Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II: The Best Lenses for Stunning Bokeh and Sharpness!
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II are two prime lenses for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. In this article, we will compare the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art vs Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II in terms of their specifications, features, and pros and cons. So, keep on reading!
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II both have a classic focal length and a fast aperture rating, which make them ideal for portraits, landscapes, and all-purpose shooting.
They also both have fast and quiet autofocus, weather-sealed construction, and excellent image quality. However, they also have some differences and trade-offs, which may affect your choice depending on your preferences and needs.
Feature Comparison of Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art vs Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II
| Feature | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II |
| Lens Construction | 14 elements in 11 groups | 11 elements in 8 groups |
| Full Frame | Yes | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Angle of View | 46.8 degrees | 45.7 degrees |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.45m | 0.4m |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 0.15x | 0.16x |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 72mm |
| Dimensions | 78 x 111.5 mm | 80 x 89 mm |
| Weight | 660 g | 420 g |
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art has some advantages over the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II, such as:
- It has more diaphragm blades (11 vs 9), which create smoother and rounder bokeh.
- It has a slightly wider angle of view (46.8 vs 45.7 degrees), which gives a more natural perspective.
- It has a longer minimum focusing distance (0.45 vs 0.4 m), which enables better subject isolation and background blur.
- It has a more complex optical design (14 vs 11 elements), which includes two U-ASP (Ultra-precision Aspherical) elements, three HR (High Refractive index) elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element. These reduce various aberrations such as astigmatism and field curvature, which cannot be corrected in-camera.
- It has an aperture ring with a click/de-click switch and an AFL button, which enhance the handling and control of the lens.
Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II
The Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II has some advantages over the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, such as:
- It has a higher maximum magnification ratio (0.16x vs 0.15x), which enables closer focusing and more details.
- It has a smaller size (80 x 89 mm vs 78 x 111.5 mm) and weight (420 g vs 660 g) for a 50mm f/1.4 lens, which makes it more compact and portable.
- It has a lower price which makes it more affordable and accessible.
Conclusion
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II are both excellent prime lenses for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. They both offer outstanding optical performance, fast autofocus, and weather-sealed construction. They are suitable for anyone who wants to capture stunning portraits, landscapes, and all-purpose shots with a bright f/1.4 aperture.
However, they also have some differences and trade-offs, which may affect your choice depending on your preferences and needs. The Sigma lens has more diaphragm blades, a wider angle of view, a longer minimum focusing distance, a more complex optical design, and an aperture ring with a click/de-click switch and an AFL button.
These features make it more versatile and refined for artistic expression and image quality. The Samyang lens has a higher maximum magnification ratio, a smaller size and weight, and a lower price. These features make it more convenient and economical for everyday use and travel.
Therefore, before buying either of these lenses, you should weigh their pros and cons carefully and compare them with other options on the market.
Further Reading
(1) Samyang AF 50mm F1.4 FE II review | Digital Camera World
(2) Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 Series II Full Frame Auto Focus Lens for Sony E …
(3) 50mm F1.4 AF Series II Full Frame (Sony E) – Samyang US
(4) Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II Lens for Sony E – B&H Photo Video