The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM and the Canon 50mm f2.5 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. Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 63mm. The Canon 50mm f1.4 USM with a length of 51mm, is 12mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro's 68mm 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 50mm f2.5 Macro weighs 280g, 3% (10g) lighter than the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM's weight of 290g.
Filter Threads
The Canon 50mm f1.4 USM has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM and the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro 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.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Canon 50mm f1.4 USM has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.5.