The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro 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. Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 68mm. The Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 67mm, is 1mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's 71mm 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 F2.8 EX DG Macro weighs 320g, which means it is 185g (36%) lighter than the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM which has a weight of 505g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has a filter size of 55mm 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 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro 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.
Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA 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 Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's widest aperture value is
F1.4.