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Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C vs Lensbaby Velvet 56

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Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C

Standard Prime | Micro Four Thirds

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C
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Lensbaby Velvet 56

Standard Prime | Micro Four Thirds

Lensbaby Velvet 56
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Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C vs Lensbaby Velvet 56 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and Lensbaby Velvet 56, two Standard Prime lenses from Sigma and Lensbaby. Both lenses have the same focal range of 56mm but different max apertures: Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C has a max aperture of F1.4 while the Lensbaby Velvet 56 has a max aperture of F1.6. Another major difference between these two lenses is that the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C has a max format size coverage of APS-C / DX, on the other hand the Lensbaby Velvet 56 has a max coverage of 35mm FF.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C Key Specs

  • 56mm Focal Range
  • F1.4 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 55mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Weight: 280g.
  • Diameter: 67mm
  • Length: 60mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.5m
  • Max Magnification:0.14x

Lensbaby Velvet 56 Key Specs

  • 56mm Focal Range
  • F1.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Weight: 400g.
  • Diameter: 72mm
  • Length: 86mm
  • Min Focus Distance:5m

What type of photography are the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and Lensbaby Velvet 56 lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and the Lensbaby Velvet 56 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C Lensbaby Velvet 56
Bird/WildlifeAverageFair
SportsGoodAverage
PortraitExcellentExcellent
TravelFairGood
StreetAverageVery Good
WeddingVery GoodExcellent
Walk AroundFairGood
VloggingAverageGood
LandscapeFairGood

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Lensbaby Velvet 56 is the longer of the two lenses at 86mm. The Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C with a length of 60mm is 26mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Lensbaby Velvet 56 also has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C's 67mm diameter.

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 56mm F1.4 DC DN C weighs 280g, which means it is 120g (30%) lighter than the Lensbaby Velvet 56 which has a weight of 400g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Standard Prime Lenses in Micro Four Thirds Mount for size comparison purposes.

Standard Prime Lenses in Micro Four Thirds Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH Lens Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH
52mm
61mm 125g Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4 Lens Panasonic Leica 25mm F1.4
55mm
63mm 200g Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 Lens Olympus M 25mm F1.8
41mm
56mm 136g Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm F1.7 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS
50mm
55mm 130g Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm F1.2 Pro Lens Olympus 25mm F1.2 Pro
87mm
70mm 410g Amazon B&H Photo
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm F1.4 Pro Lens OM ED 20mm F1.4 Pro
62mm
63mm 247g Amazon B&H Photo
7artisans 25mm F1.8 Lens 7artisans 25mm F1.8
32mm
51mm 143g Amazon B&H Photo
Voigtlander Nokton 42.5mm F0.95 Lens Voigtlander Nokton 42.5mm F0.95
75mm
64mm 571g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and Lensbaby Velvet 56 has the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Micro Four Thirds lenses are OM System OM-5, Panasonic GH6 and OM System OM-1.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C is also available in Sony E and Leica L mounts.

Lensbaby Velvet 56 is also available in Canon EF , Fujifilm X, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3, Samsung NX, Sony Alpha and Sony E mounts.

Focal Range

Reasons to choose Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C over Lensbaby Velvet 56

Max Aperture - Wide 1.4 vs 1.6 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.4 vs 1.6 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Focus Type Internal Focusing vs Extending front Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Weight 280g vs 400g 120g lighter
Diameter 67mm vs 72mm 5mm smaller in diameter
Length 60mm vs 86mm 26mm shorter
Filter Thread 55mm vs 62mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 0.5m vs 5m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.14x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Lensbaby Velvet 56 over Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C

Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Max Sensor Coverage 35mm FF vs APS-C / DX covers larger sensors

Common Strengths of Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and Lensbaby Velvet 56
Autofocus Yes vs Yes Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Common Weaknesses of Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and Lensbaby Velvet 56
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization



**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 56mm F1.4 DC DN C vs Lensbaby Velvet 56 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sigma Lensbaby
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Standard Prime Standard Prime
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
Max Format APS-C / DX 35mm FF
Focal Range 56mm 56mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Unknown 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 F1.6
Min Aperture F16
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9 unknown
Optics
Optical Elements 10 unknown
Optical Groups 6 unknown
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.5m 5m
Max Magnification 0.14X unknown
Autofocus Yes No
AF Motor Type Stepper motor No AF
Full Time Manual No Yes
Focus Method Internal Extending front
Distance Scale No Yes
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 280g 400g
Diameter 67mm 72mm
Length 60mm 86mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes No
Filter Thread 55mm 62mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes No
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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