Performance
The Yongnuo 35mm f/2 lens gave mixed results when it comes to performance. We tested the lens on a Canon EOS 6D body. Autofocus was fast and precise, but noisy, making it a bad choice for videos. The system latched on to the subject without any problem, even under low light. Images were sharp out of the box. Sweet spot was found to be f/8, though it was equally sharp from f/5.6 to 11. It would be better if you use the lens between f/4 to 16. At the widest apertures, the lens provided sub-optimal performance in case of sharpness. The lens produced darkening of corners at the wide-angle end up to f/2.8, but the darkening vanishes completely at f/5.6, which is incredible. This lens did not produce any visible colour cast.
On the flip side, the YN35mm produced heavy flare and purple fringing in strong against-the-light images with the lens wide open. We also observed prominent barrel distortion.
Value for Money
The Yongnuo YN35mm f/2 lens retails at U.S.$92.95 on B&H Photo Video and Rs.9800 on Amazon.in. At this price, this lens is good value for money considering that the Canon equivalent costs approximately Rs.25,000. |SP
FINAL SCORE 78%
Design and Build Quality 16/20
Key Features 16/20
Ergonomics 18/20
Performance
Autofocus 4/5
Sharpness 4/5
Distortion control 3/5
Aberrations 2.5/5
Darkening of corners 3.5/5
Extra features 3/5
Sub-Total 20/30
Value for Money 8/10
PLUS
• Lightweight and compact
• Fast AF
• Good value for money
• Sharp images
• Metal lens mount
• Good control of corner darkening
MINUS
• Cheap construction
• Heavy flare and chromatic aberration
• Widest aperture is not sharp
• Barrel distortion
• Noisy AF
VERDICT
The Yongnuo 35mm f/2 lens is a fast prime lens that offers excellent value for money for its performance. The lens can deliver good results, provided you don’t expose it to extreme conditions such as strong backlight.
Sujith Gopinath
