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

Overview of the Lenses

In this comparison, we’ll examine the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Auto Focus Lens for Sony E Mount and the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens for Canon EF Mount. The former is priced at $128.00, while the latter is slightly cheaper at $106.00, making it about 17% less expensive. Both lenses are designed for different camera systems and offer unique features tailored to their respective mounts.

Build Quality and Design

The YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens boasts a robust build with a metal bayonet and outer shell, ensuring durability. It also features a dustproof and waterproof rubber ring, which enhances its usability in various environments. In contrast, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens also uses a chrome high precision metal bayonet, enhancing its strength and wear resistance. While both lenses are designed for solid performance, the F1.8 Art lens may provide additional peace of mind for photographers who often shoot in challenging conditions.

Aperture and Low-Light Performance

The YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens has a maximum aperture of F1.8, allowing for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background bokeh. This feature is particularly beneficial for portrait photography and creative shots. On the other hand, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens has a slightly narrower maximum aperture of F2. While it still performs well in low-light situations, the F1.8 aperture of the Art lens gives it an edge in achieving a more pronounced depth of field and bokeh effects.

Focusing Capabilities

The YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens features a very quiet auto focus system and a minimum focusing distance of 0.35mm, which is advantageous for capturing close-up shots without disturbing the subject. In contrast, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens supports both auto focus and manual focus modes, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.25m (about 0.8ft). This allows for versatility in shooting, making it easier to achieve wide-angle effects even in close proximity to the subject.

Lens Structure and Optical Quality

In terms of lens construction, the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens consists of 10 elements arranged in 9 groups, including 2 aspherical lenses and 2 ultra-low dispersion glass lenses. This design effectively compensates for various aberrations while suppressing chromatic dispersion. The YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens features a simpler structure of 5 sets and 7 pieces. While it still delivers decent optical performance, the more complex construction of the F1.8 lens likely results in superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Compatibility and Use Cases

The YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens is specifically designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, aligning well with models like the A7 series, A9, and ZV-E1. This makes it an excellent choice for Sony users seeking a versatile prime lens. Conversely, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens is compatible with Canon EF mount cameras, supporting both full-frame and APS-C formats. This broad compatibility makes it suitable for a wide range of Canon users, whether they are shooting in studio settings or outdoor environments.

Price and Value Proposition

At $128.00, the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens is a bit pricier than the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens, which retails at $106.00. However, the additional cost of the F1.8 lens may be justified for photographers who prioritize low-light performance and optical quality. The YN35mm F2 lens, while more affordable, still offers solid performance and is suitable for users looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much quality.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, your choice between the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art lens and the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens will depend on your specific needs and camera system. If you're a Sony user seeking high image quality with excellent low-light capability, the F1.8 Art lens is worth the extra investment. However, if you're a Canon user looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers good performance, the YN35mm F2 lens may be the better choice for you.