YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Lens

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84%
91%
Value for Money
88%
Image Quality
65%
Autofocus Speed
83%
Build Quality
95%
Portability
89%
Bokeh Quality
85%
Ease of Use
80%
Lens Versatility
74%
Manual Focus Performance
92%
Compatibility with Full-Frame Cameras
90%
Low Light Performance
70%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Lens is a prime lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras, offering a 50mm focal length and a fast F1.8 aperture. This combination makes it a great option for those seeking sharp portraits and vibrant images, even in low-light environments. The lens is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry on travels or during daily shoots. At an affordable price point, this lens offers solid performance, appealing to photographers who need quality without the hefty price tag typically associated with high-end lenses.

Features & Benefits

The YONGNUO 50mm prime lens boasts a wide F1.8 aperture, enabling photographers to create a shallow depth of field and achieve beautiful, smooth bokeh. It offers both auto and manual focus modes, making it versatile for various shooting conditions. Compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon cameras, this lens provides flexibility across different setups. The multi-coated lenses ensure better light transmission, reducing glare and improving overall image quality. Additionally, the focus distance indicator is a practical tool for precise depth-of-field control.

Best For

This YONGNUO lens is perfect for photographers looking for a budget-friendly portrait lens with excellent image quality. Canon users who need a fast lens for low-light shooting will appreciate the F1.8 aperture. It’s also ideal for travel photographers who prioritize a compact and versatile lens. Whether you're a beginner or a hobbyist, this 50mm prime lens offers a simple yet effective tool for capturing stunning photos. It provides a great balance of quality and ease of use, making it a strong choice for anyone getting started with portrait or everyday photography.

User Feedback

Many users rave about the YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 lens for its sharpness and the beautiful bokeh it produces in portraits. However, some find that its autofocus is slower than more expensive lenses, which may be a downside for fast-moving subjects. The lens is often praised for being a great value for money, especially for entry-level photographers who need a solid, easy-to-use tool. Its lightweight build is another highlight, with many users mentioning how easy it is to carry around for long shoots or travel. Overall, it provides excellent performance at an affordable price.

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Pros

  • This lens offers excellent value for money, making it a great option for entry-level photographers.
  • The lightweight design is perfect for travel photographers who need portability without sacrificing quality.
  • Wide aperture (F1.8) creates beautiful background blur and shallow depth of field, ideal for portrait photography.
  • Great for both full-frame and APS-C Canon users, providing flexibility across different camera bodies.
  • Manual and auto focus modes cater to different shooting preferences and needs.
  • The lens's build quality is solid for its price, making it a dependable choice for everyday photography.

Cons

  • Autofocus speed can be slower compared to more expensive lenses, which may be frustrating for fast-moving subjects.
  • The plastic build may not be as durable as higher-end lenses, raising concerns about long-term use.
  • Some users report minor issues with chromatic aberration and lens flare in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Focus distance can be limiting for certain types of close-up or macro photography.
  • While the bokeh is generally pleasing, it may not be as smooth or creamy as higher-end lenses.
  • Not ideal for professional videography due to autofocus speed and performance in continuous focus modes.

Ratings

The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Lens has garnered a mix of positive and constructive feedback from users across multiple countries and platforms. After analyzing verified reviews worldwide, including those in different languages, we have filtered out any spam, bot-generated, or exaggerated content to provide a reliable overview of this lens. The scores reflect both the strengths and weaknesses highlighted by real customers, ensuring an accurate picture of its performance and value for money.

