Overview of YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 (YN100mm F2N, for Nikon)

The easiest and cheapest way to buy this lens from a trusted seller here (with cashback here).

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 (YN100mm F2N, for Nikon). Holy Grail for a amateur photographer (meaning lens). The lens is shown in film slr camera Nikon EL2. Enlarge Image.

Navigation

1. In short
2. History
3. All lenses from Yongnuo
4. Main Specifications
5. Assembly
6. Focusing
7. Exposure Issues
8. Firmware Upgrade
9. Image quality
10. Sample Photos
11. Price
12. My experience
13. Video review
14. Results
15. User Comments
16. Add your review or question on the lens

On Radozhiv already have my review YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 (YN100mm F2) for Canon EOS cameras, but due to some significant differences, I decided to make a separate review on the Yongnuo 100/2 version for Nikon cameras.

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

In short

Yongnuo 100/2 - copy of the original full-frame lens Canon Lens EF 100mm 1: 2 Ultrasonicreleased by Yongnuo Digital for Nikon cameras.

The Yongnuo 100/2, as indicated on the box and corresponding to reality, acts as a fast aperture telephoto lens with a fixed focal length.

Yongnuo 100/2 attracts with its low cost and features similar to the original Canon Lens EF 100mm 1: 2 Ultrasonic. Nikon does not have a complete analogue for the Yongnuo 100/2, but an old man who looks like him Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm 1: 2 D Defocus Image Control still very different from Yongnuo 100/2. The closest in functionality to the Yongnuo 100/2 is the original Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWMI will often compare Yongnuo 100/2 with in this review.

Generally Yongnuo 100/2 relatively good and is a very attractive lens for amateur photographers as an inexpensive creative lens, primarily intended for portraiture.

Spoiler: Yongnuo 100/2 for Nikon cameras turned out much better than its predecessor YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 (YN100mm F2) for Canon cameras. It does not have serious problems with focusing and is optically noticeably better. Maybe in a review YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 (YN100mm F2) for Canon cameras I have not been the best copy. Also, the version for Nikon received a USB port for updating the firmware, it became heavier, with a longer stroke of the focus ring and a slightly modified body design (no corrugation at the bottom of the lens) and a couple more minor changes appeared.

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

History

Yongnuo 100/2 for Canon EOS cameras first appeared on the official website on October 31, 2016. One year later, August 1 2017 the Yongnuo 100mm 1: 2 lens (YN100mm F2N model, as in this review) for Nikon cameras appeared on the site and at the end of September 2017 was already on sale. In fact, the version for Nikon cameras is much newer than the version for Canon.

The Yongnuo 100/2 is the first lens of the company, which has almost the same body design for the versions for Nikon and Canon (in fact, there are several serious differences).

Let me remind you that the first lens from Yongnuo Digital was a fifty dollars for Canon EOS cameras - Yongnuo Lens EF 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8) submitted on December 27, 2014. And the first Yongnuo Digital lens for Nikon cameras was YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N, prototype shown July 10, 2015).

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

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 33 mm 1:1.4 DA DSM WL Z PRO [announcement]
3. yongnuo 35 mm 1:2 DF DSM Z [announcement]
4. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DF DSM Z [announcement]
5. yongnuo 50 mm 1:1.8 DA DSM Z [review]
6. 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 LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

Main technical characteristics of YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2

Review Instance Name	On the lens housing: YONGNUO Digital 100mm. On the housing, near the front lens: YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 Ø58mm YN100mm F2. On the box: YOUNGNUO DIGITAL Medium telephoto prime lens YN100mm F2
Basic properties	The lens is designed for full-length cameras. Nikon fx DC motor - built-in micro focus motoranalog Nikon AF-I / AF-S Lack of aperture control ring, analog Nikon G AF / MF (Auto Focus - Mannual Focus) - the lens is equipped with a focus mode switch internal focus Multi-enlightened optics (type and quality of enlightenment unknown) USB port to upgrade lens firmware Gold-plated microprocessor contact plate (gold is not confirmed there) Metal mount Lens copied from Canon Lens EF 100mm 1: 2 Ultrasonic Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter	58 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length	100 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 150 mm
Zoom ratio	1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by	for full-format digital cameras. The lens is suitable for all Nikon DSLR cameras
Number of aperture blades	9 rounded petals
Tags	mount bracket, window with focus distance scale, DOF only for F / 22
Diaphragm	from F / 2 to F / 22 without aperture ring, lens analog Nikon G. (The instructions indicate the limit F / 18 or F / 19, depending on the step exposure)
MDF	0.9 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 7.2
The weight	449 g
Optical design	8 elements in 6 groups. The lens does not use special optical elements in its optical design. The optical design is similar. Canon Lens EF 100mm 1: 2 Ultrasonic
Lens hood	No lens hood included. The instructions do not indicate which lens hood should use. Fits Canon ET-65III or any copy of it
Manufacturer country	China (China), there is no indication of the country of the manufacturer on the lens case.
Period	From August 1, 2017 to the present day
Instructions	View my scan (English only)
Price	Aliexpress prices (cheapest) Prices for E-CATALOG

Real indicators of aperture (T-feet) are quite large, and are at the level of T / 2.2-T / 2.5. During focusing from MDF to infinity, the decrease in aperture, expressed in T-stops, is not felt at all.

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

Assembly

The lens came to the review completely new.

In a small box is a warranty card, instructions in Chinese and English, a desiccant 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. The front and rear lenses of the lens are initially covered by special transport films.

In general, the lens is assembled well. Yongnuo 100/2 has metal mount mount. The focus ring is rubberized. Front of the lens housing (from the focus ring to the front lens) made of metal. Metal thread for the filter (suddenly!). The back of the lens (from the focus ring to the bayonet mount) is made of plastic. It is stated that the contacts of the microcircuits are gold plated to improve the passage of current. The weight of the Yongnuo 100/2 is approximately 450 grams (the same Nikon 85 / 1.8G weighs 100 grams less).

Of the serious flaws in the assembly, I want to highlight the tangible backlash of the focus ring, as well as metal knock associated with this backlash (when you touch the ring, you can hear metal gently hitting metal, tapping). If not for this backlash, then by touch distinguish Yongnuo 100/2 from Canon EF 100 / 2 USM it would be very difficult.

Diaphragm consists of 9 petals and form a hole in the shape of an irregular hexagon, while in the photos in the blur zone rather round discs of blur appear in the range F / 2-F / 8.

The lens has a USB port in the lower rear of the lens (in the bayonet area).

Unfortunately, the bundle does not include a hood, a bag for transportation, a USB cable and a software disk (software can only be downloaded from the official website).

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

Focusing

The lens has built-in focus motor DC-type (DDirectly Current Motor- ordinary DC motor). To be precise, the Yongnuo 100/2 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. The noise is small. Yongnuo 100/2 makes less noise than motorless Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm 1: 2 D Defocus Image Control. At the same time, the Yongnuo 100/2 is not much more noisy than compact ultrasonic motor у Nikon 85 / 1.8G.

Auto Focus Speed average. Focusing speed is enough for comfortable work in most photo tasks. Autofocus speed similar to lens Nikon 85 / 1.8G.

When used on cameras Nikon D90, D5000, D5100 (with unpretentious Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system), Nikon D40 (with the simplest Multi-CAM 530 focusing system) and with Nikon D700 (with advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX Focusing System) I did not have any particular problems. The quality of work varies slightly from camera to camera. But I must note that the tenacity of focus is low and much worse than that of the original lenses.

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.

The focus ring is rubberized and in manual focus mode rotates approximately 120 degrees. When extreme positions are reached, the ring does not abut, but continues to rotate. The focus distance scale rotates in the opposite direction of the focus ring rotation. Manual focus is quite convenient. Focus ring can easy to rotate with one finger. During manual focusing, one can hear 'plastic rubbing against plastic or metal', while the ring rotates smoothly and is quite pleasant.

There is an 'AF-MF' (auto focus / manual focus) focus mode switch on the lens barrel. Switch positions are reversed compared to original lenses ('AF-MF' <-> 'M-M / A'). During auto focus focus ring remains stationarywhile it can be freely rotated 360 degrees without any effect on focusing. Unfortunately, unlike many original Nikon lenses, the Yongnuo 100/2 does not support continuous manual focus control Nikon M / A (or similar).

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems. I easily used a Yongnuo 100 / 2 with a polarizing filter HOYA 58mm PL-CIR.

The lens has a window with a focus distance scale in meters and feet. The number of values ​​on the scale is small, the scale itself is not very useful.

The minimum focusing distance is 90 cm and the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 7.2 (0.14 X magnification, slightly better than Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM).

