The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 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. Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 is the longer of the two lenses at 69mm. The Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 67mm, is 2mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has a larger diameter of 71mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50's 66mm 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, 8% (30g) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50's weight of 350g.
Filter Threads
The Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 has a filter size of 58mm 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 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50:
And these are the 55mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 and the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the same Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Pentax KAF lenses are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III.
Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.8.