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

Huge thanks to Oleg Redkach for providing the YONGNUO 50mm 1:1.8 lens (YN50mm F1.8N, for Nikon cameras).

YONGNUO 50mm 1:1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N). The lens is shown on a Nikon EL2 film SLR camera . 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. Conclusion
18. User Comments
19. Add your review or question on the lens

Important : Please note that the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8 lens models for Nikon and Canon differ significantly in appearance. Lenses from third-party manufacturers such as Tokina, Tamron, Sigma, Carl Zeiss, and others typically have very similar barrel designs for their different systems.

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

In short

The Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) is a very affordable, fast 50mm lens from the Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo Digital. This lens replicates the body design of the original Nikon 50mm 1.8G and the optical properties of the Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 . Overall, it's a good lens . The Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is primarily of interest to owners of Nikon cameras without a motor . For those with a Nikon camera with a built-in focus motor, there's the excellent and affordable Nikon 50mm 1.8D ( as well as a million subversions ).

The creative and practical potential of such a 50mm lens is difficult to overestimate. It is suitable for a wide range of photographic tasks. Amateur photographers often use it as a portrait lens. Many simply want a fast prime lens to complement their kit lens. For example, the f/1.8 aperture is more than three stops wider than the f/5.6 aperture used on the long end of "darker" kit lenses. In numerical terms, this means that the Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) is approximately 10 times brighter than, for example, the Nikon 18-55/3.5-5.6 kit lens , which at a 50mm focal length uses a maximum relative aperture of only 1:5.6. Calculating the difference in relative aperture (calculating the aperture ratio) is simple: 5.6*5.6:1.8:1.8=9.679, which is rounded to '10'.

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

History

The first lens from Yongnuo Digital was a 50mm lens for Canon EOS cameras – Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 (YN50mm F1.8), presented on December 27, 2014.

On July 10, 2015, the Yongnuo AF-S 50mm 1:1.8 ( AF-S 50mm 1.8 , for Nikon cameras) was unveiled in Shanghai . The lens was labeled 'AF-S', and the depth-of-field scale was f/22. Near the filter thread was the inscription 'YONGNUO AF-S 50mm 1.8', and 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 F1.8 N. 'N' is an abbreviation for ' N ikon', after which the lens took on the appearance 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

All Yongnuo Lenses

Mount Sony E [ DA , APS-C] + Sony FE [ DF , FULL FRAME] and :

1. yongnuo 11 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM WL [overview] (AMAZON)
2. yongnuo 16 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM [announcement] (AMAZON)
3. yongnuo 23 mm 1:1.4 DA DSM WL [announcement] (AMAZON)
4. yongnuo 33 mm 1:1.4 DA DSM WL [announcement] (AMAZON)
5. yongnuo 35 mm 1:1.8 DA ART [overview] (AMAZON)
6. yongnuo 35 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM WL [announcement] (AMAZON)
7. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM [overview] (AMAZON)
8. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM II [overview] (AMAZON)
9. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM III LITE [overview] (AMAZON)
10. yongnuo 56 mm 1:1.4 DA DSM WL [announcement] (AMAZON)
11. +
12. yongnuo 35 mm 1:2 DF DSM [overview] (AMAZON)
13. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM [announcement] (AMAZON)
14. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DF II LITE [overview] (AMAZON)
15. yongnuo 85 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM [overview] (AMAZON)
16. yongnuo 85 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM II [announcement] (AMAZON)

Canon RF Mount (Full Frame/APS-C):

1. Yongnuo 23/1.4 R WL APS-C (AMAZON)
2. Yongnuo 33/1.4 R WL APS-C (AMAZON)
3. Yongnuo 35/1.8R APS-C (AMAZON)
4. Yongnuo 50/1.8 R III Lite APS-C [overview] (AMAZON)
5. Yongnuo 56/1.4R APS-C (AMAZON)
6. +
7. yongnuo 35 mm 1:2 DF DSM R [overview] (AMAZON)
8. yongnuo 35 mm 1:2 CR [announcement] (AMAZON)
9. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DF II LITE [overview] (AMAZON)
10. yongnuo 85 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM R (two subversions with different names) [overview] (AMAZON)
11. yongnuo 85 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM II R [announcement] (AMAZON)

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

1. yongnuo 11 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM WL Z [overview] (AMAZON)
2. yongnuo 23 mm 1:1.4 DA DSM WL Z [announcement] (AMAZON)
3. yongnuo 33 mm 1:1.4 DA DSM WL Z [announcement] (AMAZON)
4. yongnuo 35 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM Z [announcement] (AMAZON)
5. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM Z [overview] (AMAZON)
6. yongnuo 56 mm 1:1.4 DA DSM WL [announcement] (AMAZON)
7. +
8. yongnuo 35 mm 1:2 DF DSM Z [announcement] (AMAZON)
9. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM Z [announcement] (AMAZON)
10. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM II Z LITE [overview] (AMAZON)
11. yongnuo 85 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM Z [announcement] (AMAZON)

FujiFilm X mount [ DA , APS-C] :

1. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM X Pro [Announcement] (AMAZON)
2. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM X [announcement + overview] (AMAZON)

For Micro 4/3 system :

1. yongnuo 17 mm 1:1.7 [announcement] (AMAZON)
2. yongnuo 25 mm 1:1.7 [overview] (AMAZON)
3. yongnuo 42.5 mm 1:1.7 [overview] (AMAZON)
4. yongnuo 42.5 mm 1:1.7 II [overview] (AMAZON)
5. yongnuo 12-35mm 1:2.8-4 STM ASPH MACRO [announcement] (AMAZON)

Nikon F mount (full frame mirror):

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

Bayonet mount Canon EF (mirrored full frame):

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

Cameras:

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

Lenses, cameras and many other products from Yongnuo can be easily found at the official Yongnuo dealer/store on Aliexpres.

My video on all Yongnuo lenses is here.

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

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

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)

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 Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 , the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N has a metal bayonet mount. The focusing ring is rubberized. The microcircuit contacts are said to be gold-plated to improve electrical conductivity.

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 front filter diameter is 58mm, the same diameter used by the Nikon 50/1.8G and many other lenses.

I'd like to point out that the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N (for Nikon cameras) is more well-made than the Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 (for Canon cameras). Unlike the Canon version, it uses a metal lens mount, features virtual internal focusing, a focusing distance window, a depth-of-field scale, a more sophisticated AF/MF switch, and can accommodate a bayonet-type lens hood.

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

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

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

Focusing

The lens has a built-in DC focus motor ( Direct Current Motor - a conventional DC electric motor). Specifically, the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is similar to Nikon's AF-I series lenses . Unlike Nikon's AF-S lenses, which use Nikon's SWM ultrasonic focus motors , older Nikon AF-I lenses use a built-in whirring 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.

The motor is noisy when focusing. Oddly, the noise level is significantly lower than that of the Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 . It's great that the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N is quieter than the non-motorized Nikon 50mm F1.8D . Unfortunately, it can't match the low noise level of the Nikon 50mm F1.8G's ultrasonic motor.

The lens's autofocus is quite fast . Its autofocus speed is comparable to that of the Nikon 50/1.8G.

When used on a Nikon D90 (with a simple Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system ) and a Nikon D70 (with a super-simple Multi-CAM 900 focusing system ), the lens performed well, rarely misfocusing. I had no problems with focusing accuracy and precision. I was pleasantly surprised by the focusing quality. On the Nikon D90 , I tested for back and front focus at various focusing distances (including infinity and MFD). I used shots taken in Live View mode (which does not suffer from back/front focus) as a benchmark. Focusing accuracy using phase detection sensors was completely consistent with that in Live View mode.

I have extensive experience with the Nikon 50mm/1.8D lens . I'd like to point out that the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N generally doesn't focus as reliably as the original lens.

When focusing, the front lens group moves in the center of the barrel. I can't say the lens has internal focusing. However, the lens doesn't change size when focusing , and the filter screws onto the fixed outer part of the barrel. This type of focusing can also be found on the Nikon 50/1.8G and Nikon 50/1.4G.

The focus ring is rubberized and rotates approximately 80 degrees. When reaching its extreme positions, the ring stops. The focusing distance scale rotates in the opposite direction to the focus ring (a first for me!). Manual focusing is not very convenient. When manually focusing, you can hear a "plastic rubbing against plastic" sound.

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, the lens's focusing is fine , and the well-thought-out design of the body and the 'AF/MF' switch make the YN50mm F1.8N more convenient to use than the Nikon 50/1.8D.

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

Image quality

Color rendition is pleasing, in some ways even better than the original Nikon 50mm/1.8D . I'd also like to point out that the coatings on the Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 and Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) versions are visually very different. Most likely, the Nikon version uses an updated coating.

Chromatic aberrations are not absent. Fringing is particularly noticeable (green and purple outlines of contrasting objects in out-of-focus areas, for 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 handles backlighting and sidelighting well, aided by the deep-set front element. The barrel acts as a small lens hood. In rare cases, slight rainbow-like flare and flare may be observed. With the optional bayonet hood installed, backlighting and sidelighting should improve. Achieving a 14-point star effect with bright objects is quite difficult. Due to the rounded blades, the effect only occurs at very small apertures ( example ), and the resulting star is not very beautiful and is poorly defined.

I'd like to emphasize that the YN50mm F1.8N is optically no worse than the original Nikon 50mm F1.8D . Lab tests may even show the YN50mm F1.8N's superiority. However, while modern Nikon cameras can automatically correct some of the Nikon 50mm F1.8D's shortcomings , such as vignetting, distortion, chromatic aberration , etc., with the YN50mm F1.8N, you'll have to use third-party software (or not use it at all) to correct these distortions.

At wide apertures, the lens's bokeh is no different from that of the Nikon 50/1.8D and Canon 50/1.8 II . This is due to the identical, similar optical design. Below is a GIF animation of the optical design for six similar lenses:

Optical schemes of lenses: YONGNUO LENS EF 50mm 1:1.8 , Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8N (from the 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

Photos taken with a Nikon D70 . These are unprocessed, on-camera JPEGs. You can see the lens bokeh.

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

Sample photos on Nikon D90

Photos taken with a Nikon D90 . The photos in the gallery are unprocessed; the original RAW files were converted using Nikon's ViewNX-i utility without any additional adjustments.

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

Sample photos in processing

You can see several photos in processing on my 500px: 1 , 2 , etc.

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

Prices

You can check prices for the Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) lens on aliexpress.com and purchase it using this link . This lens is sold at the lowest prices on aliexpress.com . Elsewhere, such as in local stores in the former Soviet Union, the Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 is considerably more expensive.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment.

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

My experience

A cheap 50mm f/1.8D for Nikon's motorless cameras is a great deal. Owners of motorized cameras have always been able to afford a nice Nikon 50mm f/1.8D for just $90-$110. But owners of motorless cameras had to buy the more expensive Nikon 50mm f/1.8G ($170-$200). With the release of the Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8, you can afford a brand new 50mm f/1.8D with a built-in focus motor for $80.

I'm quite fond of the YN50mm F1.8N and glad that enthusiasts now have the opportunity to buy a fast 50mm lens at a reasonable price. I'm also pleased that the YN50mm F1.8N is overall better than the Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 . It's just a shame that the Nikon version costs 50% more than the Canon version.

Important: This lens is primarily designed for amateur photographers (not professionals or advanced enthusiasts!) who will handle their equipment with care and avoid using it in harsh conditions (weddings, reportage, extreme conditions, etc.). I witnessed a colleague of mine drop a Nikon 50mm/1.8D from a height of over a meter onto a concrete floor while changing lenses. The lens sustained only a tiny scratch on the body, but it didn't affect its functionality. I don't think the Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 would survive such a test.

Of course, the Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8's stress resistance can't compare to the older manual focus lenses like the Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 1:2 f=5cm , Nikon Nikkor-SC Auto 1:1.4 f=50mm , or the MC Helios-81N 2/50 . However, for most tasks, I'd prefer autofocus over a sturdy, high-quality body. Users considering the YN50mm F1.8N are often strapped for cash and are faced with a choice: "this Chinese lens" or "a Japanese manual lens?" I'm often asked this question in private messages. I usually answer that the Chinese lens is generally better for photography, and any Japanese manual lens is better for video (where autofocus isn't as important).

To summarize my entire experience with this lens, here's my brief recommendation : the YN50mm F1.8N is a safe buy for Nikon cameras without a motor ( see the full list here ). For cameras with a built-in focus motor ( see the full list here ), it's better to get the original Nikon 50mm F1.8D (new or used, no matter).

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:
   
   • MIJ (MADE IN JAPAN)
   • NJ (NIKON JAPAN)
   • MIC (MADE IN CHINA)
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 Nikon 50mm f/40mm model range can be found in my article ' All Nikon autofocus 50mm f/40mm cameras '.

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 offers 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, the Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 is a hybrid of the Nikon 50/1.8D and Nikon 50/1.8G . It inherited its controls and body design from the Nikon 50/1.8G , and its optical design from the Nikon 50/1.8D . Functionally, the Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 is closer to the Nikon 50/1.8G.

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

Video review

You can watch a short video review on my YouTube channel , or here:

Conclusion

The Yongnuo 50mm 1:1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N) is a budget-friendly alternative to the Nikon 50/1.8G ( just around $100 at this link ) and is optically close to the Nikon 50/1.8D . As strange as it may sound, the YN50mm F1.8N is a perfectly acceptable lens. Given its price/performance ratio, I recommend it to any amateur photographer looking to enter the world of fast autofocus primes.

UPDATE: A review of the Yongnuo 35mm 1:2 (model YN35mm F2N) has appeared.

This material was prepared by Arkady Shapoval . The greatest support for the site is if you use links on this site, such as Amazon , when purchasing anything . It costs you nothing, but for this site, and therefore for my family, it's the main source of support.