Mark Ellington
Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M Prime Lens
Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M Lens Review: The Perfect Prime for Olympus & Panasonic Cameras
Introduction
The Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M is a versatile prime lens designed specifically for Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) cameras, making it an excellent choice for users of Olympus and Panasonic models. Known for its affordability, this lens offers users a great opportunity to explore various photography styles, from portraits to landscapes, without breaking the bank. In this review, we will take a closer look at the lens’s design, key features, and overall performance to see if it truly lives up to its reputation.
Product Overview
Manufactured by Yongnuo, a brand recognized for its high-quality yet budget-friendly photography equipment, the YN25mm F1.7M is a prime lens that combines a large aperture with a compact design. This lens is intended for photographers looking to elevate their skills and capture stunning images in a range of settings, including low-light environments.
Design and Aesthetics
The Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M has a sleek, black exterior that is both stylish and professional. The lens construction feels robust, made from high-quality materials that give it a solid feel in hand. One of the standout features is the 7-blade aperture, which contributes to beautiful bokeh effects, making portraits and close-up shots visually striking. The manual focus ring offers a smooth and tactile experience, allowing for precise adjustments.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 25mm
- Aperture: F1.7 (large aperture for low-light performance)
- Aperture Blades: 7 blades in 6 groups
- Focus Type: Auto Focus (AF) and Manual Focus (MF)
- Compatibility: Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras
- Motor Type: High precision STM stepper motor for fast and quiet focusing
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $115
User Experience in Various Scenarios
During our testing, the Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M lens performed exceptionally well in a variety of shooting scenarios. In outdoor settings, the lens captured vibrant landscapes with stunning clarity, and the F1.7 aperture allowed for beautiful depth of field effects. The bokeh produced was creamy and aesthetic, making portraits pop beautifully against blurred backgrounds.
In low-light situations, this lens continued to impress. The large aperture allowed for adequate light capture, enabling sharp images even in dimly lit environments. Switching between autofocus and manual focus was seamless, with the STM motor providing quick and quiet adjustments.
Street photography was another area where this lens shined. Its lightweight design made it easy to carry around, and the 25mm focal length was ideal for capturing candid moments without being intrusive. Overall, the Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M provided a satisfying user experience across diverse photography styles.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable pricing for the quality offered.
- Large aperture (F1.7) for excellent low-light performance.
- Compact and lightweight design, ideal for portability.
- High-quality bokeh from the 7-blade aperture.
- Seamless switching between autofocus and manual focus.
Cons
- Build quality, while solid, may not match that of higher-end lenses.
- Some users may find the autofocus speed slightly slower compared to premium models.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M lens is an excellent choice for photographers using Olympus and Panasonic cameras who are looking for a reliable and affordable prime lens. It delivers impressive performance across various photography scenarios, particularly in low-light conditions and for achieving beautiful bokeh effects. Although there are minor drawbacks, such as a slightly slower autofocus speed and build quality that may not rival premium options, the overall value offered by this lens is hard to beat. For anyone wanting to enhance their photography experience without spending a fortune, the Yongnuo YN25mm F1.7M is undoubtedly worth considering.
