ULTIMATE 50mm f/1.8 Test | Sony vs Sigma vs Samyang vs Zeiss vs Yongnuo vs Viltrox (Photo & Video)

Рет қаралды 16,173

Күн бұрын

Today I'm testing 6 small, lightweight, 50mm(ish) lenses that are available for Sony E-Mount to find out which one is the best!
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🥇 Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 Sonnar T* ZA
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🥇 Sony 50mm f/1.8 FE
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🥇 Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN
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Samyang 45mm f/1.8 FE
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Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 S DF DSM
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Viltrox 50mm f/1.8 FE
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⏳ TIME STAMPS ⏳
Intro - @0:00
Sony 50mm f/1.8 FE - @0:13
Samyang 45mm f/1.8 FE - @0:33
Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 S DF DSM - @0:55
Viltrox 50mm f/1.8 FE - @1:26
Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN - @1:50
Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 Sonnar T* ZA - @2:16
Manual Focusing - @2:41
Focus Breathing - @3:10
Scoring | Build & Features - @3:23
Scoring | Handling - @3:36
Scoring | Price - @3:45
Photo Auto Focus Tests - @3:54
Scoring | Photo AF - @4:28
Video Auto Focus Tests - @4:35
Auto Focus Noise - @4:51
Real World Video - @5:29
Scoring | Video AF - @6:19
Bokeh - @6:27
Scoring | Bokeh - @7:23
Lens Flare - @7:44
Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration - @8:04
Distortion - @8:15
Sharpness - @8:22
Chromatic Aberration - @8:35
Corner Sharpness - @8:43
Minimum Focusing Distance - @8:48
Real World Photos - @9:09
45mm vs 50mm vs 55mm - @10:36
Scoring | Image Quality: @11:08
Which Should You Buy? - @11:29
Outro - @12:31
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📷 CAMERAS & LENSES 📷
Sony A7IV
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Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG DN
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Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
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Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 ZA
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Sigma 85mm f/1.8 DG DN Art
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Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art
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Samyang 135mm f/1.8 AF
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Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
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Godox SL60W
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Godox SL150W
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Godox XPro-S i-TTL Wireless Trigger
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DJI RSC 2
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⚠ PLEASE NOTE ⚠
I never have and never will accept any form of cash payment in exchange for making a review video, and the manufacturers never tell me to say anything specific about the products I test - so rest assured that this is a completely unbiased and honest review.
All of the opinions expressed in this video are my own based off my personal experience whilst using the lens/equipment featured. If you don't agree with my personal verdict at any point during the video, that's fine - my word is not gospel! My videos are designed to be both informative and entertaining and are made to the best of my abilities. So, just chill, enjoy the video, and do your best to refrain from being a cockwomble in the comments section. Cheeeers 👍
💲 Affiliate Links: I am both a US and UK Amazon Affiliate, as well as an affiliate for some other brands, which means that any purchases made using the links above gives me a small kickback - this comes at no additional cost to you but does help to support the channel, so thank you in advance for using them.

Пікірлер: 72

@spencerfr1 Жыл бұрын

I use the Samyang 45 in my professional work a lot more than I’d like to admit, especially having a kit with multiple $1200+ lenses lol love that little thing, the character of rendering is gorgeous in sunlight

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

I don't think you can go far wrong in this lens class, to be fair! All of these options have their pros and cons. It's great we have so much choice!

@miami2632 Жыл бұрын

samyang 45 goes very well . Rendering is not only a question of creamy backgrounds but also textures ' micro contrast ' .and samyang 45mm are also compact and light . i just wait for 45 mk2 version .

@gustenisfeldt6976 Жыл бұрын

No AF or weather-sealing, but the optics on the Voigtländer 50mm f2 APO are way ahead of any of these options, at a cost similar to the Zeiss, albeit with no really cheap second hand options. It's a really nice lens if you don't mind manual focus and use 50mm a lot.

