Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS § 03 Head to head
Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS vs Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Samyang 50mm f/1.2 is 403 g lighter. Sony 50mm f/1.2 focuses 10 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS is a 50mm f/1.2 prime, and the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM is a 50mm f/1.2 prime. On paper the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS 
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS better than the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM?
- 403 g lighter (375 g vs 778 g)
- 34 mm shorter (74 mm vs 108 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (62 mm vs 72 mm)
Why is the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM better than the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS?
- Focuses 10 cm closer (0.4 m vs 0.5 m)
- Is weather sealed
- More aperture blades (11 vs 9)
- Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)
- Newer design (2021 vs 2017)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS has the edge: it is 403 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS | Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Standard prime lens | Standard prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | Full Frame |
| Weight | 375 g (0.83 lbs) ◆ | 778 g (27.5 oz) |
| Dimensions | 74 mm (diameter) x 74 mm (length) | 87 mm (diameter) x 108 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.5 m (19.7 in) | 0.4 m (15.75 in) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | 0.17x | 0.17x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes ◆ |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 11 (circular) ◆ |
| Optical construction | 9 elements in 7 groups | 14 elements in 10 groups, including three XA (extreme aspherical) elements |
| Filter size | 62 mm ◆ | 72 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Sony E | Sony E |
| Released | 2017 | 2021 |
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Size
- A · Samyang
- B · Sony
- 74 × 74 mm
- 108 × 87 mm
The Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 34 mm longer and 403 g heavier than the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS.
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Sample frames
Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS or the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM?
- The Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS weighs 375 g, 403 g less than the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM (778 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS or the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM?
- The Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM focuses down to 0.4 m, against 0.5 m for the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS.
- Do the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS and the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS or the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.2 AS UMC CS has the edge: it is 403 g lighter to carry.
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