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

Overview of the VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE Lens

The VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE Lens is a robust choice for portrait photography, designed specifically for Sony E-Mount cameras. With a price tag of $275.00, this lens targets professional photographers and serious enthusiasts seeking quality performance. It features a wide F2.0 aperture, allowing for stunning bokeh effects that enhance portrait shots significantly. The lens is engineered with 10 elements in 8 groups, which help minimize chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and vivid images. Its lightweight design at only 340 grams makes it portable, while the close focusing distance of 0.74 meters provides versatility for detail-oriented shots.

Overview of the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens

The YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens is an economical option priced at $106.00, aimed at Canon EF mount users. This lens offers a wider angle of view, making it suitable for a variety of photography styles, including landscapes and street photography. With a fast F2.0 aperture, it allows for good performance in low-light situations. The lens supports both auto focus and manual focus modes, providing flexibility for photographers. Its minimum focusing distance is 0.25 meters, which enables close-up photography while maintaining a natural wide-angle perspective.

Image Quality Comparison

When it comes to image quality, the VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE Lens excels with its advanced optical design that minimizes chromatic aberration. This lens is particularly effective for portrait photography, delivering sharp, clear images with beautiful bokeh due to its F2.0 aperture. In contrast, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens, while capable of producing quality images, is more focused on versatility, offering a wider field of view. Its optical structure is simpler, with 5 sets of 7 pieces, which may not deliver the same level of sharpness and detail in portraits as the VILTROX lens.

Autofocus Performance

The VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE Lens features a Stepping Motor (STM) that enables smooth, quiet, and precise autofocus, making it ideal for both photography and video. This technology is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or when shooting in quiet environments. On the other hand, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens also supports both auto focus and manual focus modes, but it doesn’t specify any advanced motor technology. This difference may affect the speed and accuracy of autofocus, making the VILTROX lens a better choice for those prioritizing performance in dynamic shooting conditions.

Design and Build Quality

The VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE Lens is designed to be compact and lightweight, weighing just 340 grams and measuring φ69mm x 76mm. This ergonomic design is suited for long shooting sessions, allowing photographers to handle it comfortably. In comparison, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens has a maximum diameter of 73mm and a length of 59mm, making it slightly bulkier. However, the YONGNUO lens also boasts a chrome high-precision metal bayonet, enhancing its durability and strength, which is an important factor when considering long-term use.

Versatility and Use Cases

The VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE Lens is tailored for portrait photography, making it less versatile than the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens, which is suited for a range of photography styles due to its wider focal length. The 35mm lens can easily handle everything from landscapes to street photography, thanks to its broader field of view. This versatility makes the YONGNUO lens more appealing to hobbyists and those who want a multi-purpose lens without breaking the bank. However, if portrait quality is the primary concern, the VILTROX lens stands out due to its specialized design.

Price Comparison

The VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE Lens comes at a price of $275.00, while the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens is much more budget-friendly at $106.00. This makes the YONGNUO lens about 61% cheaper than the VILTROX. For photographers on a tight budget or those just starting out, the YONGNUO lens offers excellent value without sacrificing essential features. However, for professionals seeking high-quality portrait shots, the investment in the VILTROX may be justified given its superior optical performance and build quality.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the VILTROX 85mm F2 EVO FE Lens and the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are focused on portrait photography and require exceptional image quality, the VILTROX lens is the clear winner, with its advanced optical design and superior autofocus performance. However, if you are looking for a versatile lens at a more affordable price for general photography, the YONGNUO lens would be a smart choice. Ultimately, each lens has its strengths, making them suitable for different types of photographers.