@djunn 4 ай бұрын

As also 85 1.8 comparison - its best video on youtube for chosing lenses, great jobs and many thanks

@usernamehandle Жыл бұрын

The amount of work that’s gone into this video is really nice! Thanks for this breakdown. I was scrolling through your channel and realized that most of your videos are lens reviews. I get it if that’s your thing, but do you have plans to make videos more about your creative process (directing and posing models? planning shoots? lighting? etc)

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Hey, thanks bud, appreciate it. In short, yes, I absolutely do plan on making those types of videos very soon! In fact, this was the last big test I plan on doing for a while. Like you correctly said, they're a lot of work to make and sadly, they often attract a lot of negativity. It seems people care way too much if their lens doesn't get a flawless review 🙄🤣 So, I want to switch to more creative videos that are more lighthearted, fun but also educational. If there's anything specific you'd like me cover, let me know 👍🏻

@usernamehandle Жыл бұрын

@@TomCalton I wasn't expecting that'd be most of the responses you get, but that makes sense. As someone who is just transitioning from I guess an amateur to novice, it's been disappointing how many photographers are so focused on technical knowledge that they completely ignore creative process and people skills... and it shows in their work and in the way they interact online. It's exciting to hear you'll be focusing on more creative things because I love your work and I am looking to learn. Really I'm curious about the side of things: communicating with clients, pricing, finding and talking to models, directing and posing people while making them comfortable, how to get things shot in an hour, working with hair and makeup. As someone just starting out, and someone focusing on glamour and boudoir, it's really difficult to find reliable resources on those things like that. Normally it's more technical tutorials on lighting (which are helpful), a behind the scenes video that explains little and is more of a studio tour, or just cinematic portrait b-roll. Lighting and posing videos would be great, but at the same time you can learn that by looking at good work. Things talking about the other side of photography--the connections and professionalism that goes into it--that would be uniquely helpful! I'd watch!

@usernamehandle Жыл бұрын

Oh and finding/building/renting interesting locations and sets

@davidalangraham Жыл бұрын

Great long video and review!

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Thanks David, much appreciated as always! Hope you're well 😊

@harryhole4427 10 ай бұрын

Great review, learnt a lot. I would go for the same, Zeiss 55mm. Quality, weather sealing and whilst I prefer the Viltrox rendering I want all my lenses to have full frame capabilities.

@stevenwaldstein2249 Жыл бұрын

Great overall review. Even though I own the GM versions at 50mm I need a small version for light travel. Own The “Zeiss” version that I rebought used but also picked up the Sigma because I have several other small DG DN Contemporary at 35, 65, and 90. Love to have an aperture control for use and on the A7C, which is one of the several Sony Alpha bodies I own. So very interested in your review. Would be nice to include a GM or other 50mm you love for IQ comparison. Thank you and keep these comparisons coming. Maybe one for 35mm.

@nyohaku 6 ай бұрын

The sigma ds dn series have a wonderful aperture ring and are very tactile. Love mine.

@QuietOC Жыл бұрын

There is a good deal of variation with the Zeiss Sonnar despite its price. I did manage to find a good used copy, though my copy of the Yongnuo seems a bit sharper. My favorite normal prime is the Sigma 45mm F2.8.

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Copy variation is an issue with any lens, in my experience. That said, I actually have a real soft spot for the Yongnuo. it's by far the best quality lens they've ever released, and for the price, the features and build are amazing! It's just the MF and AF performance that really let's it down. Such a shame!

@mohdfirdaus9050 Жыл бұрын

I have the samyang. So far it has character. Not sure about the rest. What do you think?

@kehastudio2945 Жыл бұрын

great video!

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@NickDelDuca Жыл бұрын

I ordered the Viltrox when it released and made a video about the autofocus pulsing exactly like you found in your tests. It's my highest disliked video and I got somewhat flamed in the comments for it. Also there were people claiming there was a firmware update for it that fixed the issues but I would assume since it was over a year ago your copy would have the latest firmware. Either way good to know you got similar results as I did. I primarily shoot in AF-C so the lens was basically unusable to me.

@Heartbraker69228 10 ай бұрын

bought ZEISS 55mm from mpb for 404 eu in mint condition. Were using it for the first time yesterday and this lens is amazing for the price

@AISkillBoost 5 ай бұрын

Would you still recommend the Zeiss 55 in 2024? Seems like a great lens.

@kistovisback Жыл бұрын

awesome job

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Andrei! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

@martin9933 Жыл бұрын

For me the Samyang seems like the clear winner: It performs best in hard to correct fields like flare and Loca and only worse than others in fields that don´t really matter that much like CA and distortion. Sigma and Zeiss are too expensive (new) IMHO, I´d rather get a 1.4 instead. So either the Samyang new or the Zeiss used.

