§ 03 Head to head

Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC vs Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro

Samyang 50mm f/1.4 is 225 g lighter. Viltrox 50mm f/1.4 has a more aperture blades.

The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is a 50mm f/1.4 prime, and the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro is a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC comes out ahead, 3 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 Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro?

  • 225 g lighter (575 g vs 800 g)
  • 29 mm shorter (81.6 mm vs 111 mm long)
  • Has a physical aperture ring

Why is the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro better than the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC?

  • More aperture blades (11 vs 8)
  • Newer design (2025 vs 2015)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 225 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

18 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationSamyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMCViltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro
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) ◆800 g
Dimensions73.5 mm (diameter) x 81.6 mm (length) 111 x 84.5 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.45 m (17.72 in) 0.45 m (0.145x magnification)
Maximum magnification0.17x —
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingNo —
Aperture ringYes No
Aperture blades8 11 ◆
Optical construction9 elements in 6 groups 15 elements / 11 groups
Filter size77 mm 77 mm
Lens mountCanon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony E Sony E, Nikon Z
Released2015 2025
Price—$549 list price
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Samyang
  • B · Viltrox
  • 81.6 × 73.5 mm
  • 111 × 84.5 mm

The Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro is 29 mm longer and 225 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

Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro

Calanchi
Calanchi by Fausto Deseri
Hints of autumn
Hints of autumn by jkiscycling
The Destroyer of Sidewalks
The Destroyer of Sidewalks by Photos By Dlee
Roadside Yellow Flowers
Roadside Yellow Flowers by Photos By Dlee
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 Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro review 1
Video thumbnail for Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC or the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro?
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC weighs 575 g, 225 g less than the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro (800 g).
Do the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC and the Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro 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 Viltrox AF 50 mm f/1.4 Pro better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has the edge: it is 225 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons