Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC § 03 Head to head
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA
Samyang 50mm f/1.4 is 203 g lighter. Sony 50mm f/1.4 is weather sealed.
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is a 50mm f/1.4 prime, and the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA is a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC 
Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better than the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA?
- 203 g lighter (575 g vs 778 g)
- 26 mm shorter (81.6 mm vs 108 mm long)
- Higher maximum magnification (0.17x vs 0.15x)
Why is the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- Is weather sealed
- More aperture blades (11 vs 8)
- Smaller filter thread (72 mm vs 77 mm)
- Newer design (2016 vs 2015)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 203 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC | Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Standard prime lens | Standard prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 575 g (1.27 lbs) ◆ | 778 g (27.5 oz) |
| Dimensions | 73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length) | 83.5 mm (diameter) x 108 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.45 m (17.72 in) | 0.45 m (1.48 ft) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.17x ◆ | 0.15x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes ◆ |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 8 | 11 (circular) ◆ |
| Optical construction | 9 elements in 6 groups | 12 elements in 9 groups, including one AA (advanced aspherical), one aspherical, and one ED (extra-low dispersion) element |
| Filter size | 77 mm | 72 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E | Sony E |
| Released | 2015 | 2016 |
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Size
- A · Samyang
- B · Sony
- 81.6 × 73.5 mm
- 108 × 83.5 mm
The Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA is 26 mm longer and 203 g heavier than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC.
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Sample frames
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC or the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA?
- The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC weighs 575 g, 203 g less than the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA (778 g).
- Do the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC and the Sony Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA 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 Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 203 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 Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro
- Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 vs Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC
- Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG DN