@philipau3847 Жыл бұрын

Though I get its niche, one more lens you could have included as well was the Voigtlander 50mm F2 Apo Lanthar.

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

I've yet to test a Voigtlander lens, but I only ever hear good things. Shame they're MF only. I personally don't mind MF lenses (depending on what I'm shooting) but sadly whenever I test MF lenses on the channel, the interest just doesn't seem to be there. Thanks for the comment!

@MarcelVolker Жыл бұрын

I followed exactly your advice, but already back in 2021, and got a second hand Zeiss from MPB, for around £450 (and only £250 after trading in two lenses). Its rendering is fantastic.

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Nice! Do you use it often?

@MarcelVolker Жыл бұрын

@@TomCalton Absolutely - I didn't think I'd end up using it more often than the 35mm, but somehow I do!

@benjaminchoo3220 Жыл бұрын

Should've included the sony 50mm f2.5. Killer lens, and f2.5 is fine.

@RonaldPlett 11 ай бұрын

I've made a mistake once from a video like this. I purchased a viltrox 85mm after seeing its comparison to all the others. Upon using the lens I come to find out the minimum focus was so terrible I couldn't even get close enough to my full grown cat to get the perfect shot. Now I go and one by one google all the minimum focus distances if I'm serious about buying a lens

@dominatememagonline6334 5 ай бұрын

The Samyang 45mm is my go to. It's an awesome lens and is sharp as a tack. Love it.

@Princeton_James Жыл бұрын

Zeiss is worth the hype. I waited a yr before getting it and I wish I would have bought it sooner. Great lens.

@lonceyswildcairns333 5 ай бұрын

The Samyangs the clear all rounder winner I’d go for that cheers much 😊❤

@flat-out Жыл бұрын

I just have a vintage Canon FD 50mm f1.8 with my A7 III all manual control and solid metal feel.

@leechappelow2757 Жыл бұрын

I’d probably go for the Zeiss. But already had it and sold it once…. So I’ll continue to wait for a G lens like to Sony 20mm, which I imagine would be perfect.

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Lee. How come you sold the 55mm, out of interest?

@KeAiFu Жыл бұрын

Could recently buy the Zeiss 55/1.8 new for 550 USD in Hong Kong, for this price it is a no-brainer.

@SaurabhShetty Жыл бұрын

I have the Samyang but haven't used it much. Would it make sense for me to go for the Zeiss (used one ofc)? I generally use either 35/85 for my Portraits but would to use a 50 in future.

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Good question, though it's a tough one to answer. Why don't you use the Samyang much? Whatever the answer is, ask yourself, would buying a 55mm make you use that focal length more? If not, don't buy anything - maybe even sell the 45mm and invest in something else you will actually use. But, if the answer is, you just want a nice, small, 50mm(ish) f/1.8 to use on occation, then the Zeiss IMO is the best option available at the moment. I hope that kinda helps! 😅

@MarcelVolker Жыл бұрын

I have the Sony 35mm 1.8 and 55mm 1.8, and find them far enough apart that they both see plenty of use, for different types of photos. I can see maybe that 45mm is too close to 35mm to feel useful. That 5 extra mm of the 55 just pushes it apart from a 35mm a little more compared to a true 50mm, too.

@MrVh78 9 ай бұрын

While Zeiss etc are all sharp and nice, I feel Samyang give me that cinematic look for video, feels more filmic, Sony/Zeiss feel more clinical digital

@poymal2444 7 ай бұрын

where is canon 50 mm 1.8 stm?

@damianbereza6901 Жыл бұрын

Indeed, Since I've been using sony system zeiss 55 is first and favourite purchase. Wish they created 35mm 1.8 and 85 1.8

@talhashah Жыл бұрын

Sony branded Zeiss lenses are just Sony FE lenses. Sony has ditched Zeiss branding and Sony G and GM lenses have much better IQ and build quality in comparison. Sony makes 35/1.8 and 85/1.8 that should pair well with your 55/1.8.

@damianbereza6901 Жыл бұрын

@@talhashah Certainly, they pair very well

@jakubpulka Жыл бұрын

I have Samyang 50mm 1.4 mark I, pity that it didn't land in the comparison (and mark II), I wonder about your opinion

@jakubpulka Жыл бұрын

oh, it's more about 1.8 than 50mm apparently :D but still, I wonder ;)

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Yeah, this was more about the f/1.8(ish) options currently available, otherwise there are just way too many 50mm options to test in one video. I am hoping to test all of the 50mm f/1.4 and f/1.2 options soon enough, though I'm just waiting on Sony's PR team here in the UK to send me some review copies. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏻

@jakubpulka Жыл бұрын

@@TomCalton That would be lovely :) Thanks for the great video!

