there are a few common complaints about the bokeh of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART lens:
1. Onion ring effect: Some users have noted the presence of "onion rings" in the bokeh, which can detract from the overall smoothness of the out-of-focus areas[2].
2. Defined edges on highlights: When shooting wide open at f/1.4, the edges of background highlights can be more defined or pronounced compared to some other lenses, particularly when the out-of-focus area is in front of the focused subject[2].
3. Less pleasant bokeh when stopped down: While the lens performs well at f/1.4, some reviewers found that when stopped down to f/2.0 and beyond, the bokeh becomes less pleasant and more defined compared to lenses like the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G[2].
4. Color fringing: In some situations, visible color fringing can appear in out-of-focus areas, especially when the bokeh is in front of the focused area[2].
5. Inconsistent performance: The bokeh quality seems to vary depending on the shooting scenario. It performs better in some situations (e.g., background blur at f/1.4) but worse in others (e.g., foreground blur)[2].
6. Not as smooth as some competitors: While generally good, some reviewers found the bokeh not as smooth as higher-end options like the Nikon 58mm[4].
It's worth noting that despite these complaints, many users still find the overall bokeh quality of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART to be good, especially considering its price point. The lens is often praised for its sharpness and overall image quality, with bokeh being just one aspect of its performance.
Citations:[1] https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53581620
[2] https://photographylife.com/reviews/sigma-50mm-f1-4/2
[3] https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1287246/0
[4] https://neilvn.com/tangents/review-sigma-50mm-f1-4-art-lens/
[5] https://www.thephoblographer.com/2023/04/06/sigma-50mm-f1-4-dc-dg-art-review/