7Artisans vs YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens 1:2 AF/MF Wide-Angle

Overview of the Lenses

The 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 Fisheye Ultra Wide Angle Lens is designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, while the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens is made for Canon EF mount EOS cameras. The 7Artisans lens is priced at $149.00, whereas the YONGNUO lens is more affordable at $106.00, making it about 17% cheaper. Both lenses cater to different camera systems and user preferences, offering unique features that enhance photography.

Design and Build Quality

The 7Artisans lens boasts a professional design with its construction of 10 glass elements in 8 groups, ensuring quality optics. It has a compact size and weighs only 201g, making it portable for travel. In contrast, the YONGNUO lens features a robust build with 5 sets and 7 pieces of glass, and it supports both auto and manual focus. While the YONGNUO lens is equally well-constructed, the 7Artisans lens emphasizes portability, which can be crucial for on-the-go photographers.

Focal Length and Aperture

The 7Artisans lens features a unique 4mm focal length with a fast aperture of F2.8, delivering a dramatic 225° ultra-wide view. This makes it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes or creative fisheye effects. The YONGNUO lens, with its 35mm focal length and F2 aperture, provides a more traditional wide-angle perspective suitable for various photography styles, including portraits and street photography. The difference in focal lengths may sway users depending on their desired photographic outcomes.

Compatibility with Camera Systems

Compatibility is a significant factor when choosing a lens. The 7Artisans lens is specifically designed for Sony E-mount cameras, such as the A6300 and A7 series, ensuring seamless integration with these systems. On the other hand, the YONGNUO lens is compatible with Canon EF mount cameras and supports full-frame formats, making it versatile for Canon users. This distinction is crucial for photographers who already own one of these camera systems, as each lens is tailored for specific mounts.

Focusing Capabilities

The 7Artisans lens features manual focus only, which can appeal to photographers who prefer a hands-on approach to focusing. The closest focusing distance is 0.085m, allowing for close-up shots with a unique perspective. The YONGNUO lens, in contrast, supports both auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF) modes, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.25m, the YONGNUO lens offers a practical range for capturing subjects without losing the wide-angle effect.

Image Quality and Performance

In terms of image quality, the 7Artisans lens is designed to reduce internal reflections such as flaring and ghosting, ensuring high-quality images even in challenging lighting conditions. The YONGNUO lens also emphasizes optical performance with multi-coated lenses to improve transmittance and minimize ghosting and flare, particularly in backlit situations. Both lenses aim to deliver excellent image quality, but the 7Artisans lens's fisheye design offers a distinctive visual style that may appeal more to artistic photographers.

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, the 7Artisans lens retails for $149.00, while the YONGNUO lens is priced at $106.00. This approximately $43 price difference can be significant for budget-conscious photographers. Given that the YONGNUO lens not only costs less but also offers a versatile focal length and autofocus capabilities, it presents a compelling option for those looking for value without sacrificing quality.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 Fisheye Ultra Wide Angle Lens and the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens ultimately comes down to your camera system and shooting style. If you own a Sony E-mount camera and are interested in creative, ultra-wide shots, the 7Artisans lens is the way to go. However, if you prefer the flexibility of a 35mm lens with autofocus capabilities for a Canon EF mount camera, the YONGNUO lens is a more economical choice. Each lens serves particular needs, so consider your photographic intentions before making a purchase.