm is optimized for APSC afterall.

Click to expand...

Also, why worry about the resolution/sharpness of the edges/corners for those cases (typically for portraits) where a soft/creamy background is desired.

And if one intends to crop, well…

Tom Axford said:

paolop23 said:

Tom Axford said:

paolop23 said:

Also IQ will be better on the larger sensor.

Click to expand...

That depends on how you measure IQ.

The resolution in the centre of the image will be slightly better, but the resolution near the edges may be a lot worse (because MFT is using less of the image circle than APS-C and most lenses suffer a serious drop in resolution as you move away from the centre).

Click to expand...

since OP wants to use the lens for portraits mainly, i dont see how he could benefit from that.

Also the Sigma is a pretty good prime lens. In situations where you would want good corner performance (landscape) you would probably stop it down and therefore get rid of most abberations.

Click to expand...

That is true in the centre, but I think you will find that the edge performance is still significantly worse than the centre even when stopped down several stops.

Click to expand...

i've looked up the lens' performance. Its true that center/border has less resolution than center even stopped down. (some lenses have midzone dip, unsure if its the case for the 56)

But keep in mind this is measured in LW/PH so the values will decrease for a smaller sensor. So while center values will surely be better on APSC, center/borer will likely be rather similar or possibly worse on M43.

Also diffraction will be visible at larger apertures on m43 system because of pixel pitch.

https://www.opticallimits.com/sony-alpha-aps-c-lens-tests/1092-sigma56f14?start=1

paolop23 said:

Tom Axford said:

paolop23 said:

Tom Axford said:

paolop23 said:

Also IQ will be better on the larger sensor.

Click to expand...

That depends on how you measure IQ.

The resolution in the centre of the image will be slightly better, but the resolution near the edges may be a lot worse (because MFT is using less of the image circle than APS-C and most lenses suffer a serious drop in resolution as you move away from the centre).

Click to expand...

since OP wants to use the lens for portraits mainly, i dont see how he could benefit from that.

Also the Sigma is a pretty good prime lens. In situations where you would want good corner performance (landscape) you would probably stop it down and therefore get rid of most abberations.

Click to expand...

That is true in the centre, but I think you will find that the edge performance is still significantly worse than the centre even when stopped down several stops.

Click to expand...

i've looked up the lens' performance. Its true that center/border has less resolution than center even stopped down. (some lenses have midzone dip, unsure if its the case for the 56)

But keep in mind this is measured in LW/PH so the values will decrease for a smaller sensor. So while center values will surely be better on APSC, center/borer will likely be rather similar or possibly worse on M43.

Also diffraction will be visible at larger apertures on m43 system because of pixel pitch.

https://www.opticallimits.com/sony-alpha-aps-c-lens-tests/1092-sigma56f14?start=1

Click to expand...

Good information, but I think we worry too much about technicalities.

At a recent wedding, I noticed that the two photographers used Canon 5D Mark IV and two lenses primarily: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and EF 85mm f/1.8 USM -- no Canon L, no Sigma Art. The body is “old” and “outdated” while the lenses are “cheap” and “low quality” if you ask forum gearheads. The images -- mostly portraits -- in the sneakpeak Google Photos album are stunningly beautiful. No one sits there and contemplates center sharpness/resolution.

I also use this lens on an Olympus OM-1. For the price it’s a must. Fantastic lens in every way.

Satyaa said:

RSTP14 said:

Satyaa said:

RSTP14 said:

Hum... can you adapt an M43 lens to Fuji? Normally you wouldn't do that for the smaller image circle of the M43 lens, but not an issue with the Sigma. I know you can't adapt Fuji to M43 fo the smaller registration distance, but M43 to Fuji?

Click to expand...

This lens is available in both mounts.

Click to expand...

It is, but why buy it twice if you can adapt it, and if it can be adapted, chose the mount consequently.

Click to expand...

I didn't read it that way.

I thought that the OP had the option to buy in either mount, and is trying to decide based on which body to use

Click to expand...

Indeed, and why I asked if you could adapt an M43 lens to Fuji. If so, then the OP would be best to buy the M43 mount and with an adapter could also use it on the Fuji camera, which is totally impossible the other way around. That was my initial point, which is moot if it can not be adapted.

You are in the micro four thirds forum, so you may get talk about another brand being used, but I think they recommended Olympus over the other brand.

kcdogger said:

I have it in m4/3. It is one of my sharpest lens. Great for portraits.

Peace.

John

Click to expand...

There ya go. It's the cousin to their 105 f1.4 ART lens which I previously owned on a R5. The same performance in all regards comes out of this little gem. And it's less than a 1/4 the weight and size. What a sweet surprise that was.

So the DOF / background blur /bokeh (with the same lens design) depends on the subject & background distance.

With m43 you have a narrower FOW than with a APS-sensor with that same lens, as yu already know.

So let's think about a classic headshot. With a Fuji you may be at about 2-3 m distance form the model, and with m43 at about 4m, for the same framing (not exact distances, but...). let's assume, that you are shooting full open for some reason, maybe to get the softest background possible.

So, with Fuji you are closer, DOF is smaller and blur stronger. With mFT you are further form the model and you have larger DOF. The quality of bokeh... well, for that you have to also check the background quality and lights.

You are searching the same lens for both systems, with same lens design etc, so the only thing that changes between systems is the field of view on the sensor.

Remember also the aspect ratios of the sensors - do you usually use 2:3 , 3:4 or something else for portraits and everything else you think you'll use this lens for. If you crop the Fuji for 3:4 , there is not too much difference anymore... But if you crop m43 to 2:3, the difference is larger.

Have a nice day!


Jouko
'The best camera in the world is the one you have with you when you need it'
https://joukolehto.blogspot.fi/ - Lenses for mFT-cameras

Jouko said:

So the DOF / background blur /bokeh (with the same lens design) depends on the subject & background distance.

With m43 you have a narrower FOW than with a APS-sensor with that same lens, as yu already know.

So let's think about a classic headshot. With a Fuji you may be at about 2-3 m distance form the model, and with m43 at about 4m, for the same framing (not exact distances, but...). let's assume, that you are shooting full open for some reason, maybe to get the softest background possible.

So, with Fuji you are closer, DOF is smaller and blur stronger. With mFT you are further form the model and you have larger DOF. The quality of bokeh... well, for that you have to also check the background quality and lights.

You are searching the same lens for both systems, with same lens design etc, so the only thing that changes between systems is the field of view on the sensor.

Remember also the aspect ratios of the sensors - do you usually use 2:3 , 3:4 or something else for portraits and everything else you think you'll use this lens for. If you crop the Fuji for 3:4 , there is not too much difference anymore... But if you crop m43 to 2:3, the difference is larger.

Have a nice day!

Jouko
'The best camera in the world is the one you have with you when you need it'
https://www.instagram.com/jouko.k.lehto/
http://lehtokukka.smugmug.com/
http://jouko-lehto.artistwebsites.com/
https://joukolehto.blogspot.fi/ - Lenses for mFT-cameras
https://joukolehto.blogspot.fi/2015/12/what-to-dowith-camera-during-winter.html

Click to expand...

Thanks! I have come to the conclusion that I will get the lens for which ever camera I will find it cheaper in the used market.

Yannis1976 said:

Thanks! I have come to the conclusion that I will get the lens for which ever camera I will find it cheaper in the used market.

Click to expand...

oh noes, now you have to get a Sony/Canon body ;-).

But seriously, looking for completed listings on ebay, you will find the Sigma 56mm mostly for E-mount and also EF-M mount from as low as $200.

The few listings i found for M43 and Fuji all sold for significantly more (mostly >$300)

paolop23 said:

Yannis1976 said:

Thanks! I have come to the conclusion that I will get the lens for which ever camera I will find it cheaper in the used market.

Click to expand...

oh noes, now you have to get a Sony/Canon body ;-).

