Review YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

According provided by lens YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N, for Nikon cameras) many thanks to Oleg Redkach.

YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N). The lens is shown in film slr camera Nikon EL2. Enlarge Image.


Navigation

  1. Browse Navigation
  2. In short
  3. History
  4. All lenses and teleconverters Yongnuo
  5. Main Specifications
  6. Assembly
  7. Focusing
  8. Image quality
  9. Sample photos on Nikon D70
  10. Sample photos on Nikon D90
  11. Lens prices
  12. My experience
  13. Similar lenses from Nikon
  14. Differences from Nikon 50 / 1.8G
  15. Differences from Nikon 50 / 1.8D
  16. Video review
  17. Results
  18. User Comments
  19. Add your review or question on the lens

It's important: Please note that the models of the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8 lens, in versions for Nikon and Canon, look very different from each other. Typically, third-party lenses, such as Tokina, Tamron, Sigma, Carl Zeiss, etc., have a very similar housing design for versions for different systems.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

In short

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) - very cheap fast half a ruble from the Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo Digital. The lens copied the original housing design Nikon 50 / 1.8G and optical properties Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8. In general, he is not bad... First of all, Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is interesting to owners motorless Nikon cameras... For those who have a Nikon camera with a built-in focus motor, there is a wonderful and inexpensive Nikon 50 / 1.8D (as well as a million of its subversions).

The creative and practical potential of such a fifty dollars is difficult to overestimate. It is suitable for a wide range of photo tasks. Photo enthusiasts often use it as a portrait lens. Many just want a fast fix, in addition to their whale lens. So, f / 1.8 aperture more than three feet wider aperture of f / 5.6, which is used in 'dark' kit lenses at the long end. In numerical terms, this means that Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) is approximately 10 times brighterthan, for example, whale Nikon 18-55 / 3.5-5.6which uses a maximum relative aperture of only 50: 1 over a 5.6 mm focal length. The calculation of the difference in the relative aperture (count the aperture) is performed elementarily: 5.6 * 5.6: 1.8: 1.8 = 9.679, which is rounded to the value '10'.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

History

The first lens from Yongnuo Digital is fifty dollars for Canon EOS cameras - Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8) introduced December 27, 2014.

July 10, 2015 in Shanghai was represented version Yongnuo AF-S 50mm 1: 1.8 (AF-S 50mm 1.8, for Nikon cameras). The lens was labeled 'AF-S' and the depth of field was F / 22. Near the thread for the light filter was the inscription 'YONGNUO AF-S 50mm 1.8', near the depth of field scale was the inscription 'AF-S 50mm 1: 1.8'.

On May 7, 2016, the 'YONGNUO Ø58mm YN50mm F1.8' lens went on sale (without the 'AF-S' lettering, without the 'N' lettering and with the depth of field scale for f / 16). Most likely Yongnuo AF-S 50mm 1: 1.8 was just a prototype, its optical design and type of focusing motor will remain unknown.

Some time later, the letter 'N' was added to the lens name - YONGNUO Ø58mm YN50mm F1.8N... 'N' is short for 'Nikon ', after which the lens took the form shown in this review.

On May 14, 2018, an updated version for Canon cameras was presented - Yongnuo Lens 50mm 1: 1.8 II (model YN50mm F1.8II). After 2 weeks, on May 30, 2018, a faster version for Canon cameras was announced - Yongnuo Lens 50mm 1: 1.4 (model YN50mm F1.4). August 18, 2018 was introduced YONGNUO YN50mm F1.4N E.

YONGNUO Ø58mm YN50mm F1.8N

YONGNUO Ø58mm YN50mm F1.8N


All Yongnuo Lenses

Bayonet mount Sony FE [DF, FULL FRAME] и Sony E[DA,APS-C]:

  1. yongnuo 11 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM WL S [announcement]
  2. yongnuo 16 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM S [announcement]
  3. yongnuo 35 mm 1: 2 DF DSM S [review]
  4. yongnuo 50 mm 1: 1.8 DF DSM S [announce]
  5. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM S [overview]
  6. yongnuo 85 mm 1: 1.8 DF DSM S [review]
  7. yongnuo 85 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM S II [announcement]

Bayonet mount Canon RF (mirrorless full frame):

  1. yongnuo 35 mm 1: 2 DF DSM R [review]
  2. yongnuo 35 mm 1:2 CR [announcement]
  3. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM R [to be announced]
  4. yongnuo 85 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM R (two subversions with different names) [review]

Bayonet mount Nikon Z [DF, FULL FRAME + DA,APS-C]::

  1. yongnuo 11 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM WL Z [announcement]
  2. yongnuo 35 mm 1:2 DF DSM Z [announcement]
  3. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM Z [announcement]
  4. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM Z [review]
  5. yongnuo 85 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM Z [announcement]

Bayonet mount fujifilm x [DA,APS-C]:

  1. yongnuo 11 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM WL X [announcement]
  2. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM X Pro [Announcement]
  3. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM X [announcement + overview]

For the system Micro 4 / 3:

  1. yongnuo 25 mm 1: 1.7 [review]
  2. yongnuo 42.5 mm 1: 1.7 [review]
  3. yongnuo 42.5 mm 1:1.7 II [overview]
  4. yongnuo 12-35 mm 1:2.8-4 STM ASPH MACRO [announcement]

Bayonet mount Nikon f (mirrored full frame):

  1. yongnuo 14 mm 1: 2.8 [overview]
  2. yongnuo 35 mm 1: 2 [overview]
  3. yongnuo 40 mm 1: 2.8 [overview]
  4. yongnuo 50 mm 1: 1.8 [review]
  5. yongnuo 50 mm 1: 1.4 E [overview]
  6. yongnuo 60 mm 1:2 MACRO MF [overview]
  7. yongnuo 85 mm 1: 1.8 [overview]
  8. yongnuo 100 mm 1: 2 [overview]

Bayonet mount Canon EF (mirrored full frame):

  1. yongnuo 14 mm 1:2.8 [review N]
  2. yongnuo 35 mm 1: 2 [review]
  3. yongnuo 35 mm 1: 1.4 [overview]
  4. yongnuo 35 mm 1: 1.4C DF UWM [announce]
  5. yongnuo 50 mm 1: 1.8 [overview]
  6. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 II [overview]
  7. yongnuo 50 mm 1: 1.4 [overview]
  8. yongnuo 60 mm 1:2 MACRO MF [review N]
  9. yongnuo 85 mm 1: 1.8 [review]
  10. yongnuo 100 mm 1: 2 [overview]

Cameras:

  1. Yongnuo YN433 (2023, Micro 4/3, 20 MP, 4K)
  2. Yongnuo YN455 (2021, Micro 4/3, 20 MP, 4K)
  3. Yongnuo YN450/450M (2019, Micro 4/3 -> Canon EF, 16 MP, 4K)

Lenses and cameras and many other products from Yongnuo can easily be found at Authorized Yongnuo Dealer / Store on Aliexpres.

My video on all Yongnuo lenses here.


Yongnuo Digital lenses replicate the optical design of older Canon EOS lenses. Usually, a version for Canon comes out first, and after a while for Nikon. For other popular SLR systems (Pentax, Sony, Sigma, Micro 4/3), Yongnuo does not produce lenses. And Yongnuo Digital teleconverters exist, at the moment, and at all only for Canon EOS cameras.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Main technical characteristics of YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N):

Review Instance Name Near the front lens: YONGNUO Ø58mm YN50mm F1.8N. On the case: 50mm 1: 1.8 SN0011346. On the box: YONGNUO DIGITAL YN50mm F1.8N standart prime lens
Basic properties
  • The lens is designed for full-length cameras. Nikon fx
  • Built micro focus motoranalog Nikon AF-I
  • The lack of aperture control ring, transmission of the focusing distance to the camera, analog Nikon G
  • AF / MF (Auto Focus - Mannual Focus) - the lens is equipped with a focus mode switch
  • During focusing, there is no elongation or rotation of the body frame (analogue of internal focusing)
  • Multi-enlightened optics (type and quality of enlightenment unknown)
  • Design copied from Nikon 50 / 1.8G, optical design copied from YONGNUO LENS EF 50mm 1: 1.8.
  • Gold-plated microcircuit contacts (gold is not confirmed there)
  • Metal mount
  • Light weight and low cost
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use.
Front Filter Diameter 58 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length 50 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 75 mm
Zoom ratio 1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by for full and cropped Nikon digital cameras
Number of aperture blades 7 rounded petals
Tags focusing distance in meters and feet, depth of field for F / 16, mark of bayonet mount and hood mount
Diaphragm from F / 1.8 to F / 16, without aperture ring, lens analog Nikon G.
MDF 0.45 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 6.7
The weight  203 g

(since about 2018, the weight of some lenses is 177 grams)

Optical design 6 elements in 5 groups. The lens does not use special optical elements in its optical design.

Optical design YONGNUO YN 50mm F1.8

The optical design is identical to the lens. YONGNUO LENS EF 50mm 1: 1.8.

Also, a similar optical scheme is used by lenses:

Optical design like a double lens of Gaus (i.e. this is Planar).

Lens hood Plastic, bayonet type. The model is unknown. It can be supplied.
Manufacturer country The country of manufacture is not indicated on the lens case. But, in fact, the lens is made in China.
Period Available May 7, 2016. Prototype shown July 10, 2015.
Instructions View my scan (English only)
Price View on Aliexpress from a trusted seller

For some reason, on the network, I met very little information directly about the fifty dollars from Yongnuo for Nikon cameras, because in this review I tried to add as much useful information as possible on the YN50mm F1.8N.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Assembly

The lens came to me for review almost new. Before sending it for review, the owner used it for only a few days.

