The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC and the Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4 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. Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4 is the longer of the two lenses at 108mm. The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC with a length of 75mm, is 33mm shorter. On the other hand, the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has a larger diameter of 82mm compared to the Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4's 80mm 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. Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC weighs 535g, which means it is 415g (43%) lighter than the Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4 which has a weight of 950g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4 has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4:
Lens Mounts
Both the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC and the Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4 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.
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AS UMC is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sony E mounts.
Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm and the fastest aperture of
F1.4.