The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A is the longer of the two lenses at 100mm. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM with a length of 39mm, is 61mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM's 69mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM weighs 159g, which means it is 656g (80%) lighter than the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A which has a weight of 815g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a filter size of 49mm whereas the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 49mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A is also available in Sony Alpha , Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX) and Leica L mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A's widest aperture value is
F1.4.