free variable

The Amazon Current Blog asks if a new Sigma 50/1.4 lens is “the un-50mm?” The occasion is the impending release of this pricy ($500), heavy lens.

At first glance, it seems like Sigma is trying to buck the modus operandi of third-party lens makers, who usually compete with companies like Nikon, Canon and Sony by making cheaper lenses…. The new lens, more expensive than 50mm lenses from pretty much anyone besides Leica, uses fancy tricks like multi-layer coating coating and aspherical glass in apparent hope that it will be sharper than the competitors at wide apertures. It also advertises attractive out-of-focus areas, something 50mm lenses are not known for.

It would be great if this is indeed their strategy. I wouldn’t have touched Sigma glass ten years ago, but I’ve been very happy with my Sigma 30/1.4. (People have commented to me that it “looks heavy,” though — and I imagine that the 50mm monster will be even more striking.) The lens is available for preorder at Amazon.

META: Hey, this is my 800th post!