Canon EF 75- vs YONGNUO

Overview of the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III and YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Lens

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is a versatile telephoto zoom lens, while the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens is a premium prime option designed for Sony mirrorless cameras. The Canon lens is priced at $199.99, whereas the YONGNUO lens is significantly cheaper at $128.00, making it about 36% less expensive. This price difference may play a crucial role in a photographer's decision, especially if budget constraints are a factor.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon EF 75-300mm features a robust design, measuring 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches long, weighing 16.8 ounces. It is built for durability but lacks advanced features like image stabilization. On the other hand, the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 has a more compact design, with a maximum diameter of approximately 63.5mm and a length of 79.9mm. Its metal bayonet and outer shell provide enhanced durability, making it suitable for various environments. While both lenses are well-constructed, the YONGNUO lens offers a more premium feel due to its metal components.

Focal Length and Aperture

The Canon EF 75-300mm lens boasts a focal length range of 75-300mm with a maximum aperture of f/4-5.6, allowing for great versatility in shooting distant subjects. This makes it ideal for wildlife photography or sporting events. In contrast, the YONGNUO 35MM lens has a fixed focal length of 35mm and a wide maximum aperture of f/1.8, which provides excellent low-light performance and beautiful background bokeh. The choice between these lenses largely depends on the type of photography you prefer, with the Canon lens being more suited for distant subjects and the YONGNUO lens excelling in portrait and street photography.

Autofocus Performance

The Canon EF 75-300mm employs a DC motor for autofocus, which is generally reliable but may not be as fast or quiet as some higher-end systems. Conversely, the YONGNUO 35MM lens features a stepping motor driving system that allows for very quiet autofocus, making it an excellent choice for video recording. This difference in autofocus technology highlights the YONGNUO lens's advantage for videographers and those who need a more discreet shooting experience.

Versatility and Use Cases

The Canon EF 75-300mm lens is versatile enough to capture various subjects, from wildlife to portraits, thanks to its significant zoom range. It has a closest focusing distance of 4.9 feet, allowing for decent close-up shots. However, it lacks image stabilization, which could be a drawback when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths. In contrast, the YONGNUO 35MM lens is designed for a more specific use case, focusing on creating high-quality images at a human-eye perspective. Its minimum focusing distance of 0.35mm allows for impressive close-ups, while the f/1.8 aperture excels in low-light situations.

Image Quality

Both lenses deliver good image quality, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Canon EF 75-300mm lens utilizes a 13-element optical system to produce clear images, although it may not match the sharpness of prime lenses. The YONGNUO 35MM lens, with its 10 elements in 9 groups and 9 aperture blades, offers high image quality that can effectively suppress aberrations and deliver stunning background bokeh. For photographers who prioritize image quality, particularly in portraits or creative settings, the YONGNUO lens may be the better option.

Compatibility and Mounting

The Canon EF 75-300mm lens is specifically designed for Canon SLR cameras, making it an excellent choice for existing Canon users. In contrast, the YONGNUO 35MM lens is compatible with a range of Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, including popular models like the A7 series and the ZV-E1. If you already own a camera from one of these brands, that will heavily influence your choice. The compatibility of the YONGNUO lens with Sony's extensive range of cameras may attract users looking for a high-quality lens to pair with their mirrorless setup.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III and the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens primarily depends on your specific photography needs. If you require a versatile zoom lens for capturing distant subjects and sporting events, the Canon lens is a solid option despite its higher price of $199.99. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly lens that excels in low light and offers beautiful bokeh for portrait photography, the YONGNUO lens at $128.00 provides exceptional value. Ultimately, your choice should align with your camera system and the type of photography you intend to pursue.