Mark Ellington
YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Lens for Sony
Introduction
The YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Lens for Sony is an entry-level prime lens designed specifically for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. Manufactured by YONGNUO, a company known for providing affordable photography equipment, this lens aims to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility for both amateur and professional photographers. With its wide aperture and compatibility with various Sony models, the YN35MM F1.8 promises to enhance your photography experience.
Product Overview
The YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Lens is a standard prime lens tailored for APS-C frame cameras. It features a focal length of 35mm, delivering a perspective similar to that of the human eye, making it a versatile choice for a variety of photography styles, including portraits, landscapes, and street photography. The lens is built with 10 elements in 9 groups, featuring 2 aspherical lenses and 2 ultra-low dispersion glass lenses for minimized aberrations and improved image quality.
Appearance and Design
Sporting a sleek black finish, the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 lens exudes a professional aesthetic. The metal bayonet and outer shell not only make it durable but also add a premium feel to the overall design. Unique features include a rubber ring that provides dust and waterproof protection, ensuring the lens can withstand various environmental conditions. The gold-plated contacts enhance connectivity with compatible Sony cameras, making this lens not just visually appealing but also functionally robust.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Aperture Range: F1.8 – F22
- Minimum Aperture: F16
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.35m
- Filter Diameter: 52mm
- Dimensions: Ø63.5mm x 79.9mm
- Weight: Approximately 0.4kg
- Auto Focus: Quiet stepping motor
- Construction: 10 elements in 9 groups
- Warranty: 1 year
Usage Experience
Using the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 lens in various scenarios has been a delight. In low-light conditions, the wide F1.8 aperture allows for stunningly bright images with minimal noise, making it perfect for indoor and night photography. The background bokeh produced by this lens is beautiful, providing a creamy blur that enhances portrait shots. Autofocus performance is impressively quiet, making it suitable for video recording as well. However, in fast-paced situations, there can be occasional focus hunting, which may require manual adjustment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality with minimal aberrations
- Wide aperture allows for great low-light performance
- Durable construction with weatherproof features
- Lightweight and compact design
- Affordable price point for quality lens
Cons:
- Occasional autofocus hunting in fast-moving scenes
- May not have as many advanced features as higher-end lenses
Conclusion
Overall, the YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Lens for Sony E-mount cameras stands out as an excellent entry-level lens that combines quality and affordability. Its stunning clarity, durable design, and versatility make it a fantastic choice for photographers looking to enhance their craft. While it may have some limitations in autofocus performance, the benefits far outweigh these drawbacks, making it a worthy addition to any photographer’s gear collection.
