HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 § 03 Head to head
HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
Pentax 50mm f/1.4 is 345 g lighter. Samyang 50mm f/1.4 has a higher maximum magnification.
The HD Pentax-FA 50mm 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 the HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC 01
Key differences
Why is the HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- 345 g lighter (230 g vs 575 g)
- 45 mm shorter (37 mm vs 81.6 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (49 mm vs 77 mm)
Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better than the HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4?
- Higher maximum magnification (0.17x vs 0.15x)
- Newer design (2015 vs 1991)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 345 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 | 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 | Standard prime lens | Standard prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 230 g (8.1 oz) ◆ | 575 g (1.27 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 65 mm (diameter) x 37 mm (length) | 73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.45 m (1.5 ft) | 0.45 m (17.72 in) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.15x | 0.17x ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 8 (rounded) | 8 |
| Optical construction | 7 elements in 6 groups | 9 elements in 6 groups |
| Filter size | 49 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Pentax K | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E |
| Released | 1991 | 2015 |
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Size
- A · HD
- B · Samyang
- 37 × 65 mm
- 81.6 × 73.5 mm
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is 45 mm longer and 345 g heavier than the HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4.
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Sample frames
HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- The HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 weighs 230 g, 345 g less than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC (575 g).
- Do the HD Pentax-FA 50mm 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 HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 345 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
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