The bokeh quality of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART differs significantly, with each lens offering distinct characteristics:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- Aperture Design: The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM features a 7-blade rounded aperture, which improves the bokeh quality compared to its predecessors. The bokeh is smoother and more pleasing, especially when stopped down slightly[2].- General Performance: For its price point, the bokeh is considered good, providing a decent background blur that is soft and smooth. However, it may not be as creamy or as well-defined as higher-end lenses[2].
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART
- Aperture Design: The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART has a 9-blade rounded diaphragm, which contributes to its superior bokeh quality. The lens is known for producing exceptionally smooth and creamy bokeh, even at wider apertures[3][4].- General Performance: The Sigma ART lens is often praised for its ability to render out-of-focus areas beautifully, with a more pronounced and aesthetically pleasing background blur. It is considered one of the best in its class for bokeh quality, often compared favorably to even more expensive lenses[3][4].
Comparison
- Smoothness and Creaminess: The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART generally offers smoother and creamier bokeh compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. The 9-blade aperture of the Sigma lens helps create more rounded and attractive out-of-focus highlights[3][4].- Price vs. Performance: While the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM provides good bokeh for its price, it cannot match the premium quality of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART. The Sigma lens is more expensive but justifies its price with superior bokeh and overall image quality[3][4].
In summary, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART outperforms the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM in terms of bokeh quality, offering smoother and more aesthetically pleasing background blur. The Canon lens, however, remains a strong contender for those on a budget, providing good performance for its price.
Citations:[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjVJH_xUBQo
[2] https://blogdozack.com.br/index.php/portfolio/canon-ef-50mm-f1-8-stm-en/
[3] https://neilvn.com/tangents/review-canon-50mm-lenses-bokeh/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/canon/comments/130byti/ef_50mm_18_vs_14/
[5] https://theslantedlens.com/2021/surprising-canon-50mm-f1-2-vs-f1-8-lens-comparison/