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Posts Tagged ‘Yongnuo’

Yongnuo has patented a modular camera system aiming to best smartphone cameras

01 Dec

Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo appears to be working on a modular mirrorless camera. Per Lighting Rumours, Yongnuo has filed a patent for a device combining a ‘mobile terminal’ and an external lens assembly.

The mobile terminal appears to be similar to a smartphone in its shape and form factor. The device has a large display and a central, exposed image sensor. There aren’t specifics about the sensor, but it’s worth considering that Yongnuo joined the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System Standard in February of this year. Further, the company’s Android-powered mirrorless camera, the YN450, includes a 16MP 4/3 image sensor.

On the left you can see a mobile terminal and to the right is the external lens apparatus. The patent outlines how the terminal, which includes a large display and an image sensor, attaches to the external lens element.

The external lens assembly appears to incorporate a lens mount although it’s unclear what kind of lens mount, a grip and a locking mechanism. Lighting Rumours speculates that you may be able to use the mobile terminal as a standalone phone device, provided that Yongnuo supplies a cap to cover the exposed image sensor when it is not attached to the external lens assembly. Further, the patent illustration shows a retractable zoom lens but mentions possible prime lenses and lenses with image stabilization.

Originally filed by Shenzen Yongnuo Photographic Equipment Co., Ltd. in April and published last month, the patent also outlines why a modular device would be advantageous. It argues that the lenses built into smartphones lack the performance and versatility users demand, which has given rise to external lens solutions. However, Yongnuo claims that these external lens solutions come up short. The patent claims that external lenses can be impractical, flimsy, and not offer high-quality performance. In order to deal with these issues, Yongnuo’s new system, including the external lens assembly and mobile terminal, are more convenient to use, fit together precisely, and offer superior performance.

Of course, companies file patents regularly and many patents never result in a commercially viable product. That may be the case here as well, but it’s certainly an interesting patent. It’s clear what such a product may offer over a traditional smartphone camera design, but it’s not necessarily obvious what such a product offers users relative to a standalone compact camera.

In terms of new products, in case you missed it, Yongnuo announced a new full-frame autofocus lens for Sony mirrorless cameras in late October. You can learn more about the new lens and Yongnuo’s other products, such as flashes, triggers and more, by visiting Yongnuo USA.

If you’re interested in another modular camera concept, you can refer to a modular Fujifilm GFX concept Fujifilm showed off last year. It’s quite a different take on a modular camera than what Yongnuo’s patent shows.

(Via Lighting Rumours)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Yongnuo announces new 35mm F2 autofocus lens for full-frame Sony cameras

24 Oct
Don’t ask why Yongnuo decided to showcase a full-frame E-mount lens on an APS-C camera body…our guess is as good as yours.

Chinese accessory and lens manufacturer Yongnuo has announced the release of a new 35mm F2 autofocus lens for full-frame Sony cameras.

The new lens is constructed of nine elements in eight groups, including one low-dispersion element and one aspherical element. The lens also features what Yongnuo calls a ‘nano-multilayer coating,’ but doesn’t specify what elements this coating is applied to.

The 35mm F2 has an aperture range of F2-F16, uses a seven-blade aperture diaphragm and has a minimum focusing distance of ‘about’ 35cm (13.7”). Its autofocus is driven by a digitally-controlled stepping motor (DSM) and an onboard USB-C port will allow for firmware updates, should Yongnuo release any to improve function or compatibility.

A diagram of the lens’ optical construction.

While constructed mostly of plastic, the lens features metal bayonet mounts and uses gold-plated contacts, which transmit, in addition to data for autofocus and aperture control, EXIF data. Also present is a switch for turning on and off autofocus, as well as a Function (Fn) button that can be customized to perform a certain action or bring up a certain menu.

There’s no word on when exactly the lens will go live or how much it will retail for, but you can keep an eye out on Yongnuo’s online shop and Amazon shop.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Yongnuo announces new 50mm F1.8 ‘nifty fifty’ autofocus lens for APS-C E-mount cameras

15 Apr

Yongnuo has announced the YN50mm F1.8S DA DSM, it’s newest autofocus ‘nifty/thrifty fifty’ lens for Sony E-mount APS-C camera systems.

Yongnuo currently offers 50mm F1.8 lenses for both Canon EF-mount and Nikon F-mount, but this new ‘nifty fifty’ is designed specifically for use with Sony’s a6000 series mirrorless cameras.

The lens is constructed of eight elements in seven groups, including one low-dispersion element to minimize aberrations. Yongnuo says the lens also features a seven-blade aperture diaphragm, gold-plated contacts with a metal bayonet mount and a ‘nanometer multi-layer coating’ to minimize ghosting and flares. The internal autofocus is driven by a digital stepping motor (DSM) and the lens offers an onboard Micro USB port for upgrading the firmware.

