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 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. Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A is the longer of the two lenses at 100mm. The Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 67mm, is 33mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A 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, 60% (495g) lighter than the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A's weight of 815g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A has a filter size of 77mm 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 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A:
And these are the 55mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A and the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A is also available in Canon EF , Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX) and Leica L mounts.
Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) 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 Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.8.