Sigma
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Sony E Mount
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary — 56mm f/1.4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sigma lineup.
$429
Launch priceReleased Nov 2018
Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- A56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary has lower Weight (280 g vs 778 g)
- A56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary has lower Length (59.5 mm vs 108 mm)
- A56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary has lower Diameter (66.5 mm vs 87 mm)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 50 cm)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has higher Max magnification (0.17 × vs 0.14 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
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56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
⌀67 × 60 mm
280 g (0.62 lb / 9.88 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 49mm shorter and 21mm narrower than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 498 g lighter than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
Weight
280 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
59.5 mm vs 108 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
66.5 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 50 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/1.4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.17 × vs 0.14 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.