§ 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 is 325 g lighter. Samyang 50mm f/1.4 has a more aperture blades.
The Nikon Nikkor MF 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 the Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- 325 g lighter (250 g vs 575 g)
- 42 mm shorter (40 mm vs 81.6 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (52 mm vs 77 mm)
Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better than the Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4?
- More aperture blades (8 vs 7)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 325 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor MF 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 | 250 g (8.82 oz) ◆ | 575 g (1.27 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 63 x 40 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 8 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 7 elements / 6 groups | 9 elements in 6 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E |
| Released | — | 2015 |
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Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Samyang
- 40 × 63 mm
- 81.6 × 73.5 mm
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is 42 mm longer and 325 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4.
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Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- The Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 weighs 250 g, 325 g less than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC (575 g).
- Do the Nikon Nikkor MF 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 Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 or the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 325 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- 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
- Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC



