YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens 1:2 AF/MF Wide-Angle Fixed/Prime Auto Focus Lens for Canon EF Mount EOS Camera
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AI Verdict
This 6.3-ounce, f/2 wide-angle lens with 0.25m minimum focus is for Canon EF users needing a budget prime for static subjects.
This lens offers a fast f/2 aperture and a wide 35mm focal length, making it suitable for low-light and creative depth-of-field shots. However, its slow, noisy autofocus and soft wide-open image quality mean it's best for specific, less demanding photographic scenarios.
If autofocus speed and consistent sharpness at wide apertures are crucial, look for lenses with ultrasonic motors (USM) and higher optical ratings.
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Pros
- Captures images in low light with its f/2 maximum aperture.
- Achieves soft background blur with 7 aperture blades.
- Focuses on subjects as close as 0.25m (0.8ft).
- Supports both auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF) modes.
- Produces sharp 14-point sun stars when stopped down.
- Features a metal mounting ring for durability.
Cons
- Autofocus is loud, slow, and prone to hunting, taking about 2 seconds to lock.
- Image sharpness is soft at f/2, especially in the corners, requiring stopping down to f/5 for corner sharpness.
- Exhibits vignetting at f/2, which clears up by f/3.5.
- Shows chromatic aberration, particularly with bright light sources and in corners.
- Build quality is primarily cheap-feeling plastic, making it feel wobbly.
Dimension Scores
While usable at f/2, the lens exhibits significant softness, vignetting, and chromatic aberration wide open, requiring stopping down to f/5 for better corner sharpness.
The autofocus is notably slow, loud, and prone to hunting, often taking around 2 seconds to acquire focus, which is below average for modern lenses.
Autofocus for video is slow and hunts, making it less suitable for dynamic video, though it can be quiet enough for static subjects.
Weighing only 6.3 ounces and measuring 73*59mm, this lens is exceptionally light and compact for a fast 35mm prime.
Best For
- Budget-conscious photographers needing a fast 35mm prime for Canon EF mount.
- Still photography in well-lit conditions where autofocus speed is not critical.
- Learning prime lens photography on a full-frame or APS-C Canon DSLR.
- Creating images with shallow depth of field for portraits or product shots.
Not Recommended For
- Videographers requiring smooth, quiet, or fast autofocus.
- Professionals needing consistently sharp images edge-to-edge at wide apertures.
- Users who prioritize premium build quality and weather sealing.
- Action or fast-moving subject photography.
Watch Out For
- Autofocus can be loud and slow, often hunting for about 2 seconds before locking focus.
- Image quality at f/2 is soft, especially in the corners, and requires stopping down to f/5 for acceptable corner sharpness.
- The lens lacks image stabilization, making handheld shooting in low light challenging without a steady hand or higher ISO.
- Build quality is described as cheap plastic and feels wobbly, which might not withstand heavy use.
- No lens hood mount is present, potentially leading to more flare in bright conditions.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B00W4Z82ZO |
| Brand | YONGNUO |
| Lens Type | Wide Angle |
| Item Weight | 6.3 ounces |
| Manufacturer | YONGNUO |
| Item model number | YN35MM Canon |
| Product Dimensions | 3.27 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
| Camera Lens Description | 35 mm Lens |
| Focal Length Description | 35mm Wide-Angle Prime Lens for Canon |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users report that while the Yongnuo 35mm f/2 is incredibly light and affordable, its autofocus system is a significant drawback, often described as loud and slow, especially when trying to lock onto subjects. Image quality at its widest aperture, f/2, is consistently noted as soft, particularly in the corners, with vignetting and chromatic aberration also present. However, stopping down the aperture to f/4 or f/5 drastically improves sharpness and reduces these optical imperfections. The build quality is frequently mentioned as feeling cheap due to its plastic construction, though the metal mount is a positive point.
“Okay, so I bought this because it was SO cheap, and yeah, you get what you pay for. The f/2 is cool for blurry backgrounds, but seriously, the autofocus sounds like a dying robot and takes forever. If you just want a cheap 35mm to mess around with and don't mind manual focus or waiting, it's fine, but don't expect miracles.”
Common Praise
- Achieves pleasing background blur with its f/2 aperture and 7-blade design.
- Lightweight design at 6.3 ounces makes it easy to carry.
- Produces sharp 14-point sun stars.
- Focuses closely at 0.25m for wide-angle close-ups.
- Offers a wide 35mm focal length for general purpose shooting.
Common Complaints
- Autofocus is loud, slow, and frequently hunts, especially in low light.
- Softness in image corners and center at f/2, requiring stopping down for sharpness.
- Noticeable vignetting and barrel distortion at f/2.
- Cheap plastic build quality that feels wobbly.
- Chromatic aberration is present, particularly with bright light sources.
Ownership Tips
- The loud autofocus motor can be a major distraction, especially in quiet environments or during video recording.
- You'll quickly learn to stop down to at least f/4 or f/5 to get acceptable sharpness across the frame.
- The lack of image stabilization means you need to pay close attention to your shutter speed to avoid blurry photos.
- The lightweight plastic construction, while making it portable, also makes it feel less durable than other lenses.
- Manual focusing can be a more reliable option than relying on the inconsistent autofocus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, this lens does not include image stabilization, so you'll need to be mindful of shutter speeds to avoid blur, especially in low light or when shooting handheld.
Is the autofocus quiet enough for video?
The autofocus is generally described as loud and prone to hunting, which can be distracting for video recording. It might be quiet enough if your subject isn't moving, but it's not ideal for dynamic video work.
How is the sharpness at f/2?
At f/2, the lens is soft in the center and very soft in the corners, with noticeable barrel distortion and vignetting. Sharpness improves significantly when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.
Can I use this lens on an APS-C camera?
Yes, this lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon EF mount cameras. On an APS-C sensor, the 35mm focal length will behave like approximately a 56mm lens.
Does it come with a lens hood?
No, the lens does not come with a lens hood, and there is no specific mount for one. You might need to look for third-party solutions if you want to reduce flare.
Buying Guide
When looking at a prime lens like this, you're trading the flexibility of a zoom for a wider maximum aperture, which lets in more light and creates shallower depth of field. The 35mm focal length is a popular choice because it's wide enough for landscapes and street photography but also suitable for environmental portraits. Pay close attention to the lens's performance at its widest aperture, as this is often its main selling point, but also where optical compromises can be most apparent.
Maximum Aperture (f/2)
This number tells you how much light the lens can gather. A lower f-number like f/2 means it can let in a lot of light, which is crucial for shooting in dim conditions without cranking up your camera's ISO too high. It also creates a very shallow depth of field, blurring backgrounds nicely to make your subject pop, similar to how your eyes might focus on a close object while everything else blurs.
Focal Length (35mm)
This determines your field of view. A 35mm lens on a full-frame camera gives you a moderately wide perspective, close to what the human eye sees naturally. It's wider than a 'standard' 50mm lens, making it suitable for capturing more of a scene, like a street view or a group of people, without making things look too distorted.
Minimum Focusing Distance (0.25m)
This is how close you can get to your subject and still achieve focus. A shorter minimum focusing distance means you can fill more of the frame with smaller objects, which is useful for things like food photography or capturing details without needing a dedicated macro lens.
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't meet your needs, consider searching for 35mm lenses with ultrasonic autofocus motors for faster and quieter performance, or those with built-in image stabilization for better low-light handheld shooting.
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