§ 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.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

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?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 has the edge: it is 325 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationNikon Nikkor MF 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
Weight250 g (8.82 oz) ◆575 g (1.27 lbs)
Dimensions63 x 40 mm 73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length)
Minimum focusing distance0.45 m (17.72 inches) 0.45 m (17.72 in)
Maximum magnification—0.17x
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealing—No
Aperture ringYes Yes
Aperture blades7 8 ◆
Optical construction7 elements / 6 groups 9 elements in 6 groups
Filter size52 mm ◆77 mm
Lens mountNikon F Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E
Released—2015
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • 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.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4

Through the Woods
Through the Woods by cg.bluesnjazz
Through the Woods
Through the Woods by cg.bluesnjazz
Through the Woods
Through the Woods by cg.bluesnjazz
Through the Woods
Through the Woods by cg.bluesnjazz

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

3 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Nikon Nikkor MF 50 mm f/1.4 review 1
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 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.
08

Other comparisons