Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has more in its favour on paper. The 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art gathers more light for low light and background blur; the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is lighter and cheaper. The Canon lens is the mount maker's own, while the Sigma is a third-party alternative.
Choose the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for
- less weight (160g vs 815g)
- a lower price (about £90 vs £420)
Choose the 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light)
| EF 50mm f/1.8 STM | 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Sigma |
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Weight | 160 g | 815 g |
| Stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
| Filter size | 49mm | 77mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £129 | £749 |
| Used at MPB (Canon EF / EF-S) | £77–£101 | £334–£499 |
More lens comparisons
See all Canon EF / EF-S cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM better than the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art?
The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM offers less weight (160g vs 815g), a lower price (about £90 vs £420); the 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light).
Which is better value, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM or the 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art?
On Canon EF / EF-S, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM costs about £90 against about £420 for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/1.4 worth it over f/1.8?
f/1.4 gathers about 0.7 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Canon EF / EF-S (and other mounts: Nikon F).