YONGNUO YN35mm F2N Lens, 1:2 AF MF Wide-Angle Fixed Prime Auto Focus Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
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AI Verdict
This 11.2-ounce, F2 large aperture lens offers full-frame and APS-C compatibility for Nikon F-mount users on a strict budget.
This 11.2-ounce lens with an F2 aperture is a budget-friendly entry into prime lenses for Nikon F-mount users. Its plastic construction and slower autofocus mean it's not for demanding scenarios, but it delivers acceptable results when stopped down and for those prioritizing cost over optical perfection.
If sharpness at wide apertures and faster autofocus are priorities, look for lenses with 'ED' or 'ASP' elements and internal focusing mechanisms.
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Pros
- F2 large aperture allows for shallow depth of field and low-light shooting.
- Features a metal bayonet mount, contributing to durability.
- Supports both auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF) modes, including live view focus.
- Firmware is upgradeable via USB, allowing for potential improvements.
- Produces pleasing, soft bokeh with circular highlights in the center.
- Chromatic aberration is well controlled, even at f/2.
Cons
- Autofocus motor is audibly loud and can be slower than comparable lenses.
- Image sharpness is noticeably soft at f/2, especially towards the edges, requiring stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 for clearer results.
- Build quality is primarily plastic, and the AF/MF switch can feel flimsy.
- Strong vignetting is present at f/2, reducing as the aperture is narrowed.
- Lacks a distance scale on the lens barrel.
Dimension Scores
While chromatic aberration is controlled, the lens exhibits significant softness at f/2, particularly in the corners, requiring stopping down for acceptable sharpness.
The autofocus is described as loud, screwy, and slower than competitors, with occasional reports of needing to remount the lens.
Autofocus in video is slow and can be unreliable, making manual focus a more practical option for videography.
Weighing 11.2 ounces, its compact and light design makes it easy to carry for extended periods.
Best For
- Nikon F-mount photographers seeking an affordable 35mm prime lens for casual use.
- Learning prime lens photography without a significant financial commitment.
- Creating images with shallow depth of field in well-lit conditions.
- Street photography on APS-C cameras where the 52.5mm equivalent focal length is desired.
Not Recommended For
- Professional photographers requiring consistent edge-to-edge sharpness at wide apertures.
- Users of high-resolution Nikon DSLR cameras like the D850, as it struggles to resolve detail.
- Videographers who rely on silent and fast autofocus for their work.
Watch Out For
- The autofocus system can be clunky and occasionally requires remounting the lens to resolve issues.
- Colors, particularly reds, can appear oversaturated straight out of the camera.
- Sharpness at f/2 is compromised, with noticeable softness in the center and very soft corners.
- The lens does not include a lens hood, which may be needed to mitigate flare.
- The manual focus ring, while rubberized, is not always smooth or precise to turn.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B01L1JCKRY |
| Brand | YONGNUO |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Item Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Yongnuo |
| Item model number | YN35mm F2N |
| Product Dimensions | 6.69 x 7.87 x 4.72 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon F |
| Camera Lens Description | 35mm F2 Wide Angle Prime Lens for Nikon |
| Focal Length Description | 35mm F2N Wide-Angle Prime Lens for Nikon |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users find the YONGNUO YN35mm F2N to be a surprisingly capable lens given its low price, especially for center sharpness when stopped down. However, the autofocus is a recurring point of contention, often described as noisy and sluggish, and some report inconsistent performance requiring the lens to be re-mounted. The plastic build is noted, but the metal mount is a plus. Image quality at f/2 is generally soft, particularly at the edges, but improves significantly when the aperture is narrowed. Colors can sometimes appear oversaturated, and strong vignetting is present at the widest aperture.
“Look, for a hundred bucks, it takes pictures, but don't expect miracles at f/2, and that autofocus sounds like a dying robot, but hey, it's cheap!”
Common Praise
- Produces pleasing, soft background blur (bokeh).
- Offers a metal bayonet mount, which feels more durable than an all-plastic mount.
- Chromatic aberration is well-managed, even at wider apertures.
- The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry.
- Provides acceptable image quality for its price point when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4.
Common Complaints
- Autofocus is loud, slow, and can be inconsistent, sometimes requiring the lens to be re-seated.
- Images are notably soft at f/2, especially in the corners.
- The plastic construction, while light, feels less premium than other lenses.
- Strong vignetting is visible at f/2.
- Colors can appear oversaturated, particularly reds.
Ownership Tips
- The loud autofocus motor can be distracting in quiet environments or during video recording.
- Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 dramatically improves image sharpness across the frame.
- Occasional autofocus hunting or failure may require turning the camera off and on, or remounting the lens.
- The lack of a distance scale makes precise manual focusing more challenging for some types of photography.
- The plastic exterior, while light, may show wear and tear more quickly than metal-bodied lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens compatible with full-frame Nikon cameras?
Yes, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2N supports both full-frame and APS-C format Nikon DSLR cameras.
How is the autofocus performance?
The autofocus is generally functional but can be loud and slower than more expensive lenses. Some users report occasional issues that are resolved by remounting the lens.
Does this lens produce sharp images?
At f/2, the lens is soft, especially in the corners. Sharpness improves considerably when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4.
Can I update the firmware on this lens?
Yes, the lens features a USB port for firmware upgrades, allowing for potential performance improvements.
Is this lens suitable for video recording?
While it supports autofocus, it's slower and louder than ideal for video. Many users suggest manual focus for video with this lens.
Buying Guide
When looking at prime lenses like this, you're trading the flexibility of a zoom for a wider aperture and often better image quality at that specific focal length. The 'f-number' (like F2 here) tells you how much light the lens lets in and how much background blur you can get. A lower number means more light and more blur. For a budget lens, you'll often compromise on autofocus speed and wide-open sharpness.
F2 large aperture
35mm focal length
Auto Focus and Manual Focus
Alternatives
If you need sharper images at wider apertures and faster, quieter autofocus, look for lenses with 'ultrasonic motor' (USM or SWM) technology and a reputation for strong optical performance wide open, even if it means a higher price point.
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