The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 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. Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 is the longer of the two lenses at 100mm. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM with a length of 39mm, is 61mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM's 69mm 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. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM weighs 159g, 76% (518g) lighter than the Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4's weight of 677g.
Filter Threads
The Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a 49mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4:
And these are the 49mm filters that we recommend for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM:
Lens Mounts
The Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 is also available in the Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM's widest aperture value is
F1.8.
