Canon EF vs YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens 1:2 AF/MF Wide-Angle

Overview

When comparing the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens International Version with the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens, it's essential to note that each lens serves a unique purpose within photography. The Canon lens is priced at $155.99, while the YONGNUO lens is approximately 17% cheaper at $106.00. This price difference indicates not just varying affordability, but also differing features and capabilities that cater to different photographers' needs.

Design and Build Quality

Both lenses come from reputable brands, with Canon being a well-established name in photography and YONGNUO gaining recognition for producing budget-friendly alternatives. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens features a compact design ideal for everyday shooting, while the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens is also compact but emphasizes a wide-angle perspective. The YONGNUO lens includes a chrome high precision metal bayonet, enhancing its durability against wear and corrosion. In terms of overall build quality, Canon typically has a slight edge given its long-standing reputation, but YONGNUO offers solid construction for its price point.

Focal Length and Aperture

The focal lengths of both lenses significantly influence their applications in photography. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 has a classic prime focal length of 50mm, making it versatile for portraits, action shots, and low-light situations due to its maximum aperture of f/1.8. In contrast, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 provides a wider angle of view at 35mm, making it suitable for landscape and street photography. With a maximum aperture of f/2, it still allows for decent performance in low-light conditions, though it doesn't quite match Canon's capability. Thus, your choice may depend on whether you prefer a standard perspective or a slightly wider angle.

Autofocus and Performance

In terms of autofocus capabilities, the Canon lens utilizes an STM motor that delivers near-silent and continuous autofocus, which is especially beneficial for video recording and shooting in quiet environments. This feature allows for smooth transitions and precise focusing. The YONGNUO lens supports both auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF) modes, providing flexibility for users who like to have control over their focus settings. However, the lack of a stepping motor may result in slightly less smooth autofocus performance compared to the Canon lens.

Image Quality

Image quality is a crucial factor when selecting a lens, and both the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 and YONGNUO YN35mm F2 promise good performance. Canon’s lens employs Super Spectra coating, minimizing flare and ghosting, which contributes to enhanced contrast and color accuracy. On the other hand, the YONGNUO lens features multi-coated glass, aimed at improving transmittance and suppressing ghosting and flare during backlit shooting. While both lenses are capable of delivering high-quality images, Canon's optical engineering offers a slight advantage, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

Minimum Focusing Distance

The minimum focusing distance greatly impacts the creative potential of a lens. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft (0.35m), allowing for decent close-up shots but limiting extreme macro photography. In contrast, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 boasts a notably closer minimum focusing distance of 0.8 ft (0.25m). This feature enables photographers to capture more intimate and detailed shots while still maintaining a wide-angle perspective, making the YONGNUO lens particularly appealing for those who enjoy close-up photography.

Versatility and Use Cases

When considering versatility, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 is excellent for a wide range of photography styles, including portraits, street photography, and low-light conditions. Its effective focal length becomes 80mm on APS-C cameras, making it a fantastic portrait lens. Conversely, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 excels in providing a natural wide-angle effect, suitable for landscapes and group shots. It supports both full-frame and APS-C cameras, making it versatile in different shooting scenarios. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific type of photography you intend to pursue.

Which should you buy?

The decision between the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens and the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens boils down to your photography needs and budget. The Canon lens stands out for its superior build quality, optical performance, and silent autofocus capabilities, making it ideal for serious photographers who prioritize image quality. However, the YONGNUO lens offers excellent value for money with its wider focal length and closer minimum focusing distance, appealing to those looking for a budget-friendly option. If versatility and low-light performance are your top priorities, the Canon lens is worth the investment. However, if you're seeking affordability and a wider perspective, the YONGNUO lens is a smart choice.