The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM 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. Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 68mm, is 20mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50's 72mm 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. Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 505g, 4% (25g) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50's weight of 530g.
Filter Threads
The Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 is also available in Canon EF and Pentax KAF mounts.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Four Thirds mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 has the fastest aperture of
F2.0, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's widest aperture value is
F1.4.