Focus Features:

1. Important: the quality of the focus of the Yongnuo 100/2 in Live View is highly dependent on the firmware and the camera used. It is authentically known that Yongnuo 100/2 with firmware 1.05 does not have special focus problems in Live View with Nikon D90, but still focuses very slowly (more of a problem is the focus method in contrast). And here, as an example, on the camera Nikon D600 и Nikon D700 the Yongnuo 100/2 lens with firmware 1.01 has obvious problems in Live View.
2. Yongnuo 100 / 2 has a very pronounced 'Focus Breathing' effect (changing the viewing angle during focusing). During focusing towards the MDF, the viewing angle decreases (usually with internal focusing lenses, the angle increases).
3. Focus Shift (focus shift, changing focus distance due to iris)
4. Yongnuo 100 / 2 does not have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens to infinity under any external temperature conditions. For accurate aiming at infinity, you cannot just bring the focus ring to its extreme position.
5. The lens transmits the distance to the subject in the camera and is Nikon D-lens equivalent... How exactly this function works is unknown, but I noticed the following distances: 6, 2.1, 0.94, 1.2 meters. Most likely, there shouldn't be any special problems with the flash, but it was not possible to check the lens in detail. Nikon flash for simple situations SB-910 in i-TTL modes with this lens worked correctly.
6. With the lid closed, the automatic focusing of the lens does not run the lens over the full focusing distance, as the vast majority of Nikon Nikkor lenses do. With the lid closed, the lens runs from two meters to infinity and back, or from MDF to 1.2 meters and back. If you remove the cover, the lens focuses using the entire available range of focusing distances. Inexplicable but the fact.
7. Important: Yongnuo 100 / 2 is a third-party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some cameras. Details on this issue are considered by me. here... It is not known whether the possibility of updating the firmware will help. As an example - on camera Nikon D40 the lens sometimes freezes / falls asleep for 2-3 seconds, after which it begins to focus again without obvious problems.
8. Some users report problems with focusing during use. external flash with some cameras. No exact data.
9. Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.
10. Unknown compatibility with FT-1 adapter for system cameras Nikon 1.

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

Exposure Issues

Important: some cameras have a problem with automatic metering exposure. On camera Nikon D90 with any metering settings exposure the built-in exposure meter lies about -2 steps (i.e., you need to make a correction exposure +2 EV). I already saw a similar problem with the lens Yongnuo 40 / 2.8.

Perhaps, on some cameras, this problem is only available during focusing using a single focus point. No exact data.

Important: Yongnuo 100/2 firmware update eliminated metering problems exposure in the chamber Nikon D90... This error is indicated in the firmware as “Fix automatic exposure anomalies”.

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

Firmware Upgrade

There is a USB port on the lens housing of the Yongnuo 100/2 with which you can update the lens software (firmware / firmware). This function first appeared just at Yongnuo 100mm 1: 2 and Yongnuo 40 / 2.8that were presented at the same time. Unlike Yongnuo 40 / 2.8The Yongnuo 100/2 USB port is in an inconspicuous place.

Unfortunately, the functionality of the YNLensTool Updater Version 1.00 program, which is responsible for working with the lens, is very meager. You can only see the current firmware version and update it to a new one. Firmware versions can be found on the official website. I found firmware for my Yongnuo 100/2 here.

A widespread USB 2.0 MICRO-B port is used to connect to the lens (most mobile phones use just that). A USB cable is not included. To connect, I used the USB cable for my Android phone and without any problems updated the firmware from V1.03 (2017.12.20) to V1.05 (2018.01.17). The procedure took less than 10 seconds.

A firmware update, most likely, allows you to improve the compatibility of the lens with new cameras, improve the autofocus, eliminates some other errors. It is very bad that there is no way to roll back (restore) an older version of the firmware.

To upgrade the firmware (software) of the lens:

• Turn off the camera, detach the lens
• Open YNLens Updater to Update
• Attach the lens to the computer using a USB cable. If everything went well, the program will automatically detect the connected lens
• Click [Browse] and select the file with the desired firmware
• Click [Start] to start the update. Wait for the update to complete.
• Disconnect the cable and enjoy.

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

Image quality

With the image quality, the Yongnuo 100/2 is not bad, or even normal / good.

