Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Sigma has announced a new standard prime lens - the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM.
The EX tag is used by Sigma to denote a much superior optical and build quality, as well as a crinkle finish which I rather like (but some people say it chips off after a few years of abuse, but so far my Sigma EX lenses are still looking pretty.) The DG means it has been ‘digitally optimized’ - BUT it will work with full frame DSLRs. (A lot of people think this means it is a digital-only lens, similar to Nikon’s DX, but that is not true - Sigma’s designation for it’s digital-only lenses is DC)
HSM stands for Hyper-Sonic Motor which means the lens has it’s own motor providing a silent, high-speed Auto-Focus performance. (As opposed to the usual screw driven focus on other lenses, which while still fast, can be pretty noisy)
With a minimum focusing distance of 17.7″ (translating to a maximum magnification of 1:7.4) this is no macro lens, but then the big selling point is obviously the fast aperture.
From: DPReview via WhatPhotoGear