Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
Canon 50mm f/1.4 is 285 g lighter. Samyang 50mm f/1.4 has a physical aperture ring.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM is a 50mm f/1.4 prime, and the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM 
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- 285 g lighter (290 g vs 575 g)
- 31 mm shorter (50.5 mm vs 81.6 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (58 mm vs 77 mm)
Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better than the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM?
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Newer design (2015 vs 1993)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM has the edge: it is 285 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM | Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Standard prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 290 g (10.23 oz) ◆ | 575 g (1.27 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 73.8 x 50.5 mm | 73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.45 m (17.72 inches) | 0.45 m (17.72 in) |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.17x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 8 | 8 |
| Optical construction | 7 elements / 6 groups | 9 elements in 6 groups |
| Filter size | 58 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E |
| Released | 1993 | 2015 |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Samyang
- 50.5 × 73.8 mm
- 81.6 × 73.5 mm
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is 31 mm longer and 285 g heavier than the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM.
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Sample frames
Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- The Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM weighs 290 g, 285 g less than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC (575 g).
- Do the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM and the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM has the edge: it is 285 g lighter to carry.
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