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How do users generally feel about the bokeh of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART for portrait photography


Users generally have positive feelings about the bokeh of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART for portrait photography, though there are some nuanced opinions. Here are the main points from user reviews:

Positive Aspects

1. Smooth and Creamy Bokeh: The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART is praised for producing smooth and creamy bokeh, especially when shot wide open at f/1.4. This is particularly beneficial for portrait photography, where a pleasing background blur can make subjects stand out beautifully[5].
2. Rounded Bokeh Balls: Points of light in the background are blurred into smooth, edgeless bokeh balls, which are rounded at the center of the frame. This effect is highly desirable in portrait photography for creating a soft and aesthetically pleasing background[5].
3. Background Separation: The lens's ability to quickly blur the background when shooting wide open is appreciated by portrait photographers, as it helps isolate the subject and create a professional look[5].

Negative Aspects

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[1].
2. Defined Edges on Highlights: When shooting wide open, the edges of background highlights can be more defined or pronounced, which some users find less appealing compared to other lenses that offer smoother transitions[2][5].
3. Bokeh Quality When Stopped Down: While the bokeh is excellent at f/1.4, some users feel that it becomes less smooth and more defined when the lens is stopped down to smaller apertures like f/2.0 and beyond[2].

Comparative Opinions

- Better than Some, Not as Good as Others: The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART's bokeh is often compared favorably to lenses like the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 but is sometimes considered less smooth than higher-end options like the Nikon 58mm f/1.4[2].
- Mixed Feelings: Some users have mixed feelings about the bokeh, noting that while it is generally good, it may not meet the high expectations set by the lens's other strong attributes, such as sharpness and build quality[3][5].

In summary, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART is highly regarded for its bokeh quality in portrait photography, especially when shot wide open. While there are some minor complaints, the overall user sentiment is positive, with many photographers appreciating the lens's ability to create beautiful, creamy background blur.

Citations:
[1] https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53581620
[2] https://neilvn.com/tangents/review-sigma-50mm-f1-4-art-lens/
[3] https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1287246/0
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/canon/comments/1bh599l/is_the_50mm_f14_worth_the_upgrade/
[5] https://www.thephoblographer.com/2023/04/06/sigma-50mm-f1-4-dc-dg-art-review/