§ 03 Head to head

Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM

Samyang 50mm f/1.4 is 240 g lighter. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 focuses 5 cm closer.

Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is a 50mm f/1.4 prime, and the Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM is a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better than the Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM?

  • 240 g lighter (575 g vs 815 g)
  • 18 mm shorter (81.6 mm vs 100 mm long)
  • Has a physical aperture ring
  • Newer design (2015 vs 2014)

Why is the Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?

  • Focuses 5 cm closer (0.4 m vs 0.45 m)
  • More aperture blades (9 vs 8)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 240 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

18 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationSamyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMCSigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM
Focal length50mm 50mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4 f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22 f/16
Lens typeStandard prime lens Prime lens
FormatFull Frame Full frame
Weight575 g (1.27 lbs) ◆815 g (28.75 oz)
Dimensions73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length) 85 x 100 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.45 m (17.72 in) 0.4 m (15.75 inches) ◆
Maximum magnification0.17x —
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingNo —
Aperture ringYes No
Aperture blades8 9 ◆
Optical construction9 elements in 6 groups 13 elements / 8 groups
Filter size77 mm 77 mm
Lens mountCanon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Sigma SA, Sony E, L-Mount
Released2015 2014
Price—$949 launch price
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Samyang
  • B · Sigma
  • 81.6 × 73.5 mm
  • 100 × 85 mm

The Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM is 18 mm longer and 240 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

Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM

L & S Bass Master lure - Anderson S.C.
L & S Bass Master lure - Anderson S.C. by DT's Photo Site - Anderson S.C.
The Saluda River - below Holliday Dam - Greenville/Anderson SC
The Saluda River - below Holliday Dam - Greenville/Anderson SC by DT's Photo Site - Anderson S.C.
Barn in the woods - Townville SC
Barn in the woods - Townville SC by DT's Photo Site - Anderson S.C.
Old abandoned store - Oconee Co. SC
Old abandoned store - Oconee Co. SC by DT's Photo Site - Anderson S.C.
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC review 1
Video thumbnail for Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC review 2
Video thumbnail for Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM review 1
Video thumbnail for Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC or the Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM?
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC weighs 575 g, 240 g less than the Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM (815 g).
Which focuses closer, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC or the Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM?
The Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM focuses down to 0.4 m, against 0.45 m for the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC.
Do the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC and the Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC or the Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 240 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons