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Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro vs Zeiss Carl Planar T1.4 50

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Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro

Macro Prime | Canon EF

Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
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Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50

Standard Prime | Canon EF

Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50
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Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro vs Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro for the EF Mount is a Macro Prime lens with a 50mm focal range and a max aperture of F2.8 whereas the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 for the EF Mount is a Standard Prime lens with a 50mm focal range and max aperture of F1.4.

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 F2.8 EX DG Macro Key Specs

  • 50mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 55mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 320g.
  • Diameter: 71mm
  • Length: 67mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.19m
  • Max Magnification: 1x

Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 Key Specs

  • 50mm Focal Range
  • F1.4 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 58mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 350g.
  • Diameter: 66mm
  • Length: 69mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.45m
  • Max Magnification: 0.15x

What type of photography are the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 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 F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsFairAverage
PortraitGoodExcellent
TravelAverageGood
StreetGoodVery Good
WeddingGoodExcellent
Walk AroundAverageGood
VloggingAverageGood
LandscapeGoodGood
MacroVery GoodPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor 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 as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro weighs 320g, which means it is 30g (8%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 which has a weight of 350g.


Lens Mounts

Both the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 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 F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Pentax KAF , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.

Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 is also available in Pentax KAF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 50mm but while Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the fastest aperture of F2.8, the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50's widest aperture value is F1.4.

Reasons to choose Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro over Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50

Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Weight 320g vs 350g 30g lighter
Length 67mm vs 69mm 2mm shorter
Filter Thread 55mm vs 58mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.19m vs 0.45m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 1x vs 0.15x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50 over Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro

Max Aperture - Wide 1.4 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.4 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 7 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Diameter 66mm vs 71mm 5mm smaller in diameter

Common Strengths of Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50
Autofocus Yes vs Yes Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs Yes Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50
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 F2.8 EX DG Macro vs Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sigma Zeiss
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Macro 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 F2.8 F1.4
Min Aperture F16.0
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 7 9
Optics
Optical Elements 10 7
Optical Groups 9 6
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.19m 0.45m
Max Magnification 1X 0.15X
Autofocus Yes No
AF Motor Type Micromotor None
Full Time Manual No N/A
Focus Method Extending front -
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale Yes Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes No
Physical Specs
Weight 320g 350g
Diameter 71mm 66mm
Length 67mm 69mm
Materials metal mount -
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 55mm 58mm
Filter Notes Does not rotate on focus -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Tripod Collar No No
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