The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM 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 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 68mm, is 20mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's 85mm 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 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 505g, 30% (220g) lighter than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's weight of 725g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount and , and for the Pentax KAF3 Mount.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3 and Sony Alpha mounts.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX) and Four Thirds mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 75mm.
