In recent years, I’ve highlighted Yongnuo for their creativity rather than imitation. My first encounter with them was through their affordable versions of Canon’s optical designs, which were pretty much replicas. However, they’ve recently started producing their own lens designs with unique innovations. This brings me to their new naming strategy, which has left me somewhat disappointed (not the lens quality itself). The latest lens, the Yongnuo 35mm F1.8S DA ART, closely resembles Sigma’s ART branding from 2012. Sigma’s ART series transformed its brand image, not simply due to the name but because of its exceptional optical performance. I’m not entirely comfortable with Yongnuo leveraging that success. One could argue that Sigma has reserved the ART label for full-frame lenses, whereas Yongnuo intends to use it for APS-C. Regardless, I need to separate my concerns about branding from the lens’s actual capabilities, especially considering it’s a solid lens for just $129 USD! For my detailed insights, check out the video review below, read the text review, or simply browse through the photo galleries.
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Special thanks to Yongnuo for providing a review sample of this lens. As always, this review is entirely unbiased. Most of the tests and images included in my review have been captured using the APS-C mode (26MP) of my
Sony a7RV.
You can find the product listing page here.
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In my reviews, I’ve commended Yongnuo’s innovative wireless-enabled lenses (the Commander Series).
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The new “ART” series focuses on delivering outstanding image quality—sounds familiar, right? Instead of concentrating on features, Yongnuo aims to spotlight the optical prowess of the YN 35ART that I’m reviewing today. Yongnuo has informed me that the 35mm lens is the first in an upcoming series for APS-C cameras, all designated with the ART label. This lens certainly has the capability to produce sharp images even at F1.8.
The challenge lies in a heavily saturated market. I’m testing this lens on a Sony E-mount (it will also be available for Fuji X and Nikon Z), where numerous options exist in this focal length range. A notable competitor in terms of price and performance is the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 AIR, which is a strong (and affordably priced) lens that I’ve reviewed here (on X-mount, but I received an E-mount version for this comparison). Interestingly, there are now sufficient Chinese brands in the market that they’re starting to compete with one another directly. The real question is how the YN 35ART will differentiate itself in this crowded field.
One way it might stand out is through its build quality, as the Yongnuo features a straightforward yet more premium design, including a metal body and a weather-sealing gasket at the lens mount.
Nonetheless, it offers impressive photo quality for a minimal investment, making it worth considering.
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GEAR USED:
Buy the Yongnuo 35mm F1.8 ART @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Yongnuo
Buy the Yongnuo 56mm F1.4 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany
Buy the Yongnuo 23mm F1.4 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany
Buy the Yongnuo 33mm F1.4 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany
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Buy the Sony a6600 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay
Buy the Sony a6400 @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay
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Get DA Merchandise https://bit.ly/TWIMerch
Keywords: Yongnuo, YN, 35mm, F1.8, Yongnuo 35mm F1.8, DSM, WL, F1.8, ART, Yongnuo 35mm F1.8 ART, APS-C, Review, Sony a6700, a6000, a6400, Sony a7RV, 23mm, 33mm, Wireless, Review, Hands On, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Sharpness, Bokeh, Flare Resistance, Autofocus, Image Quality, Sample Images, Video, Photography, let the light in, weathersealing, #letthelightin, DA
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