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Thanks for the support ☺️

@MegaWeitzel Жыл бұрын

The 50mm F1.4 Mark I is weak, very weak. My adapted A-mount Zony 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM performers miles better (had both) and that lens is no competition for modern lens designs

@RonaldPlett 11 ай бұрын

I wish one of these youtubers would include the Sony 50mm f2.8 macro. I bet it would beat all the other 50mm in image quality

@momagic786 5 ай бұрын

How? The Bokeh balls will be alot smaller

@themike2738 Жыл бұрын

This is another video in this topic, there were a few others and their have different results. I think it is beacuse of poor quality control.

@ReassuringSmile 8 ай бұрын

Why isn't the samyang considered a true 50mm?

@charruaporelmundo Жыл бұрын

I have the samyang and 55. Like them both. I may buy the new sigma 🤷🏻‍♂️

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

If you did buy the Sigma, would you sell the other two or keep all three?

@charruaporelmundo Жыл бұрын

@@TomCalton Oh no sell, I have several 50’s, vintage, VM mount . There is not such a thing as , I have “a”50 mm. Actually I also own the 1.2 gm too … 😬🤷🏻‍♂️

@kyon_03 Жыл бұрын

Nicee

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

Thanks John, appreciate it ☺️

@marknathan7744 9 ай бұрын

Sony really need to update there nifty fifty.

@movielover2172 Жыл бұрын

canon has 2 lol

@ramspencer5492 Жыл бұрын

The Sony lens is garbage, IMO... Even for $250. You can even do better for optics in some old manual focus glass options. The sigma and Zeiss are just too expensive for letting in so little light. I think the Samyang is the best option, bang for buck here. Is sharp, light had nice rendering and it's very reasonably priced. I've seen a lot of images produced with the letters. Most flies are easily correctable. The real world images just look good. The onion ring Bokeh takes pixel peeping to become distracting. This isn't really a strong Bokeh demographic anyway.... I wouldn't be getting any of these for Bokeh. Something with F1.4 Or better....

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

I guess, ultimately, that's the point of me making this video - to showcase the abilities of these lenses so that you can make an informed decision as to which lens is best for you. For the record, I actually like all of the lenses - they all have their strengths and weaknesses. It's pretty awesome we have such a good selection to pick from! Thanks for your input as always Ram ☺️

@user-fm5cs4ix9k Жыл бұрын

Hello. I am a professional photographer from Kyiv Ukraine shooting models and building portfolios. I have 3 lenses in this focal range. The first that is not on your list (because it is a 1.4) is the Sony Zeiss Plannar 50mm F1.4. Large but an excellent lens. I also have the Sony Zeiss Sonnar 50mm F1.8 a very good lens but a little clinical. Then my favourite is the Samyang 45mm F1.8. This lens gives a slightly vintage rendering and good colours. It is not as clinical as the Zeiss. In reality we can look at charts and test all day but it is what the lens produces in the real world that matters. I would recommend my 3 lenses to anyone. By the way. If a lens does not have a rubber gasket at the mount then buy wide thick black rubber bands that are slightly smaller in diameter than the lens mount. This prevents dust and moisture getting in. Works for me.

@SIRHOT Жыл бұрын

The camera sound on almost each sentence is very annoying, its just my viewer opinion

@mrwashur1991 Жыл бұрын

Why do I feel like the samyangs loca test was at a smaller aperture? It’s the only one with everything in focus. Something’s fishy..

@TomCalton Жыл бұрын

I can assure you that it was taken wide open. Not sure what you're looking at but everything is not in focus in that image. Yes, there is a slightly larger area of sharp focus, that's due to its slightly wider focal length, but the edges of the image are very much out of focus. Also, bear in mind, you're looking at an image that's 1/6th of whatever screen you're viewing it on. However, the evaluation I give is based on me analysing the full res images full screen and magnified to 200% on a 4k monitor. Why is there always someone spouting some grand conspiracy in the comments? I think you might have trust issues brother 🤣