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 Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
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 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 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 495g (60%) lighter than the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A which has a weight of 815g.
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill.
Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha, Nikon F (FX) and Leica L 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 Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A's widest aperture value is F1.4.