Table of Contents
amazon Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 reviews
Design
Looking at the design of the Yongnuo lens, many people will mistake it with Canon lenses, because they are almost identical. From style, size to position, annotation or AF / MF switch are very similar. However, the internal structure of the two tubes has many differences, PetaPixel has “operated” a Yongnuo lens and confirmed this.
When placed side by side, the lens of Canon is a bit smaller, but when plugged into the camera, two large lenses are equal.
Light experiment
Photographer Jay Leavitt has used this lens with the Canon T3i (600D), a moderately priced DSLR and good for beginners. Often this is the subject who will be interested in Canon’s 50mm f1.8 lens.
Bokeh: Canon 50mm f / 1.8 lens has only 5 letters, so when closed, the bokeh is not round, beautiful. Parametrically, the Yongnuo tube excels with 7 leaves.
As can be seen from the f / 2.8, the pentagon of the Canon tube began to appear, looks not beautiful. This phenomenon can be seen in f / 5.6. Meanwhile, with 7 leaves, bokeh from the Yongnuo tube looks much better.
Purple Rim: This is a common problem in cheap tubes, because the glass is not coated with special layers to reduce purple fringing. To judge the purple edge, Leavitt captured the black object on a white background.
Use and photo realistic
With a realistic shot, Leavitt used the T3i when shooting night and in the studio, then using the Canon 60D with the outdoor unit.
One phenomenon that he encountered is that Yongnuo’s lens always has a sharp focus on live view and AF mode, but if you switch to MF, there is no problem. With evening street shots, the camera set to ISO 3200, f / 1.8 and a speed of 1/100 to 1/400 seconds.
The practical experience shows that the focus of this tube is quite good, in about 100 photos, only 3-5 photos are not standard definition. The speed of the focus is quite fast, although the T3i is not excellent in this part.
where can you get a Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 online
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Optical Performance
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens delivers commendable optical performance. It features a 6-element, 5-group optical design, similar to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for excellent low-light performance and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field.
Sharpness and Resolution
The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is capable of producing sharp images, particularly in the center of the frame. At its maximum aperture of f/1.8, the lens exhibits some softness, especially towards the edges and corners. However, stopping down to f/2.8 significantly improves sharpness across the frame, and by f/4, the lens delivers excellent sharpness and resolution.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
Chromatic aberration, or color fringing, is present to some extent, especially in high-contrast scenes. This is a common issue with budget lenses, but it can be minimized in post-processing. The lens also exhibits slight barrel distortion, which is typical for a 50mm lens, but this is generally not noticeable in most real-world shooting scenarios.
Bokeh and Background Blur
One of the standout features of the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is its ability to create pleasing bokeh and background blur. The wide f/1.8 aperture allows for significant subject isolation, resulting in smooth and creamy out-of-focus areas. The 7-blade diaphragm contributes to rounded bokeh highlights, which are particularly attractive in portrait photography.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus system in the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens is driven by a DC motor, which provides relatively fast and accurate focusing. However, it is not as silent or smooth as the ultrasonic motors found in higher-end lenses. The autofocus can be a bit noisy, which might be distracting in quiet environments or during video recording.
Autofocus Accuracy
In good lighting conditions, the autofocus system performs well, locking onto subjects quickly and accurately. However, in low-light situations, the autofocus can struggle a bit, resulting in occasional hunting and slower focus acquisition. This is not uncommon for budget lenses, but it is something to be aware of if you frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions.
Manual Focus
Manual focusing with the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 can be a bit challenging due to the narrow and somewhat loose focus ring. However, with practice, it is possible to achieve precise focus manually. The lens does not feature full-time manual focus override, so switching to manual focus mode is necessary if you want to fine-tune the focus after autofocusing.
Usability and Handling
The compact and lightweight design of the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 makes it an excellent choice for photographers who prefer to travel light or need a discreet lens for street photography. The lens balances well on both entry-level and mid-range DSLR bodies, providing a comfortable shooting experience.
Versatility
The 50mm focal length, often referred to as a “nifty fifty,” is one of the most versatile focal lengths available. On a full-frame camera, it provides a natural field of view that closely mimics human vision, making it suitable for a wide range of photography genres, including portraits, landscapes, street photography, and everyday snapshots. On APS-C crop sensor cameras, the lens has an effective focal length of approximately 75-80mm, making it a great option for portrait photography with flattering perspective compression.
Low-Light Performance
The wide f/1.8 aperture is a significant advantage when shooting in low-light conditions. It allows for faster shutter speeds, reducing the risk of motion blur and enabling handheld shooting without the need for high ISO settings. This makes the lens an excellent choice for indoor and nighttime photography, where lighting can be challenging.
Image Quality Considerations
While the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens offers impressive performance for its price, there are some image quality considerations to keep in mind:
- Vignetting: At the maximum aperture of f/1.8, the lens exhibits noticeable vignetting, or darkening of the corners. This can be reduced by stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4, and it can also be corrected in post-processing.
- Flare and Ghosting: The lens is susceptible to flare and ghosting when shooting directly into strong light sources. Using a lens hood (purchased separately) can help mitigate this issue, and careful composition can further minimize unwanted flare.
- Contrast and Color: The lens produces good contrast and color reproduction, though it may not be as vibrant as higher-end lenses. Post-processing can enhance the overall look of the images to achieve the desired results.
Comparison with Other Lenses
When considering the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8, it is essential to compare it with other options in the market to determine if it meets specific needs and preferences:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the direct competitor to the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8. While it is slightly more expensive, it offers several advantages, including a more robust build, quieter and faster autofocus with the STM (Stepping Motor) technology, and better overall image quality. The Canon lens also features full-time manual focus override, making it easier to fine-tune focus.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is another competitor, offering a higher build quality, superior optical performance, and silent wave motor (SWM) autofocus. It is more expensive than the Yongnuo lens but provides better overall performance, particularly in terms of sharpness, contrast, and autofocus speed.
Other Yongnuo Lenses
Yongnuo offers other budget-friendly prime lenses, such as the 35mm f/2 and 85mm f/1.8. Depending on your specific needs and shooting style, these lenses might also be worth considering. The 35mm f/2 is excellent for wider shots and street photography, while the 85mm f/1.8 is ideal for portraiture with even greater subject isolation.
Value for Money
The primary selling point of the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is its exceptional value for money. Priced significantly lower than its Canon and Nikon counterparts, the lens offers an affordable entry point into prime lens photography. It is an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore the creative possibilities of a fast prime lens without investing a significant amount of money.
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is one of the most budget-friendly prime lenses available, making it accessible to a wide range of photographers.
- Compact and Lightweight: The small size and light weight make it easy to carry and handle, perfect for travel and everyday use.
- Good Optical Performance: Despite its low price, the lens delivers impressive sharpness and image quality, especially when stopped down.
- Wide Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and allows for creative depth-of-field control, enabling beautiful background blur and bokeh.
Cons:
- Build Quality: The predominantly plastic construction feels less robust compared to higher-end lenses. The focus ring is also narrow and somewhat loose.
- Autofocus Noise: The autofocus motor is relatively noisy, which can be distracting in quiet environments or when recording video.
- Vignetting: Noticeable vignetting is present at the maximum aperture, although this can be mitigated by stopping down and corrected in post-processing.
- Chromatic Aberration: Some chromatic aberration is visible in high-contrast scenes, particularly at wider apertures.
- Flare and Ghosting: The lens is susceptible to flare and ghosting when shooting into strong light sources.
User Experience and Feedback
Positive Feedback
- Affordability: Users consistently praise the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 for its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. It is seen as an excellent entry-level prime lens for beginners and budget-conscious photographers.
- Image Quality: Despite its low price, many users are pleasantly surprised by the image quality, particularly when stopped down. The lens delivers sharp, vibrant images that rival more expensive lenses in many respects.
- Bokeh: The ability to create beautiful bokeh and subject isolation is frequently highlighted in user reviews, making the lens a popular choice for portrait photographers.
Criticisms
- Build Quality: Some users note that the lens feels cheaply made due to its plastic construction. The loose focus ring is also a common point of criticism, especially for those who rely on manual focus.
- Autofocus Noise: The noisy autofocus motor is mentioned as a drawback, particularly for video recording where silent operation is preferred.
- Vignetting and Aberrations: While expected for a lens at this price point, some users find the vignetting and chromatic aberrations at wider apertures to be noticeable and sometimes distracting.
Conclusion
The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is an impressive lens given its budget-friendly price. It offers a versatile focal length, a wide aperture for low-light shooting and bokeh, and decent optical performance. While it has some shortcomings, such as build quality and autofocus noise, these are minor considering the overall value it provides.
Who Should Buy This Lens?
- Beginners: For new photographers looking to explore the creative possibilities of a prime lens without a significant investment, the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent choice.
- Budget-Conscious Photographers: Those who need a fast prime lens for portraits, street photography, or low-light shooting but are on a tight budget will find this lens to be a great addition to their kit.
- Travel Photographers: Its compact size and lightweight design make it a practical option for travel photographers who need to pack light.
Final Verdict
The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens is a remarkable example of how far budget lens manufacturing has come. While it may not match the build quality and performance of more expensive lenses, it offers outstanding value for the price. It is an excellent entry-level prime lens that can deliver impressive results across a range of photographic applications. For anyone looking to add a fast, versatile prime lens to their collection without breaking the bank, the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is a highly recommended option.