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 RF 50mm F1.8 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 RF 50mm F1.8 STM with a length of 41mm, is 59mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 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 RF 50mm F1.8 STM weighs 160g, 76% (517g) lighter than the Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4's weight of 677g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Prime Lenses in Canon RF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Canon RF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM has a 43mm 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 43mm filters that we recommend for the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 and the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM has the same Canon RF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon RF lenses are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50.
Zeiss Otus 50mm f1.4 is also available in the Sony E 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 RF 50mm F1.8 STM's widest aperture value is
F1.8.
