Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC § 03 Head to head
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF
Samyang 50mm f/1.4 is 375 g lighter. Tokina 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 Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF is a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC 
Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC better than the Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF?
- 375 g lighter (575 g vs 950 g)
- 26 mm shorter (81.6 mm vs 107.5 mm long)
- Has a physical aperture ring
Why is the Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?
- Focuses 5 cm closer (0.4 m vs 0.45 m)
- Is weather sealed
- More aperture blades (9 vs 8)
- Smaller filter thread (72 mm vs 77 mm)
- Newer design (2018 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 375 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC | Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Standard prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 575 g (1.27 lbs) ◆ | 950 g (33.51 oz) |
| Dimensions | 73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length) | 107.5 x 80 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.45 m (17.72 in) | 0.40 m (15.75 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 | 15 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 77 mm | 72 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Released | 2015 | 2018 |
| Price | — | $999 list price |
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Size
- A · Samyang
- B · Tokina
- 81.6 × 73.5 mm
- 107.5 × 80 mm
The Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF is 26 mm longer and 375 g heavier than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC.
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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 Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF?
- The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC weighs 575 g, 375 g less than the Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF (950 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC or the Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF?
- The Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF 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 Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF 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 Tokina Opera 50 mm f/1.4 FF better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 375 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
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- 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
- Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Sigma A 50 mm f/1.4 DG DN