In a small box is a warranty card, instructions in Chinese and English, and the lens itself with a front (YN-58) and a back cover. The box is made in the colors typical of the golden boxes of Nikon Nikkor lenses. What the copy from this review did not have was a protective film on the front and rear lenses, which originally comes with the lens.

The lens is well assembled. It's nice that, unlike the version Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8The Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N version has a metal mount mount. The focus ring is rubberized. It is stated that the contacts of the microcircuits are gold-plated to improve the passage of current.

Of the shortcomings I want to highlight:

  • The focus ring has a slight backlash.
  • If you press the diaphragm lead (the tab for controlling the diaphragm) from the bayonet side, it will be noticeable that the aperture blades not only close / open but also move back and forth towards the front or rear lens. In other lenses, I did not observe such a looseness of the aperture mechanism. I can’t tell how critical this behavior of the diaphragm mechanism is. During real photography, I did not have any problems with the aperture. True, there are rumors in the network that the diaphragm mechanism is a weak link in this lens.
  • Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N weighs 20 grams heavier than the original Nikon 50 / 1.8G, from which the case design was copied (185 vs 203 grams). However, in my hands I got another new Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N, made at the end of 2018 and its weight is 177 grams.
  • Also, it's a pity that I didn't find a hood in the package. At the same time, some Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N lenses come with a plastic bayonet type hood. It is not known why not all YN50mm F1.8N lenses are equipped with a hood.
  • Several times during high-speed continuous shooting, the camera lost contact with the lens. To restore performance, it was necessary to disconnect the lens and reinstall it on the camera. This situation occurred several times on different cameras, which indicates a problem with the lens, not the camera.
  • Unlike Nikon 50 / 1.8GThe Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is not dust- and waterproof rubber lens mount seal.
  • There is no inscription about the country of manufacture on the lens case. Of course, we all know very well that the lens is made in China, but still the lack of information on the product itself only adds to the alarm.

The diameter of the front filter is 58 mm, the same diameter uses Nikon 50 / 1.8G and many other lenses.

I want to note that the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N (for Nikon cameras) is better made than Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8 (for Canon cameras). Unlike the version for Canon cameras, it uses a metal lens mount, virtually internal focusing, has a window with a focusing distance, the depth of field scale, a more elaborate AF / MF switch and can use a bayonet type hood.

UPDATE 1: With some cameras and some instances of the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N, the access to the memory card indicator blinks when turned off. Most likely the camera constantly 'disconnects / connects' the lens. The exact cause is unknown.

UPDATE 2: With some cameras, the battery power decreases when turned off.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Focusing

The lens has built-in focus motor DC-type (DDirectly Current Motor- ordinary DC motor). To be precise, the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is an analog of the Nikon series lenses AF-I. Unlike lenses Nikon AF-Sthat use ultrasonic focusing motors Nikon SWMold lenses Nikon AF-I use a built-in buzzing micro focus motor similar to the Yongnuo DC.

The lens will automatically focus on all Nikon DSLR cameraseven on amateur series models Nikon DXthat do not have a built-in focus motor: D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600as well as mirrorless cameras Nikon Z with adapter FTZ / FTZ II.

When focusing the motor is noisy. Strange, but the noise level is much lower than the lens Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8. It is very good that the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N noise is less than non-motor Nikon 50 / 1.8D. Sorry, but low noise from the ultrasonic motor Nikon 50 / 1.8G he does not compare.

Auto focusing on the lens is enough fast. Auto focus speed comparable to Nikon 50 / 1.8G.

When used on a camera Nikon D90 (with unpretentious Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system), as well as on the camera Nikon D70 (with super-simple Multi-CAM 900 focusing system), the lens behaves well, rarely focuses incorrectly. I had no problems with focus accuracy and focus. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the focus. On camera Nikon D90 I checked the presence of the back and focus front at different focusing distances (infinity and MDF as well). Pictures taken using the Live View mode (which does not suffer from back / front focus) were used as a measure. Focusing accuracy using phase sensors completely coincided with the Live View mode.

I have a lot of experience with the lens Nikon 50 / 1.8D. I want to note that, nevertheless, the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N focuses in the general case not as confidently as the original lens.

When focusing, the front lens group moves in the middle of the frame of the housing. I can’t say that the lens has internal focus. But when focusing the lens does not change its size, and the filter is wound on a fixed outer part of the frame of the housing. This type of focusing can also be found in Nikon 50 / 1.8G и Nikon 50 / 1.4G.

The focus ring is rubberized and rotates approximately 80 degrees. When extreme positions are reached, the ring abuts. The focus distance scale rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of the focus ring (I see this for the first time!). Manual aiming is not very convenient. During manual focusing, you can hear 'plastic rubbing against plastic'.

