Yongnuo launch budget 100mm f/2 lens with an 85mm on the way
Nov 2, 2016
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo is well known for its inexpensive flash units and radio triggers. More recently, the company have turned their hand to lenses. Adding to their fairly small 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/2 lineup, Yongnuo have now announced a 100mm f/2 lens. Outwardly reminiscent of the Canon 100mm f/2 USM, the lens is initially available on Canon only. We can probably expect a Nikon version to come along at some point in the future.
The best thing about it, though, is the price. Costing around $170, this is a little over a third of the $499 Canon. At this price point, it could be a great option. A potentially ideal portrait lens on a very low budget. How well it stands up to scrutiny side-by-side with the original Canon remains to be seen.
If Yongnuo’s previous lens releases are anything to go by, though, it may ultimately boil down to personal preference. Past releases have been fairly comparable, with each having different strengths and weaknesses. The Yongnuo 35mm f/2, for example, generally seems to show better control of chromatic aberration and offer more pleasing bokeh, while the Canon is a little sharper wide open.
Here’s the specs so far of the Yongnuo 100mm f/2.
- Aperture range: f/2 – f/22
- Number of blades: 9
- Focus mode: AF, MF
- Maximum magnification: 0.140x
- Focal length: 100mm
- Lens size: 76.6 x 122mm
- Full frame:Yes
- Model number: YN100mm F2.0 C
- Filter size: 58mm
- Compatible with Canon mount
- Weight: 400-500g
And for those that are interested, here’s the MTF chart.
As with the Canon, the Yongnuo lens contains 8 elements. In this side-by-side comparison of both 100mm f/2 lenses, you can see they’re near identical.
The lack of support for other lens mounts like Sony and Pentax has left some users frustrated. But if the lenses hadn’t been released at all, those not shooting Nikon & Canon would still be in the same position anyway.
Along with the 100mm f/2 announcement came another interesting image. Look carefully.
Along with a pair of 35mm f/2 lenses, a pair of 50mm f/1.8 lenses and the newly announced 100mm f/2, we see an 85mm lens at the back.
There’s no aperture printed on the lens, but looking at the size of it in relation to the others, appearance would suggest that it is based on the Canon 85mm f/1.8.
No news yet on when this may be officially released, or even announced, but it rounds up the lens lineup quite nicely. A set of inexpensive 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 100mm primes could be ideal for those just starting out on limited budgets. They’d also make a great set of lenses to go along with a Light Blaster, even if you don’t use them on your camera.
The Yongnuo 100mm f/2 is currently listed on Aliexpress for $171 (£141.88) in a Canon mount. No news yet on when it will be available through more International channels, but I wouldn’t expect it to take too long. Also no word on when or if a Nikon version will be announced.
Do you own the Yongnuo 35mm or 50mm lenses? What do you think of them? Do they stand up to your needs or do you find them lacking? Will you be adding the 100mm to your lens collection? Or will you hold off and wait until the 85mm is also released? Let us know what you think in the comments.
[via Photo Rumors / Nikon Rumors ]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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10 responses to “Yongnuo launch budget 100mm f/2 lens with an 85mm on the way”
Wish they made lenses for the Sony a7 series :
is this a macro lens?
You can get about 20cm away.
Hello, I’ve used it for macro and it works well, I use it with macro tubes. Try it don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I wish they’d get on the Micro 4/3 train and Mirrorless Cameras in general. Hopefully with Chinese companies putting out competitive M3/4 bodies now, they will quickly follow with some decent glass.
Miguel Xuárez :O
I have the 35mm f2 on Nikon and i love it ! Some reviews saying soft at f2 but mine seems pretty damn sharp. Its a really nice focal length on full frame great for street photography. Focus speed is ok on par with my nikon 50mm f1.8. I’m not expert so can’t comment on aberration or ghosting but at the price point the lens is a no brainer..i will be keeping an eye on the 85 and will definitely buy if price right and performance is up the 35mm.
I bought the 50mm f1.8 to use with my d3300 and I find it does what I want it’s a little soft around the edges but I like that and anyway a crop will take care of it if you dont. I paid £59.00 for mine and it’s well worth it,hope they bring the 100mm soon,well worth a look.
their 50 mm 1.8 is just shy of great. it does feel cheap in hand but makes excellent pictures and let me tell you – it will save you a LOT of money.
unless you sell your work to big companies – yongnuo 50mm is as good as you need it to be.
cant wait for their 100mm and 85mm .. all 3 will cost me the price of 1 canon lens.
go yongnuo .. we need a macro lens as well :)
The AF on the 50mm is a touch slow, and a bit noisy. But it is clear, sharp and only 50 bucks if you shop around. For portrait work on a crop sensor camera, you don’t need super fast AF,as long as it is accurate, and I can live with the “happy little robot” sound, as one reviewer called it. The 85mm is on my wish list.