§ 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.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

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?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 102 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
Focal length50mm 50mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4 f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16 f/22
Lens typePrime lens Standard prime lens
FormatFull frame Full Frame
Weight677 g 575 g (1.27 lbs) ◆
Dimensions100 x 77.4 mm 73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length)
Minimum focusing distance0.5 m 0.45 m (17.72 in) ◆
Maximum magnification—0.17x
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes ◆No
Aperture ringYes Yes
Aperture blades10 ◆8
Optical construction14 elements / 11 groups 9 elements in 6 groups
Filter size67 mm ◆77 mm
Lens mountSony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E
Released—2015
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • 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.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC

319/365/2023
319/365/2023 by FadeToBlackLP
_DSC3713C1
_DSC3713C1 by i_vasilev
_DSC7814-Exposure.jpg
_DSC7814-Exposure.jpg by phillyguy1631
Self shoot
Self shoot by phillyguy1631
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 review 1
Video thumbnail for Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 review 2
Video thumbnail for Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC review 1
Video thumbnail for Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC review 2
07

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.
08

Other comparisons