Sigma 50mm f2.8 EX DG or Nikkor 50mm f1.8D

[ipv6ready]

Hi can some one help me with this question,

Sigma 50mm f2.8 EX DG $360 or Nikkor 50mm f1.8D $120

I am looking to buy a 50mm Prime Lens but what would you buy?

Mainly portraits (I have never got into portraits before) and a few landscapes (I take landscapes with all my lenses)

I need (want) a 50mm (75mm DSLR) for fun/casual portraits bascially a lens that is less intimidating in casual enviroment or by people who don't know me.

A 70-200mm f2.8 or 24-70mm f2.8 seems to "scare" people!

Overall every review says both are good?

What would you get? What produces/gives takes "better" portraits
Or should I get a different lens?

No more Zooms I have to many!! Also why is Sigma 3 times the cost of Nikkor?

[Onyx]

I believe the Sigma is a macro lens, so that might explain the price diff.

Many here would attest to have taken great portraits with 50mm lenses, especially in low light. At the price, the Nikkor is unbeatable value.

[ipv6ready]

Yes $120 is a bargain especially as it is Australian Dollars, new and delivered.

But I am selling my girlfriend's kidney to buy the other lens which I don't care to mention here as I would never use it to it full potential. Also it has been out of stock for 4 weeks!!!!

Also if I bought every bargain that came across my desk I would be a pauper or at least without a kidney myself!!

[birddog114]

Yes $120 is a bargain especially as it is Australian Dollars, new and delivered.

But I am selling my girlfriend's kidney to buy the other lens which I don't care to mention here as I would never use it to it full potential. Also it has been out of stock for 4 weeks!!!!

Also if I bought every bargain that came across my desk I would be a pauper or at least without a kidney myself!!

Yes, if it AU$120.00 and delivered, it's a damm cheap!, why don't you post it into the Bargain section for our members to use it as reference.
And I'll but 10, stock them for our member

[sirhc55]

ipv6Ready - completely off topic but your avatar fascinated me. Back in 1994 I used a Kodak 420(!) - memory problem - that cost $18,000 then and was a dog of a camera being so large and cumbersome.

Anyways, back to subject - at $120 for a 50mm prime is a fantastic price as is the Sigma macro

[ipv6ready]

Yes,

I just came across a Kodak DCS 460c in mint condition. All original complete set in the box.
What fascinated me was the orginal RRP sticker on box $US32,000!!!

And yes $120 is cheap but I think it is because my other lens has been in back order for 4 weeks and the shop does not want me to withdraw the order and it is an incentive.

Though as Birddog said I will email the shop and see if they can offer me more lens. Though I don't think the shop will agree to 10 of them!

If the shop agree I will post in bargain section. "Am I allowed to post in that section" I thought that was reserved for more senior or long term members

But I really think I will be slugged a duty/customs, so if it comes in it will be more likely $132? Also it will come with American warranty not Australian.

[boxerboy]

It's unlikely (not impossible) that you'll be hit with GST, in any case $132 is still a great price for this great lens - I'm sure many forum members will agree.

Cheers
Peter

[MattC]

Ipv6ready,

I have no experience with the Sigma, but I do own both the Nikkor 50/1.8 and the 50/1.4. The 50/1.8 is a great lens and IMO its price does not really match its optics, although construction is left wanting. If the Sigma is also being considered at 3x the price of the Nikkor 50/1.8 then I think you should give very serious consideration to the Nikkor 50/1.4. This lens is a keeper for life. You would probably never replace it. It has top notch optics and build quality to match, and at around $400 (that is what I paid) is excellent value. HKSupplies is currently listing this lens at USD280.

Cheers

Matt

[gstark]

I just came across a Kodak DCS 460c in mint condition. All original complete set in the box.

I think ECS were selling a couple a few months back. Not overly expensive.

Not overly useful either.

And especially given the original sticker price. That's a greater rate of depreciation than even a TR7!

And yes $120 is cheap but I think it is because my other lens has been in back order for 4 weeks and the shop does not want me to withdraw the order and it is an incentive.

Let's see, Nikon or Sigma? Doesn't sound to me at all like a tough choice to be made.

Regarding the bulk purchase ... I'd be inclined to suggest making your own purchase first, and then sending Birddog a PM with the details of the vendor. Let the master then weave his magic negotiating skills to see what he can do for us.

[sirhc55]

I just came across a Kodak DCS 460c in mint condition. All original complete set in the box.

I think ECS were selling a couple a few months back. Not overly expensive.

Not overly useful either.

And especially given the original sticker price. That's a greater rate of depreciation than even a TR7!

And yes $120 is cheap but I think it is because my other lens has been in back order for 4 weeks and the shop does not want me to withdraw the order and it is an incentive.

Let's see, Nikon or Sigma? Doesn't sound to me at all like a tough choice to be made.

Regarding the bulk purchase ... I'd be inclined to suggest making your own purchase first, and then sending Birddog a PM with the details of the vendor. Let the master then weave his magic negotiating skills to see what he can do for us.

TR7

Given the choice again I would rather buy a P76 over the TR7

[gstark]

How about a Force 7, Chris?

[boxerboy]

Given the choice again I would rather buy a P76 over the TR7

The TR7 would fit into the P76's boot (all TR7's would've been made into 44 gallon drums by now - and rightly so).

[leek]

all TR7's would've been made into 44 gallon drums by now - and rightly so

Nah - sorry - I saw one the other day - couldn't believe my eyes...

[gstark]

OK ...

Now to the tough question (and to bring this thread back on topic, seeing as how I so easil;y hijacked it) ...

Which to buy ...

The Sigma 50mm, or the TR7 ?

[Glen]

Gary, I remembered when they auctioned the Force 7's. With hindsight I should have bought one.

lpv6, buy the Nikon, it's a bargain for the 1.8, also have the 1.4 which is great for low light. Sigma is macro I believe, so should really compare with 60mm macro from Nikon

[gstark]

Glen,

That's certainly a car they should have released. I believe that a grand total of only three were ever made, and I can recall actually seeing one on the road, heading from Rockdale over the Captain Cook Bridge towards Cronulla or Kurnell.

Yes, you should have bought one; it would have made a great companion for some of your older lenses, as does my GTV and FTn.

[Glen]

From memory I think there were 7or 8, all in different colours. Cant remember the final selling price but it was quite modest. Think most viewed it as a hacked version of an unsuccesful sedan at the time, wereas today the auction would read "multi million dollar development vehicle". Hindsight is always 20/20