BENOISON vs YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Standard Prime Lens, Large

Overview of the Lenses

When comparing the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - F Lens for Nikon and the YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Standard Prime Lens, the former is priced at $96.22 while the latter comes in at $102.00, making the 85mm lens about 6.8% cheaper. Both lenses are designed for Nikon DSLR cameras but target slightly different photography needs. The 85mm lens is ideal for portrait photography, whereas the YONGNUO 50mm lens serves as a versatile standard prime lens.

Focus Mechanism

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, meaning that users must adjust the focus manually to achieve sharpness. This lens requires the camera to be set to Manual (M) mode, which may initially trigger a 'Lens not attached' error until the mode is changed. In contrast, the YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N supports both auto and manual focus modes, offering more flexibility for photographers who prefer convenience. This dual functionality makes the YONGNUO lens easier to use for those who may not be comfortable with manual focusing.

Aperture and Image Quality

The 85mm lens features a large f1.8 aperture, which is beneficial for creating stunning background bokeh and achieving a shallow depth of field—ideal for portrait photography. This lens excels in scenarios where you want to emphasize your subject against a softly blurred background. On the other hand, the YONGNUO lens also has a large aperture of f1.8, which allows for good low-light performance and depth-of-field effects. However, since the YONGNUO lens is a 50mm standard prime, it may not provide the same level of background blur as the 85mm lens in portrait settings.

Compatibility and Use Cases

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, including models such as the D3500, D850, and D7500, making it a versatile choice for photographers with various camera bodies. This lens is especially suited for half-body and full-body portraits as well as street photography. The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N lens is also compatible with both full-frame and APS-C format cameras, which adds to its versatility. It serves as a great addition to the Nikon 12-50mm kit lens, making it a solid choice for general photography.

Build Quality and Design

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is primarily designed for manual focus with an emphasis on simplicity and usability. It may lack some modern features but excels in delivering quality images. The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N, on the other hand, utilizes gold-plated metal contacts that enhance signal conductivity and corrosion resistance. This build quality can be a significant advantage for photographers who frequently switch lenses or shoot in varying weather conditions.

Price Comparison

With the 85mm f1.8 lens priced at $96.22 and the YONGNUO lens at $102.00, the former offers a savings of about $5.78. While both lenses are reasonably priced within the market, the 85mm lens provides a slightly better value for those specifically looking for a portrait lens. However, the price difference is relatively small, which may not be a decisive factor for many photographers.

User Experience and Learning Curve

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens requires users to manually focus and adjust settings, which may represent a learning curve for beginners. This lens is best suited for photographers who are comfortable with manual settings and want to have full control over their images. On the other hand, the YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N simplifies the shooting experience by supporting automatic focus modes, making it more beginner-friendly. This ease of use can significantly benefit those who are just getting started in photography.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N ultimately depends on your specific photography needs. If you are a portrait photographer who values manual control and the distinctive bokeh that the 85mm lens offers, then it may be the better option for you, especially considering its lower price of $96.22. However, if you prefer a more versatile and user-friendly lens that accommodates both auto and manual focus, the YONGNUO lens is worth the extra cost at $102.00. Each lens has its strengths, so make your decision based on the type of photography you wish to pursue.