Sharpness

• in the center of the frame on F / 2.0 the resolution does not shine, but still it is enough for many photo tasks
• there is a noticeable drop in sharpness to the edges of the frame at f / 2.0
• at the edges of the frame, sharpness becomes acceptable after f / 4.0
• good / excellent resolution in the center of the frame on covered apertures after F / 2.8

Distortion

• the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such lenses
• the nature of distortion is unified, easily corrected in the editor

Vignetting

• general level vignetting is at the level typical for such lenses
• noticeable vignetting observed only at F / 2.0
• vignetting amplified with focus towards MDF
• vignetting practically disappears at F / 2.8-F / 4
• vignetting easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

• open diaphragms have a noticeable amount of spherical and chromatic aberrations
• the strongest chromatic aberration visible at the edges and corners of the image
• general level HA is at the level typical for such lenses
• there is strong friging (HA in the blur zone) and blooming (HA on very contrasting small details)

Rest

• it's important: On covered apertures in the center of the frame, a whitish veil may appear in slightly contrasting subjects. This property has many old lenses, especially macro-weaving.
• color rendering is neutral, pleasant. The lens uses front lens enlightenment, which casts green shades. Many modern lenses have enlightenment that shimmers like the Yongnuo 100/2.
• in some situations, the lens is very afraid of side and back light. May be tangible drop in contrast in side light. Most likely, this behavior is due to the fact that the front lens is located immediately behind the filter, and the use of the lens welcomes the installation of a lens hood.
• in many scenes, the lens can create a pleasant / neutral / cream bokeh

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

Sample Photos on Nikon D700 (FX)

Full-frame shots Nikon D700. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Capture NX-D converter without any additional adjustments.

RAW source photos can be download from this link.

Sample Photos on Nikon D90 (DX)

Pictures taken with a cropped camera Nikon D90. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Capture NX-D or ViewNX-I converter without making additional adjustments.

Original photos in format JPEG  and / or RAW can download from this link.

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 (YN100mm F2N)

Sample Photos on Nikon D40 (DX)

Pictures taken with a cropped camera Nikon D40. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Capture NX-D or ViewNX-I converter without any additional adjustments or on-camera JPEG.

Original JPEG photos can be download from this link.

Photos in processing

Camera Photos Nikon D40 in small processing you can look in my gallery at 500px.

Example photo on YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon. increase.

Prices

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N lens prices 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 countries of the former CIS, Yongnuo YN 100mm f / 2 costs a little more.

Optical design of YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N and Canon Lens EF 100mm 1: 2 Ultrasonic lenses. The group of lenses responsible for focusing on the schemes is located in different positions (it is possible that the schemes differ visually more)

Video review

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

My experience

In my opinion, the YONGNUO 100/2 is the best cheap 'true' portrait lens. 'Real' in terms of focal length, aperture ratio and picture. Such a powerful Holy Grail for the amateur photographer. The professional will pass by YONGNUO 100/2, but the amateur photographer can get a lot of positive from the picture from 100/2.

Somehow it turns out at Yongnuo that the lens versions for Nikon and Canon are significantly different. Typically, versions for Nikon are more functional with better builds.

On Nikon DX cameras EGF lens YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1:2 YN100mm F2N will fit 150mm due to crop factor. On the crop, this is something in between 135/2 and 180/2.8, such EGF convenient enough for portrait shooting in open locations.

Personally, I liked the Yongnuo 100/2, minor flaws in it practically do not bother me. It is not easy to get a high-aperture `` weaving '' with F / 2.8 (like Nikon Lens Series E 100mm 1: 2.8) or F / 2.5 (like Nikon 105mm 1: 2.5 Nikkor), and with F / 2.0, and even for $ 170 and completely new, it's very cool. As a result, I shot about 100 frames on Yongnuo 2/10.000.

New Yongnuo 100 / 2 costs less than the cheapest portrait original lens Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor in a condition B. at.

1. Information on choosing a portrait lens can be found in the 'Portrait Fixed Lenses for Nikon Cameras'
2. A list of cheap portrait lenses for Nikon can be found under 'Budget portraits under Nikon DSLRs'
3. How to achieve maximum background blur with Yongnuo 100/2 is described in the 'Blurred background'

I repeat once again - an autofocus 'weave' with F / 2.0 is much more convenient to use than the vast majority of manual similar lenses, and the number of successful shots from it is several times higher than any manual lens of this type, including common premium class lenses 85/1.4 or 135/2.8.