Value for Money
91%
Many users find this lens to be an excellent budget option that delivers impressive performance for the price. The combination of good image quality, sharpness, and a large aperture makes it a solid choice for entry-level photographers and those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Some buyers feel that while the price is attractive, certain higher-end lenses offer better autofocus performance and build quality. A few users mentioned that the low cost comes with some compromises, like slower focusing speed, which might affect those who need faster performance.
Image Quality
88%
The lens offers sharp images with excellent contrast, making it an attractive option for portrait and low-light photography. The wide F1.8 aperture provides a shallow depth of field, resulting in creamy bokeh, which many users love for creating standout subject isolation.
While the image quality is good, a few users noted that chromatic aberrations and slight softness can become noticeable at wider apertures. Some also mentioned that sharper results can be achieved with more expensive lenses, especially at the corners of the frame.
Autofocus Speed
65%
35%
The autofocus is adequate for most casual and portrait photography. Users appreciate the ability to switch between auto and manual focus for more flexibility, especially in controlled settings like studio shoots or portrait work.
However, many users find the autofocus to be noticeably slower compared to more premium lenses. It may struggle in fast-moving subjects or in low-light conditions, leading to frustration for those accustomed to quicker focusing speeds.
Build Quality
83%
This lens is well-built for its price point, with a solid feel that’s surprisingly sturdy given its lightweight design. The compact form factor also makes it easy to handle, especially for photographers on the go, such as travel enthusiasts.
That said, some users expressed concerns about the lens feeling slightly less robust compared to pricier counterparts. A few noted that the materials felt a bit cheap, with the plastic housing being prone to minor scuffs and wear after regular use.
Portability
95%
The lightweight and compact design is frequently praised by users, making it an ideal lens for travel photographers or anyone looking to minimize gear weight. Its portability allows for easy daily carry, adding minimal bulk to camera bags or when shooting handheld for extended periods.
While the size is a major plus for portability, some users mentioned that the lens may feel too small or lightweight for those accustomed to heftier, more premium models. This could affect the comfort level for certain users who prefer a more substantial feel.
Bokeh Quality
89%
The lens produces a beautiful, creamy bokeh, which is a standout feature for many users, especially for portrait photographers. The wide aperture allows for excellent subject isolation, with soft, pleasing background blur that enhances the overall aesthetic of the images.
Some users did note that the bokeh isn't as smooth as that of more expensive lenses, with occasional harshness in the out-of-focus areas. This issue tends to be more noticeable when shooting wide open or at very close distances.
Ease of Use
85%
This YONGNUO lens is highly regarded for its user-friendly design, offering both auto and manual focus options for versatility. Its straightforward controls and lightweight build make it a good choice for beginners and hobbyists who want a simple yet effective prime lens.
A few users pointed out that the autofocus mechanism can be noisy in certain conditions, which might be a distraction in more professional settings, like video shooting. Some also noted that the manual focus ring feels a bit too stiff at times, requiring extra effort.
Lens Versatility
80%
20%
The lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C cameras, giving it a broad range of applications. Its 50mm focal length makes it a versatile option for portraits, everyday photography, and even low-light situations, where the fast aperture performs well.
However, some users felt that while the lens is versatile, it doesn’t excel in every area. For instance, it struggles a bit in extreme low-light conditions, where more expensive alternatives with better autofocus and faster apertures might outperform it.
Manual Focus Performance
74%
26%
Manual focus is a useful feature for photographers who prefer more control over their shots. The lens allows for precise adjustments, which is appreciated for portrait or macro-style photography where accuracy is essential.
On the downside, manual focus can feel a bit clunky, and some users noted that the focus ring lacks the smoothness they would expect. This can make fine-tuning difficult, especially for those used to higher-end lenses with more refined focus systems.
Compatibility with Full-Frame Cameras
92%
This lens shines when used with full-frame cameras, delivering sharp images across the frame with minimal distortion. The 50mm focal length is a popular choice for full-frame shooters, providing a natural perspective that works well for both portraits and everyday shooting.
While most users had positive experiences with full-frame compatibility, a few noted that some vignetting could occur when shooting at wide apertures, especially in corners. This is not uncommon for lenses in this price range, but it may be noticeable for those using more demanding applications.
Low Light Performance
90%
The fast F1.8 aperture is a major advantage for low-light photography, enabling users to shoot in dim conditions without the need for a flash. Many photographers appreciate how well this lens handles indoor and evening shots, where its ability to gather light shines through.
However, a few users did mention that while it performs well in low light, it can be prone to some lens flare and chromatic aberration, which can reduce the overall image quality in certain challenging lighting situations.
Customer Support
70%
30%
Some users had positive experiences with customer support, particularly with getting quick responses for basic queries about the lens. The support team seems to provide helpful information for troubleshooting common issues.
On the other hand, several users mentioned that they had difficulty getting timely assistance for more complex issues. Some found the support to be slow or unhelpful when dealing with defective units or more technical questions.

Suitable for:

The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Lens is ideal for entry-level photographers, hobbyists, and those seeking an affordable way to enhance their portrait photography. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a great choice for travel photographers who need a portable lens without sacrificing performance. Additionally, Canon users who need a fast aperture for low-light conditions will benefit from the wide F1.8 aperture, which offers excellent background blur and sharp subject isolation. This lens also serves as a solid option for beginners looking for a simple yet effective prime lens that doesn’t break the bank.

Not suitable for:

However, the YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Lens may not be the best fit for professional photographers or those requiring top-tier autofocus performance. Some users have noted that the autofocus can be slower than more expensive alternatives, making it less suitable for fast-paced action or video work. Those accustomed to higher-end lenses might find its build quality and performance lacking, particularly when it comes to manual focus handling or edge-to-edge sharpness at wide apertures. Additionally, photographers who often shoot in challenging lighting conditions may find the lens struggles with lens flare and chromatic aberrations.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens has a 50mm focal length, providing a standard field of view for general photography and portraits.
  • Aperture: The lens features a maximum aperture of F1.8, enabling excellent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field.
  • Lens Type: This is a prime lens, meaning it has a fixed focal length and does not zoom.
  • Mount Type: The lens is compatible with Canon EF mount cameras, ensuring wide compatibility with Canon DSLR and mirrorless models.
  • Focus Mode: Supports both auto and manual focus modes, offering versatility for different shooting styles and control.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The minimum focus distance is 0.45m, allowing for relatively close-up shots with sharp focus.
  • Lens Structure: The lens consists of 5 groups and 6 elements, providing a compact and efficient design for quality image capture.
  • Filter Diameter: The lens uses 52mm diameter filters, which are standard and easy to find for various accessories.
  • Weight: The lens weighs just 205g, making it lightweight and highly portable, ideal for travel and everyday use.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 74mm in length and 60mm in diameter, contributing to its compact and easy-to-handle size.
  • Angle of View: The lens offers a 46° diagonal, 27° vertical, and 40° horizontal angle of view, suitable for general photography and portraits.
  • Compatibility: The lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon cameras, making it versatile for various camera types.
  • Coating: The lens features multi-coated elements to reduce glare and improve light transmission, enhancing image quality.
  • Bokeh: The wide F1.8 aperture helps produce smooth, aesthetically pleasing bokeh, ideal for portrait photography.
  • Maximum Aperture: The maximum aperture of F1.8 allows for excellent subject isolation and background blur, especially useful for portrait shots.
  • Manual Focus: The lens also provides manual focus capability, which is useful for situations requiring precise control over focus points.
  • Build Material: The lens features a plastic construction, making it lightweight, but it may not be as durable as more premium, metal-bodied lenses.
  • Compatibility with APS-C Cameras: On APS-C sensor cameras, the lens provides an effective focal length of approximately 80mm due to the crop factor, making it well-suited for portrait work.
  • Price: This lens is considered a budget-friendly option, providing good performance at a relatively low cost for users looking to enter the world of prime lenses.

FAQ

The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Lens is designed for Canon EF mount cameras. It is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras, making it a versatile option for various Canon users.

The F1.8 aperture allows more light into the lens, making it ideal for low-light conditions. It also provides a shallow depth of field, which helps create smooth background blur (bokeh) for beautiful portraits.

While the autofocus of this lens works well for most general photography, it is slower compared to higher-end lenses, particularly in fast-moving scenarios. For action shots or sports photography, you may want to consider a faster, more expensive lens.

While the YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 lens can be used for video, its autofocus performance during video shooting is not as smooth as some premium lenses. If you're planning to shoot a lot of videos, consider a lens with better continuous autofocus.

Yes, this lens works on both full-frame and APS-C Canon cameras. On an APS-C sensor, the effective focal length will be approximately 80mm due to the crop factor, making it better suited for portraits.

The lens performs well in low-light conditions thanks to its fast F1.8 aperture, allowing you to capture sharper images without needing to boost ISO too much. However, at its widest aperture, there may be slight softness at the edges of the frame.

The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Lens features a lightweight, plastic build. While this makes it easy to carry, it does not have the same durability as higher-end lenses with metal bodies. It's a good balance between performance and affordability.

This lens excels at portrait photography due to its 50mm focal length and wide F1.8 aperture, which helps create soft backgrounds. It’s also great for low-light environments, travel, and general-purpose photography, making it a versatile option for hobbyists and beginners.

While the lens does have multi-coated elements that help reduce flare and improve light transmission, some users report minor issues with chromatic aberration in high-contrast situations, like bright light against dark backgrounds.

Yes, this lens is an excellent option for beginners. It’s affordable, easy to use with both auto and manual focus modes, and provides impressive image quality for the price, making it ideal for new photographers looking to improve their skills.