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:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider 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 the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C's 67mm 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 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.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Lensbaby Velvet 56 has a 62mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Lensbaby Velvet 56:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Lensbaby Velvet 56 has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700 and Sony FX30 for the Sony E Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C is also available in the Micro Four Thirds and Leica L mounts.
Lensbaby Velvet 56 is also available in Canon EF , Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3, Samsung NX and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
56mm but while Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Lensbaby Velvet 56's widest aperture value is
F1.6.
