The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 50mm f1.4D and the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro 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 F2.8 EX DG Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 67mm. The Nikon 50mm f1.4D with a length of 43mm, is 24mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro also has a larger diameter of 71mm compared to the Nikon 50mm f1.4D's 65mm 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. Nikon 50mm f1.4D weighs 230g, which means it is 90g (28%) lighter than the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro which has a weight of 320g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 50mm f1.4D has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has a 55mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 50mm f1.4D:
And these are the 55mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 50mm f1.4D and the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro 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.
Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Nikon 50mm f1.4D has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.8.