The lens barrel has an 'AF / MF' (auto focus / manual focus) focus mode switch. During autofocus, the focus ring remains stationary and can be freely rotated 360 degrees without affecting focus.

The lens has a window with a focus distance scale in meters and feet, as well as a depth of field scale for F / 16. The minimum focusing distance is 45 cm, and the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 6.7 (typical for similar fifty dollars).

Other features:

  1. Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N has no focus problems in Live View (tested on Nikon D90).
  2. The lens transmits the focus distance to the subject in the camera (analog Nikon D, Nikon G).
  3. Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N has a slightly pronounced 'Focus Breathing' effect (changing the viewing angle during focusing). During focusing towards the MDF, the viewing angle decreases.
  4. The viewing angle of the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is slightly wider than that of Nikon 50 / 1.8D. It may seem that the focal length of the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is closer to 45 mm.
  5. Focusing is performed by simultaneously moving the entire lens block (all lenses) relative to the focal plane.
  6. Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N does not have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external temperature conditions. For accurate aiming at infinity, you cannot just bring the focus ring to its extreme position.
  7. Important: YN50mm F1.8N has a small focus-shift (shift-focus). During aperture, the exact focus moves away from the lens. The level of shift is the same as that of Nikon 50 / 1.8D.
  8. Important: Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is a third-party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with the new Nikon cameras, which will be presented after the announcement of this lens. Details on this issue are considered by me. here.
  9. Important: I have already met on the net that the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N does not automatically focus with some Nikon cameras. And also I met information that the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N may suffer from a strong twitching of focus. Obvious problems are observed with the model Nikon D300s.
  10. Important: this instance suffers from front focus on the camera Nikon D40, which is used by the owner of this lens (according to the owner).
  11. Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.
  12. Unknown compatibility with adapter FT-1 for Nikon 1 system cameras.

To summarize, then the lens is focused with focusand the clever design of the housing and 'AF / MF' switch make the YN50mm F1.8N more convenient to use than Nikon 50 / 1.8D.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Image quality

The color rendering is pleasant, in some ways even better than the original Nikon 50 / 1.8D. Also, I want to note that enlightenment in versions Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8 and Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) visually very different. Most likely the version for Nikon uses updated enlightenment.

Chromatic aberration was not without. Friging (green and purple contours of contrasting objects in the blur zone, example).

In the center of the frame, the lens is sharp enough already at F / 1.8. Confident sharpness in the center of the frame comes with F / 2.2-F / 2.5. At f / 2.8 aperture, the lens in the center of the frame is very good. On full-format cameras, there will most likely be a noticeable subsidence of sharpness at the corners and edges of the image.

The vignetting level on APS-C cameras is low even at F / 1.8. I did not have a 58 mm filter on hand to check how much it could affect vignetting.

The level of distortion is small.

The lens well tolerates back and side light. The deep-set front lens contributes to this. The frame of the case works like a small hood. In rare cases, you can get a slight rainbow stratification of the rays and small glare. With an optional bayonet hood installed, backlit and side-light operation should improve. From bright objects to achieve the effect of a 14-ray star pretty hard. Due to the rounded petals, the effect occurs only on strongly covered diaphragms (example), while the formed star is not very beautiful and poorly expressed.

I want to separately highlight in bold, which is optically YN50mm F1.8N no worse than the original Nikon 50 / 1.8D. Laboratory tests may even show the superiority of the YN50mm F1.8N. True, modern Nikon cameras can automatically correct some flaws. Nikon 50 / 1.8Dsuch as vignetting, distortion, chromatic aberration etc., in the case of the YN50mm F1.8N, third-party software (or not) must be used to remove distortion.

On open apertures, the bokeh of the lens is no different Nikon 50 / 1.8D и Canon 50 / 1.8 II. The reason for this the same similar optical design. Below is a GIF animation of the optical circuit for six of these lenses:

Optical design of lenses: YONGNUO LENS EF 50mm 1: 1.8, Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N (from review), Canon Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8, Canon Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8 II, Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:18 STM, Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor

Optical schemes of lenses: YONGNUO LENS EF 50mm 1: 1.8, Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N (from review), Canon Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8, Canon Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8 II, Canon Lens EF 50mm 1: 18 STM, Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor

Sample photos on Nikon D70

Pictures from Nikon D70. Photos are shown without processing, on-camera JPEG. You can see the bokeh of the lens.

You can download the source files at this link (56 JPEG files).

Sample photos on Nikon D90

Pictures from Nikon D90. The photos in the gallery are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Nikon ViewNX-i utility without any additional adjustments.

You can download the source files at this link (70 RAW files).

