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Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A vs Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II

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Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A

Standard Prime | Canon EF

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A
CHECK PRICE
BUY from B&H PHOTO
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Canon 50mm f1.8 II

Standard Prime | Canon EF

Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II
CHECK PRICE
BUY from B&H PHOTO

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A vs Canon 50mm f1.8 II Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A for the EF Mount and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II for the EF Mount, two Standard Prime lenses from Sigma and Canon. Both lenses have the same focal range of 50mm but different max apertures: Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A has a max aperture of F1.4 while the Canon 50mm f1.8 II has a max aperture of F1.8.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A Key Specs

  • 50mm Focal Range
  • F1.4 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 815g.
  • Diameter: 85mm
  • Length: 100mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.4m
  • Max Magnification: 0.18x

Canon 50mm f1.8 II Key Specs

  • 50mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 130g.
  • Diameter: 68mm
  • Length: 41mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.45m
  • Max Magnification: 0.15x

What type of photography are the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A and Canon 50mm f1.8 II lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A Canon 50mm f1.8 II
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsAverageAverage
PortraitExcellentExcellent
TravelGoodGood
StreetVery GoodVery Good
WeddingExcellentExcellent
Walk AroundGoodGood
VloggingGoodGood
LandscapeGoodGood
MacroPoorPoor


Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A is the longer of the two lenses at 100mm. The Canon 50mm f1.8 II with a length of 41mm, is 59mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Canon 50mm f1.8 II's 68mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Canon 50mm f1.8 II weighs 130g, 84% (685g) lighter than the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A's weight of 815g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.

Standard Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM Lens Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
39mm
69mm 159g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Canon 50mm f1.4 USM
51mm
74mm 290g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM Lens Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM
63mm
74mm 435g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 50mm f1.2L USM Lens Canon 50mm f1.2L USM
66mm
86mm 580g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 45mm F1.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 45mm F1.8 Di VC USD
92mm
80mm 540g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM Lens Canon 40mm f2.8 STM
22mm
68mm 130g Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang XP 35mm F1.2 Lens Samyang XP 35mm F1.2
117mm
93mm 1106g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM A Lens Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM A
131mm
88mm 0g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II 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.

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A is also available in Sony Alpha , Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX) and Leica L mounts.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 50mm but while Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A has the fastest aperture of F1.4, the Canon 50mm f1.8 II's widest aperture value is F1.8.

Reasons to choose Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A over Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II

Max Aperture - Wide 1.4 vs 1.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.4 vs 1.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphragm Blades 9 vs 5 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Focus Type Internal Focusing vs Extending front Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Minimum Focus Distance 0.4m vs 0.45m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.18x vs 0.15x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II over Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A

Weight 130g vs 815g 685g lighter
Diameter 68mm vs 85mm 17mm smaller in diameter
Length 41mm vs 100mm 59mm shorter
Filter Thread 52mm vs 77mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Common Weaknesses of Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A and Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust




**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A vs Canon 50mm f1.8 II Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sigma Canon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Standard Prime Standard Prime
Lens Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 50mm 50mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour - Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.4 F1.8
Min Aperture F16.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 5
Optics
Optical Elements 13 6
Optical Groups 8 5
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.4m 0.45m
Max Magnification 0.18X 0.15X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Micromotor
Full Time Manual Yes No
Focus Method Internal Extending front
Distance Scale Yes No
DoF Scale Yes No
Distance Scale Yes No
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 815g 130g
Diameter 85mm 68mm
Length 100mm 41mm
Materials - Plastic barrel, plastic mount
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 77mm 52mm
Hood Supplied - No
Hood Code - ES-62
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - Hard Case LH-B9 Soft Case ES-C9/LP1014
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