Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC § 03 Head to head
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM
Samyang 50mm f/1.4 has a physical aperture ring. Sony 50mm f/1.4 is 57 g lighter.
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is a 50mm f/1.4 prime, and the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM is a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC 
Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better than the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM?
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Newer design (2015 vs 2013)
Why is the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- 57 g lighter (518 g vs 575 g)
- 10 mm shorter (71.5 mm vs 81.6 mm long)
- Is weather sealed
- More aperture blades (9 vs 8)
- Smaller filter thread (72 mm vs 77 mm)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM has the edge: it is 57 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC | Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Standard prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 575 g (1.27 lbs) | 518 g (18.27 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length) | 81 x 71.5 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.45 m (17.72 in) | 0.45 m (17.72 inches) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.17x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes ◆ |
| Aperture ring | Yes | No |
| Aperture blades | 8 | 9 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 9 elements in 6 groups | 8 elements / 5 groups |
| Filter size | 77 mm | 72 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E | Sony A |
| Released | 2015 | 2013 |
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Size
- A · Samyang
- B · Sony
- 81.6 × 73.5 mm
- 71.5 × 81 mm
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is 10 mm longer and 57 g heavier than the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM.
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Sample frames
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC or the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM?
- The Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM weighs 518 g, 57 g less than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC (575 g).
- Do the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC and the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM 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 Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZA SSM has the edge: it is 57 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- HD Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
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- 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