But seriously, looking for completed listings on ebay, you will find the Sigma 56mm mostly for E-mount and also EF-M mount from as low as $200.

The few listings i found for M43 and Fuji all sold for significantly more (mostly >$300)

Click to expand...

Any other alternative in mind? I also have an old manual Nikon 50/1.8 that I use in either camera and enjoy the manual, slightly soft results, but wished for even thinner DOF.

I also searched a bit on the manual lenses and they are equally expensive!

Yannis1976 said:

paolop23 said:

Yannis1976 said:

Thanks! I have come to the conclusion that I will get the lens for which ever camera I will find it cheaper in the used market.

Click to expand...

oh noes, now you have to get a Sony/Canon body ;-).

But seriously, looking for completed listings on ebay, you will find the Sigma 56mm mostly for E-mount and also EF-M mount from as low as $200.

The few listings i found for M43 and Fuji all sold for significantly more (mostly >$300)

Click to expand...

Any other alternative in mind? I also have an old manual Nikon 50/1.8 that I use in either camera and enjoy the manual, slightly soft results, but wished for even thinner DOF.

I also searched a bit on the manual lenses and they are equally expensive!

Click to expand...

try your luck first on ebay. The Sigma is a good lens for either system, although i personally find 85mm equiv much more useful. Also it seems thers more active listings for Fuji (auction).

If you already have a 50mm you should be able to find out if 100ish mm is too long for your inteded usecases.

paolop23 said:

Yannis1976 said:

paolop23 said:

Yannis1976 said:

Thanks! I have come to the conclusion that I will get the lens for which ever camera I will find it cheaper in the used market.

Click to expand...

oh noes, now you have to get a Sony/Canon body ;-).

But seriously, looking for completed listings on ebay, you will find the Sigma 56mm mostly for E-mount and also EF-M mount from as low as $200.

The few listings i found for M43 and Fuji all sold for significantly more (mostly >$300)

Click to expand...

Any other alternative in mind? I also have an old manual Nikon 50/1.8 that I use in either camera and enjoy the manual, slightly soft results, but wished for even thinner DOF.

I also searched a bit on the manual lenses and they are equally expensive!

Click to expand...

try your luck first on ebay. The Sigma is a good lens for either system, although i personally find 85mm equiv much more useful.

If you already have a 50mm you should be able to find out if 100ish mm is too long for your inteded usecases.

Click to expand...

I did a test yesterday with my other half and found that at least on that test I preferred the 50mm on the Olympus. Not sure yet why...




EP7 + Nikon manual 50/1.8




EP7 + Nikon manual 50/1.8




XT3 + Nikon manual 50/1.8



--
Yannis

Yannis1976 said:

I did a test yesterday with my other half and found that at least on that test I preferred the 50mm on the Olympus. Not sure yet why...

Click to expand...

I am not surprised at that. I enjoy using my 75/1.8 over the 45/1.8, provided that I have the space to be at the required distance.

I am not sure why, but the longer focal length is nice to use for people. Perhaps it encourages tighter crops than would otherwise be chosen because the camera doesn't have to be so much in the subject's face?

Tom Axford said:

Yannis1976 said:

I did a test yesterday with my other half and found that at least on that test I preferred the 50mm on the Olympus. Not sure yet why...

Click to expand...

I am not surprised at that. I enjoy using my 75/1.8 over the 45/1.8, provided that I have the space to be at the required distance.

I am not sure why, but the longer focal length is nice to use for people. Perhaps it encourages tighter crops than would otherwise be chosen because the camera doesn't have to be so much in the subject's face?

Click to expand...

If you keep your subject at the same size in the frame another reason is actually quite simple: the longer FL will show less of the background, thus providing less distraction.

Longer FL, tighter FoV.

Having both eyes in focus can make the difference... The thinnest DOF is not always the best.

Have a nice day!


Jouko
'The best camera in the world is the one you have with you when you need it'
https://joukolehto.blogspot.fi/ - Lenses for mFT-cameras