GEAR 50MMPRIME LENSES
THE PREMIUM CINE LENS It may cost less than a quarter of one of the big-name lenses from makers like ARRI, but the Sigma 50mm T1.5 full-frame prime is certainly a premium product and comes with a lofty price tag of £3299/$3499. For that, you get an all-metal lens that has 13 elements in eight groups, with one aspherical and three FLD elements which are made from Sigma’s high-end coated glass. These lenses are one of the reasons the Sigma is pricier than the rivals here, as there is a lot of glass and a lot of technology. But as the optical design is shared with Sigma’s stunning range of ART prime lenses designed for DSLR use, it means the glass is produced in larger numbers and the optical development has already been paid for by the stills department. Hence Sigma being able to offer such high-end
RIGHT The Sigma handles contrasty scenes well, with very litle flare. It's the best on test by far.. BELOW The large front element is a tell-takle sign there's a lot of quality glass in there.
“The glass is produced in larger numbers and the development has been paid for by the stills department”
glass at a price that many serious filmmakers will be able to afford as an investment that will last for decades. Unlike the ART lenses, the cine range is housed in a traditional all- manual, metal body with a clickless aperture ring for perfect control of aperture between shots or even during a shot, in very special circumstances. The focus ring has a 180̊ rotation for precise control, and both rings use standard 0.8M gearing for use on rigs and follow- focus systems. The other lenses in the Sigma range also share the same position and sizes for the controls, so it’s fast and easy to change lenses between shots. There’s no messing around with changing rigs around which costs valuable time. The iris has nine rounded blades for a smooth, circular bokeh and it certainly works as out-of-focus highlights are pleasingly round and smooth. No horrid jagged edges here. Optically, this lens is a total stunner in every way, producing quality images that the less expensive rivals we tested can’t get close to. The images are very detailed and crisp, with lots of contrast. The sharpness is right
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PRO MOVIEMAKER SPRING 2018
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