Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon {77}

Sigma's proven 50mm f/1.4 prime with HSM autofocus for Nikon F

The 50mm focal length is a workhorse, and Sigma's f/1.4 EX DG HSM has been a credible alternative to the native Nikon offering since its 2008 release. The f/1.4 maximum aperture gives you real low-light headroom, and the 9 rounded diaphragm blades produce smooth out-of-focus rendering that portrait and event shooters will put to immediate use. Sigma's HSM ring-type ultrasonic motor drives autofocus quietly and quickly, with full-time manual override so you can fine-tune focus without switching modes. The non-rotating 77mm filter thread is a practical detail that photographers using polarizers or graduated NDs will appreciate.

The optical formula runs 8 elements in 6 groups, including one aspherical element to manage aberrations across the frame. Internal focusing means the barrel stays a compact 68mm long regardless of where you focus, and the DG designation confirms it's built for full-frame coverage. Construction is a plastic barrel with a metal mount, keeping the weight at 505 grams. At that spec, it's a lens that fits in a shoulder bag without demanding its own compartment, and it delivers f/1.4 capability at a price point well below comparable primes.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers shooting on full-frame Nikon bodies get an f/1.4 aperture and 9-blade rounded bokeh at a fraction of the cost of first-party glass. Event and documentary shooters benefit from the HSM motor's quiet operation in sensitive environments and the ability to override autofocus instantly without switching to manual mode. Street photographers working at 50mm will find the internal focusing barrel and 0.45m minimum focus distance practical for candid, close-range work. Film and video shooters using Nikon F-mount cameras gain a fast prime with a non-rotating filter thread that keeps any front-mounted filtration locked in place.

Key Features

• 50mm prime with f/1.4 maximum aperture for low-light work
• HSM ring-type ultrasonic AF with full-time manual override
• 9 rounded diaphragm blades for smooth bokeh rendering
• Internal focusing keeps barrel fixed at 68mm length
• 8 elements in 6 groups with 1 aspherical element
• Non-rotating 77mm filter thread for polarizers and graduated NDs
• Plastic barrel and metal mount, 505 grams
• DG designation optimized for full-frame 35mm sensors

FAQ

What autofocus motor does this lens use?

Sigma's HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) is a ring-type ultrasonic motor that focuses quietly and quickly, with full-time manual override so you can fine-tune focus without switching modes.

Is the filter thread rotating?

No. The 77mm filter thread is non-rotating, so polarizers and graduated NDs stay put as you focus.

What's the minimum focus distance?

0.45 meters (17.72 inches), which gives you reasonable working distance for portraits and general work.

Does the barrel extend when focusing?

No. Internal focusing keeps the barrel at a fixed 68mm length regardless of focus distance.

How many diaphragm blades does it have?

9 rounded blades, which produce smooth out-of-focus rendering in the backgrounds of portraits and event shots.

What's the weight and construction?

505 grams with a plastic barrel and metal mount, compact enough to fit in a shoulder bag without dedicated space.

Does it come with a lens hood?

Yes, a hood is included.