§ 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 is weather sealed. Samyang 50mm f/1.4 is 102 g lighter.
The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 prime, and the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- Is weather sealed
- More aperture blades (10 vs 8)
- Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 77 mm)
Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4?
- 102 g lighter (575 g vs 677 g)
- 18 mm shorter (81.6 mm vs 100 mm long)
- Focuses 5 cm closer (0.45 m vs 0.5 m)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 102 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 | Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Standard prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 677 g | 575 g (1.27 lbs) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 100 x 77.4 mm | 73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.5 m | 0.45 m (17.72 in) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.17x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes ◆ | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 10 ◆ | 8 |
| Optical construction | 14 elements / 11 groups | 9 elements in 6 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E |
| Released | — | 2015 |
04
Size
- A · Carl
- B · Samyang
- 100 × 77.4 mm
- 81.6 × 73.5 mm
The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 is 18 mm longer and 102 g heavier than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC.
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Sample frames
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC weighs 575 g, 102 g less than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 (677 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC focuses down to 0.45 m, against 0.5 m for the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4.
- Do the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 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 Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 102 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM vs Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4
- HD Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
- Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
- Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF
- Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.4
- Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
- Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA
- Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro