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

YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon

Results

Nikon has no full counterpart to the Yongnuo 100/2 (at least at the time of this writing). Original Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm 1: 2 D Defocus Image Control is a completely different lens and I don’t even want to compare them (in the case of Yongnuo 100/2 for Canon EOS in the review there was a comparison with the original similar Canon Lens EF 100mm 1: 2 Ultrasonic).

Yongnuo 100/2 for Nikon cameras turned out significantly better than for Canon EOS cameras. Perhaps the option for Canon in the review turned out to be not the most revealing in terms of capabilities, but perhaps it is elementary that the version Yongnuo 100/2 for Nikon new year and it removed some of the flaws inherent in the previous version.

Yongnuo 100/2 is generally a very interesting alternative to the original Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM, especially for Nikon non-motorized camera users. In fact, with Yongnuo 100/2 you can get 80-90% of the functionality from Canon Lens EF 100mm 1: 2 Ultrasonic / Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM.

Despite the primary problems with exposure, the strong focus ring play and rumors of instability of quality from lens to lens, the Yongnuo 100/2 for Nikon cameras is a very attractive lens.

Advantages

1. low cost (170 dollars for the new Yongnuo 100/2 against 480 dollars for Nikon 85 / 1.8G or 1200 dollars for DC-Nikkor 105 / 2D)
2. internal focusing (front and rear lenses always remain stationary)
3. built-in focus motor (important for owners Nikon DX cameras without focus motor)
4. quite convenient manual focus
5. presence of a window with a scale of focusing distances and the depth of field scale
6. good build quality: metal bayonet mount, metal front of the lens housing with metal thread for filters, rubberized focus ring, hood (theoretically) bayonet type
7. compact size (length and thickness of Yongnuo 100/2 comparable to a whale lens Nikon 18-55 / 3.5-5.6G VR)
8. nine-petal diaphragmsufficiently round discs of blur in the range of F / 2-F / 8
9. no focus shift
10. fixed focus ring during auto focus (e.g. Nikon 85 / 1.8D the ring rotates and cannot be touched)
11. Confident sharpness starting at f / 2.2 in the center of the frame. A moderate level of basic optical distortion (aberration, vignetting, distortion), comparable to the original Canon Lens EF 100mm 1: 2 Ultrasonic
12. nice / neutral drawing, which can be used as a good artistic technique during portraiture
13. relatively small diameter of filters (58 mm versus 67 mm for Nikon 85 / 1.8G or 72 mm DC-Nikkor 105 / 2D)
14. There is no full or partial analogue among the original Nikon Nikkor lenses. Good combination of focal length and aperture
15. USB port for updating the lens firmware

Disadvantages

1. limited options for adjusting the lens via the USB port. You can only upgrade the lens firmware. Cannot roll back firmware to previous version
2. backlash of the focus ring and the knock of the focus ring when it is touched (it seems that the ring is loose)
3. average focusing speed (but still comfortable for most tasks)
4. uncertain focus (weak 'focus tenacity')
5. lack of the function of constant manual focus control similar to, for example, M / A mode у Nikon 85 / 1.8G
6. possible problems while working with the flash in some TTL modes due to the specifics of transmitting the focusing distance to the camera (a large sample of data is needed for verification)
   
7. focus ring and distance scale have different directions of rotation (psychological discomfort)
8. slight noise from the focus motor
9. metering problems exposure on some cameras (e.g. Nikon D90 amendment required exposure + 2 EV or lens flashing)
10. focus problems in live view on some cameras
11. no hood included, unknown hood type, unknown compatibility with original hoods
12. lack of basic dust and moisture protection (in Nikon 85 / 1.8G, for example, there is rubber lens mount seal)
13. tangible effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changes in viewing angle during focusing)
14. poor instruction (jambs indicating the minimum aperture, lack of information about the type of hood, etc.)
15. there is no tag for working in the infrared spectrum, the depth of field and focusing distances are small
16. there may be incompatibility with some cameras and / or teleconverters (no exact data)
17. lack of data about the lens in modern cameras, which makes it difficult to automatically correct some types of optical distortion (distortion, vignetting etc.)
18. lack of lens profile in popular RAW converters (perhaps this is only a temporary drawback)
19. the survivability of this lens and the variation in quality are unknown. Little information on Yongnuo Certified Lens Service Centers
20. certain imperfections in the image (poor sharpness at F / 2.0 at the corners and edges of the image, poor resistance to lateral light, a set of optical distortions characteristic of lenses of this kind). Particularly noteworthy is the whitish veil in the center of the frame on little contrasting scenes and covered apertures

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