Sample photos in processing

Several photos in processing can be viewed at 500px: 1, 2, etc.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

The sizes of the lenses are Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) and Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, NJ, NIKON JAPAN version)

Prices

Prices for Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 lens (YN50mm F1.8N) at aliexpress.com can see and buy at this link. On aliexpress.com this lens is sold at the cheapest prices. In all other places, for example, in local stores of the former CIS countries, Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 is much more expensive.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Enlightenment of the front lens of the Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 lens (YN50mm F1.8N)

My experience

A cheap fifty for Nikon non-motorized cameras is very good. Motorized camera owners could always afford to buy a pretty one Nikon 50 / 1.8D for only 90-110 dollars. But for owners of non-motorized cameras had to buy a more expensive Nikon 50 / 1.8G (170-200 dollars). With the advent of Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8, you can afford a brand new fifty dollars with an integrated focus motor for $ 80.

I relate to the YN50mm F1.8N quite warmly and am glad that amateurs have the opportunity to cheaply buy a high-aperture fifty. I'm also glad that the YN50mm F1.8N turned out to be better overall than Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8. It’s only a pity that the Nikon version costs half the price of the Canon version.

Important: This lens is primarily intended for amateur photographers (not professionals or advanced amateurs!) who will be careful about their photo equipment and not use it in conditions with a heavy load (weddings, reports, extreme conditions, etc.). I saw with my own eyes how my colleague, during a lens change, dropped Nikon 50 / 1.8D from a meter height onto a concrete floor. The lens received only a tiny scratch on the body, but this did not affect its functionality. I don't think the Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 will stand up to this test.

Of course, the stress resistance of Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 is not comparable to the old manual lenses Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 1: 2 f = 5cm or Nikon Nikkor-SC Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm, or MS Helios-81H 2/50... However, for most tasks, I would have preferred the presence of autofocus in front of a sturdy, quality body. Users who are looking towards the YN50mm F1.8N are often strapped for funds and faced with a choice: 'This Chinese' or 'Japanese manual'? In personal messages I am very often asked this question. Usually I give the answer that for photography in general it is better to "Chinese", and for video shooting (where automatic focus is not so important) - any "Japanese manual".

If to summarize completely all my experience with the lens, here is my brief recommendation: YN50mm F1.8N can be safely bought for Nikon non-motorized cameras (exact list here) For cameras with built-in focus motor (exact list here) it is better to take the original Nikon 50 / 1.8D (does not matter, used or new).

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 Lens Box (YN50mm F1.8N)

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 Lens Box (YN50mm F1.8N)


All Nikon 50 / 1.8 Autofocus Lenses

  1. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor (first version, MKI) - the lens was produced only in Japan from 1986 to 1990. It is easy to distinguish by a window with a focusing distance and a narrow plastic focus ring. There are two subversions that are no different:
    • MKI first subversion. Weighing 210 grams. It is easy to distinguish by the screw under the inscription '1: 1.8'. From September 1986 to March 1987. Serial numbers start at 2
    • MKI second version. Weighing 165 grams. It is easy to distinguish by the absence of a screw under the inscription '1: 1.8'. From 1987 to 1990. Serial numbers start at 3.
  2. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor (second version, MKII, also known as the 'N', or the 'NEW' version) - the lens was produced in Japan and China. The MK II version was produced from 1990 to 2001. There are three subversions that are no different:
  3. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor (third version, MKIIIbetter known as 'D'-version) - the lens is available from 2002 to this day. All lenses are made in China.
  4. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical (fourth version, MKIVbetter known as '1.8 G'-version or '1.8 AF-S' version) - the lens has been produced since 2011, all lenses are made in China.
  5. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical Special Edition (fifth version, MKVbetter known as version 'Special Edition' or 'SE' or version for the camera with a retro design of the case Nikon Df) - the lens has been available since the fall of 2013. All lenses are made in China.
  6. Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm 1: 1.8 S, from summer 2018, lens for mirrorless cameras with Nikon Z mount... Diagram of 12 elements in 9 groups, 2 ED, 2 ASP.

Details on the lineup of fifty dollars from Nikon can be found in my article 'All Nikon autofocus fifty dollars'.

I want to note that the MKI, MKII, MKII versions use the same 6/5 optical circuitry, similar to the YN50mm F1.8N.

Versions MKIV, MKV use the updated optical scheme 7/6.

Differences from Nikon 50 / 1.8G

The main differences between Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical:

  • YN50mm F1.8N is a newer lens introduced 5 years after the release Nikon 50 / 1.8G.
  • YN50mm F1.8N is 18 grams heavier Nikon 50 / 1.8G. The YN50mm F1.8N does not come with an integrated hood.
  • У Nikon 50 / 1.8G Yes rubber lens mount sealwhich makes the mount mounts dustproof and waterproof.
  • Lenses use different focus motors. YN50mm F1.8N uses a conventional micro motor, Nikon 50 / 1.8G uses a Nikon SWM ultrasonic motor. The focusing speed is practically the same.
  • Nikon 50 / 1.8G has the ability to constantly manually control the focusM / A'. For manual focusing, YN50mm F1.8N must be set to the 'MF' position.
  • Different optical schemes. Nikon 50 / 1.8G uses a more modern optical scheme, including one aspherical element, which allows to achieve better image, especially on open diaphragms.
  • Modern Nikon cameras can automatically correct some lens distortion Nikon 50 / 1.8G. With the YN50mm F1.8N, some image enhancement functions will not be available, since this lens is not in the memory of modern cameras.
  • Cost of new Nikon 50 / 1.8G about 2-3 times the cost of the new YN50mm F1.8N.

Differences from Nikon 50 / 1.8D

The main differences between Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) and Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor:

  • YN50mm F1.8N is a newer lens introduced 14 years after the release Nikon 50 / 1.8D.
  • Lenses use a completely different body design. Visually Nikon 50 / 1.8D much smaller YN50mm F1.8N.
  • Nikon 50 / 1.8D about 50 grams lighter than the YN50mm F1.8N.
  • The YN50mm F1.8N uses a built-in micro focus motor to focus. Nikon 50 / 1.8D It does not have a built-in focus motor and focuses due to the focus motor built into the camera. This is one of the main functional differences between the lenses.
  • Unlike Nikon 50 / 1.8D, during focusing, the YN50mm F1.8N does not have a barrel extension.
  • Modern Nikon cameras can automatically correct some lens distortion Nikon 50 / 1.8D. With the YN50mm F1.8N, some image enhancement functions will not be available, since this lens is not in the memory of modern cameras.
  • Nikon 50 / 1.8D It has an aperture control ring that the YN50mm F1.8N does not have.
  • New Nikon 50 / 1.8D It costs a bit more than the new YN50mm F1.8N.

To summarize, it turns out that the Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 mixture Nikon 50 / 1.8D и Nikon 50 / 1.8G. From Nikon 50 / 1.8G he took control and body design, and from Nikon 50 / 1.8D took the optical circuit. Functionally, Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 is still closer to Nikon 50 / 1.8G.

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

Yongnuo 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) with original covers

Video review

A brief video review can be viewed on my Youtube channeleither here:


Results

Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) – cheap analog Nikon 50 / 1.8G (only about 100 dollars from this link) is optically close to Nikon 50 / 1.8D. No matter how strange it sounds, the YN50mm F1.8N is a perfectly suitable lens. Given the price / performance ratio, I recommend it to all amateur photographers who want to join the world of fast auto focus lenses.

UPDATE: review appeared Yongnuo 35mm 1: 2 (model YN35mm F2N).

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 315, on the topic: Review YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)

  • Jury

    The lens came with a strong front focus, impossible to use. I sent it back ...

    • anonym

      What an entertaining opus

  • Jury

    Itself also recently acquired this lens, a strong front focus. The d3000 carcass was lying idle, set the focus for this lens (if you put on another, it would be a terrible soap), I did not send it to China, because I don’t know how useful it is in the financial part of the issue. It is a pity that I read the comments too late, I would add money and buy 50 1.8g used.

  • Volodymyr

    And I have the front focus of this lens. Who has experience, what can be done?

    • Vitaly N

      And where is the target? It should be perpendicular to the axis of the lens, and not drawn on an inclined plane.

      • Volodymyr

        It seems like you need to do ..

        • anonym

          This is the target line. In parallel with the matrix, a leaf with a target (cross) should be bent.

  • Michael

    Practice has shown that it doesn’t work out very well, and all sorts of inscriptions on a piece of paper sometimes mislead the trick. It is better to put something contrasting on the line, keep the camera as perpendicular as possible to this object (the axis of the lens is parallel to the sheet). The main thing here is that the marking is well read, for this they recommend 45 degrees.

    • Volodymyr

      Gentlemen, thanks for the advice on the verification technique, but the question was about a different matter.
      I have no doubt about the front focus. Here is a photo of his wife, focused on one point, on her face. The face is porridge, the grass in front of it is sharp. And do not comment on the photo. What can be done? Service center? Hands where to tighten what? Shoot in Live view (it’s better to get it like that).

      • Michael

        Well, yes, the focus is not on the face, but somewhere on the left knee (with the arm). You can tighten the focus correction if the camera is advanced, otherwise the service center will help. But I don’t know if Yong has it?

        • US6IBD

          The problem is not in the lens, but in the device. Even professional FF devices often miss when focusing on faces when there are objects that are very contrasting and saturated in terms of the number of small details near the focus point.
          A correction of the back / focus front of the lens is best done not on a target inclined at 45 degrees, but on any newspaper attached to the wall parallel to the plane of the matrix.
          Take a picture with minus correction (-5 ... -10), with zero and plus (+ 5 ... + 10), (if the camera allows, of course), each time knocking down the focus manually, and then compare 3 pictures. Most likely, you will have no doubts about lens alignment.

          • Michael

            Professional focus normally. This is more talk in favor of the poor and pentaxists. Here the focus was on the face, and in fact on the knee. If you make a mistake, the focus would go to the background. If there is no problem with other lenses, then the camera is not to blame

  • Volodymyr

    Gentlemen, here’s a very, very idiotic question, but I don’t understand everything.
    1. Why buy a 1,8 lens and cover the aperture to 2,8 for sharpness? Why not take a 2,8 lens right away?
    2. If at 1,8 such a small DOF, then when can you use 1,8 at all?
    3. And why then 1,4, if there is even less DOF?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      1. Covering the aperture improves the image quality characteristics. It at least becomes sharper. Also, lighter lenses simplify sighting and focusing.
      2. Just to take and use, the depth of field depends not only on the aperture, but also on the focusing distance. For many tasks 1.8 is quite suitable.
      3. Ultra-fast lenses allow you to shoot at faster shutter speeds or lower ISO, which is very, very important. At the same apertures, usually aperture lenses have better optical performance (if we talk about lenses of similar ages)

  • Oleg

    From the material I realized that the YN50mm F1.8 lens can be bought, and from the comments I realized that it’s not worth it.
    But. The challenge ..

    • Vitaly N

      China and a highly simplified design. If we get lucky. Moreover, it can be unlucky with your camera, working well for others. I faced this when I was getting rid of the Yagovskaya 35. Sometimes I didn't want to refocus on my 3200, I never hit the 5200 - a frantic front focus. EA d700 has earned flawlessly ...

  • Michael

    Bought that year in the summer. It seems the photos are nice. But this fall, when photographing, autofocus disappeared, it says that some kind of mistake. Maybe someone knows where in Kharkov this can be fixed?

  • Alexander Topilsky

    about the stress resistance to crashes of these lenses, let me disagree, I have 35 ka from this manufacturer - and what he just didn’t survive in due time…. and falls and rain and snow…. - the smoking-room is still alive!

  • TwentyKarantino

    For those who do not want to read a lot, there are some disadvantages.
    I bought two years ago on Ali for $ 68. Thought it was there)) happiness for my D5100) happiness, as expected, was Chinese))
    Pluses only in the characteristics.
    Plastic. When focusing, the feeling of rubbing plastic on plastic. The motor hums, the lens creaks, as if a wheel on a cart is not smeared with tar. Accuracy of focusing on open - disgusting)) 8 out of 10 - by! At what - part in the front, part in the back. No adjustments, even on the D7200, help, because it is impossible to determine with undershoot or overflights.
    Eerie chromatic aberrations. Irreparable. Even if it gets (occasionally) into focus - soft on the open. Moreover, this is far from pleasant Tokin's portrait scattering.
    To "try" something fast - try Soviet manuals)) or native f / 1.8)) they are now on the secondary housing for 100 bucks - a dime a dozen, a wagon and a small cart)))

    • Denis

      usually summed up as "great for a beginner"

      • TwentyKarantino

        as it would sound to me: A good option is to forever discourage a beginner from changing a whale to a fast fix)))

  • JVC

    The D750 is just fine. Autofocus does not miss, even in poor lighting conditions. Work since open. There are no gears in the bokeh, a terrible focus noise and jerks when manually focusing, like in the native D. It is half the price of the native G. In short, excellent price-quality ratio.

  • Victor

    I have been using the lens since 2018. Nikon d 3000 and Nikon d 5200. I am completely satisfied. Reading the reviews, I think, probably here, some gourmets are snickering, or who did not have a lens.

  • SERGEI

    I got a lens for Nikon 3200 I can't complain yet. Focusing is fast and tenacious. I mostly shoot close-ups. I only shoot a crop for six months, mostly I take 4/3 for trips. I like this lens more than Nikon 18-70

  • Firear

    Be sound, boyars!
    I have one, bought it from my hands, but completely new. He takes very good portraits for my non-professional taste. But I would like to try detailed photography, like here, in the review, beautiful twigs and fragments of the landscape. I want to ask for advice, what kind of filter can I buy for it and what type of hood do I need?
    Thank you in advance…

    • Arkady Shapoval

      This can be shot without a filter and hood. Any filter for 58 mm, the main thing is to determine the budget. The hood is most likely the same as that of the 50 1.8g - Nikon HB-47, or its equivalent. But the hood is optional here.

      • Firear

        Thank you, Arkady! If the hood is optional, that's fine. But sometimes I like to click against the light, sometimes the angle itself asks for it. But the filter, I think, will not hurt for such cases. I'll look at the secondary housing, we can have something suitable for the request and a pocket. 😁

  • Firear

    Hello, Arkady!
    I came across an interesting Chinese portrait portrait for Nikon.
    Cen chameleon 85mm f1,8
    But I did not find a review on it here. Do you know this miracle of hostile technology? Can you say something for him? The seller switches to the elite Nikon line and sells this portrait lens for a very sweet price. Here I am scratching my turnips, is it worth taking. According to the photo and the seller's statement, the condition is perfect.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Some kind of know-it, I have not met. The state may be perfect, let him send you a couple of sources from it on the open

      • Firear

        I asked him for this service. If you send it, I'll let you know right away. I am interested in the opinion of a specialist. I don't mind buying a portrait high-aperture fix, but I want to know what you are taking ...
        So far, the ad contains only one photo from it. Here is a screen:

      • Firear

        Arkady, he threw me a link to a Chinese site. But there are only krakozyabry and a photo of this eye.
        https://item.m.jd.com/product/10966025476.html
        And here are his links to a couple of sources, as you asked:
        https://drive.google.com/file/d/199X_h36ovmC5DTYCBoRt0m_Q_UuzQsJu/view

        https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Te_2VCkAFx-8_hij98U1vo9u4tSkBW9o/view
        For my taste and understanding of an amateur, it’s very bad! 👍

        • Alex

          Sharpness is not very good when open. Better look towards Yongnuo 100 f2.0. IMHO, it will be much better.

          • Firear

            Thank you for your advice. Yes, the fingers are really cyanotic, I didn't notice right away. I am a beginner amateur, I am swimming in many more issues. Until he gave his consent to purchase, I expect what the luminaries of photography will say here. No way without you! 😊
            Yongnuo will definitely look! I have one of his namesake. The only one who survived the theft of all my photo treasures. 😥Fixed prime, portrait lens, 50mm f 1,8.

          • Firear

            Found one like this. 8 thousand putinok are asking for it.
            Does Yongnuo seem to have no autofocus eyes at all? Some fixes come across ...

        • Alex

          And chromatic aberrations are quite noticeable even on not very contrasting details. See the girl's fingers in the second photo.

    • Rodion

      I saw these under another brand, like nothing good ...

      • Firear

        Thank you, Rodion.

        • Firear

          Rodion, if I read between the lines correctly, would you advise taking it?

  • Yurchik

    I have been reading Radozhiva for 4 years already, I have changed 3 carcasses during this time. Thanks to the author for his work. (Arkady Shapoval, correct if you made a mistake ..)

    I bought a Nikon 50mm, 1,8D lens for the Nikon D5100 a month ago. To be honest, in good lighting conditions, manual focusing is not a problem. But in low light, it's a disaster, you have to navigate by the indicator in the video finder. On Monday I will take this Jungnuo with a motor. I'm testing it and I'll unsubscribe in a week.
    I take it from my hands, used, but almost new. Let's see.

    • Ivan

      Viewfinder, not video finder.
      That is, now you have D5100, and what two previous cameras did you have?

  • Sun

    Soon as it will be 2 years old, I use yaga, I did not even have a thought to change it to my own fifty dollars, fire pictures, I transfer from d3200 to d7100 if necessary, and I did not know any problems, My personal conclusion is an excellent lens, I can add - the pictures reach 38 Evards take part in principle free of charge, maybe they would go on…. I took it on Ali, I think I need to look at the seller, read the reviews))

    • B. R. P.

      Lenses are not made by sellers ...

  • Vyacheslav

    Tell me which hood is suitable for this lens.

    • Vyacheslav

      I found out that after all it is HB-47 from Nikon.

  • Anatoly

    Bіlya three rockіv koristuvavsya ob'ktivom. This is how it happened, in the same copy, in the review. Recently remembered for Nikon AF-S 50mm. Not just heaven and earth, but space and land ...

  • Kirill

    My copy has no front / back focus, but the 2 aperture blades form a jagged heptagon. Shot at f1.8

  • Arkady Shapoval

    It just so happens that I have used almost all Yongnuo lenses. Added YouTube videos for all Yongnuo lenses (generations, lineups, etc.) https://youtu.be/AfQ76sAwIac

  • Paul

    Good day. Yongnuo 50mm 1.8, how does it behave for shooting portraits and landscapes at night?

    • Rodion

      Well, they definitely can't take pictures of landscapes on an open night - these lenses have too bad edges. Portraits of norms, but I don't have to rely on AF too much at night, I think.

  • Igor

    Good day! I got such a lens with a nikon d5300 camera. The first day everything is fine, and then, after disconnecting from the carcass, autofocus disappeared. The lens just fell off. Shows no signs of life. Worked once and stopped again. Manually focuses, the aperture is set on the camera (it works as it should). That's sad - what to do?

    • B. R. P.

      What do you want from Yong? Now, probably, only manually focus. (

    • Arkady Shapoval

      there's probably nothing you can do

  • Valery

    On my Chinese, immediately after the purchase, I found a glitch: when the lens is connected, the computer does not see the camera. Everything else is the same as yours.

  • Alex

    I bought it for myself after reading this article, there is no back or front focus. The edges on the open lather. Macro shot everything in the open. Camera Nikon D3000 colors were not correct, the settings are standard
    https://ibb.co/R3h08rG
    https://ibb.co/R3SWtBp
    https://ibb.co/FwzN0KH
    https://ibb.co/3mhbPmv

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