The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Leica APO 50mm f2 ASPH 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 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 68mm. The Leica APO 50mm f2 ASPH with a length of 47mm, is 21mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Leica APO 50mm f2 ASPH's 53mm 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. Leica APO 50mm f2 ASPH weighs 300g, 40% (205g) lighter than the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's weight of 505g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Leica APO 50mm f2 ASPH has a 39mm 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 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 39mm filters that we recommend for the Leica APO 50mm f2 ASPH:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the Four Thirds lens mount whereas the Leica APO 50mm f2 ASPH has the Leica M lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Olympus E-5, Olympus E-600 and Olympus E-620 for the Four Thirds Mount and Leica M11 Monochrome, Leica M11 and Leica M10 for the Leica M Mount.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Leica APO 50mm f2 ASPH's widest aperture value is
F2.0.