The lens doesn’t currently have a price or release date, but considering Yongnuo’s previous lenses sought to undercut the already-affordable ‘nifty fifty’ lenses on the market, you can count on this one coming in very cheap when it hits retailers’ shelves. The lens measures in at 58mm (2.3in) long, 64mm (2.5in) diameter and weighs roughly 146g (5.15oz).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Laowa and Yongnuo to Support Micro Four Thirds Standard

25 Feb

The post Laowa and Yongnuo to Support Micro Four Thirds Standard appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

laowa-yongnuo-micro-four-thirds-standard

The Micro Four Thirds standard will see official support from three additional companies.

Last Thursday, Panasonic and Olympus declared that several manufacturers would be joining them in the production of Micro Four Thirds equipment, including Yongnuo and Venus Optics.

You may be familiar with Yongnuo already; in addition to products such as their popular budget flashes (e.g., the YN560 IV) Yongnuo is working on a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera, one that sports Android software and features a Canon EF compatible lens mount.

Venus Optics is another company that already produces Micro Four Thirds products, though under the brand name Laowa. You can grab several Laowa MFT lenses, including a budget 17mm f/1.8 prime.

But the announcement from Olympus and Panasonic suggests that we should see a number of additional Micro Four Thirds products coming from both Yongnuo and Venus Optics, potentially bolstering both the MFT lens and camera lineup.

The Micro Four Thirds standard was first unveiled in 2008 when Olympus and Panasonic jointly declared their interest in working “toward commercial production of significantly lighter and more compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems.”

Since then, we’ve seen the steady production of Micro Four Thirds bodies and lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, including the well-regarded Olympus OM-D series, as well as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G line. Various other manufacturers have also engaged in MFT production, though in recent years the Micro Four Thirds system has been overshadowed by the rise of ultra-portable smartphone cameras, as well as compact APS-C and full-frame mirrorless bodies.

That said, smartphone manufacturers still have a lot of work to do if they’re ever going to match the quality of an MFT camera. And while mirrorless producers do offer MFT-sized cameras, their lenses struggle to compete with the small sizes and weights of MFT offerings. That’s where the Micro Four Thirds system shines; it includes high-quality camera-lens setups that are more compact than anything offered by the competition.

And given this announcement from Olympus and Panasonic, it’s clear that the Micro Four Thirds standard is alive and well, at least for now.

How do you feel about the expansion of the Micro Four Thirds lineup? Would you consider using a Yongnuo or Laowa camera/lens? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Laowa and Yongnuo to Support Micro Four Thirds Standard appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Yongnuo, Mediaedge and Venus Optics join Micro Four Thirds System standard

20 Feb

Olympus and Panasonic have teamed up to announce that three more companies have joined the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System standard. According to the joint press release, Yongnuo, Mediaedge and Venus Optics have joined the standard to make products for MFT camera systems.

For those not familiar with each of the brands, here’s a quick rundown of each. Yongnuo manufactures and sells various lenses, lighting gear and accessories; Mediaedge creates and promotes various video streaming and display systems; and Venus Optics is the parent company behind the Laowa brand, which makes price-conscious lenses and accessories for digital camera systems.

Both Yongnuo and Venus Optics have developed various MFT products in the past, including lenses and even a dedicated MFT smartphone camera add-on in the case of the Yongnuo YN43, so the two companies aren’t exactly new to the system. That said, this partnership will likely streamline the production of future MTF products now that the pair have the support of Olympus and Panasonic backing them.

Press release:

YONGNUO, MEDIAEDGE, and Venus Optics Join the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group

Olympus Corporation and Panasonic Corporation jointly announced the Micro Four Thirds System standard in 2008 and have since been working together to promote the standard. We are pleased to announce that three more companies have recently declared their support for the Micro Four Thirds System standard and will be introducing products compliant with the standard.

The following companies are joining the Micro Four Thirds System standard group: YONGNUO which develops, produces and sells digital camera switching lenses, performance lighting, video lighting, etc., MEDIAEDGE Corporation, which has been an advocate of video streaming and display system concepts for over 17 years, aiming to produce products that inspire customers, and Venus Optics, the company behind the development and production of LAOWA brand, which produces incredibly practical, cost-effective, and unique products. The possibilities unique to a joint standard are sure to push the enjoyment of imaging ever further.

As the company responsible for initiating both the Four Thirds System and the Micro Four Thirds System standards, Olympus will continue to develop and enhance the product line-up to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

About YONGNUO

YONGNUO regards “reflecting the beauty of the world and writing into a happy life” as the mission of the company. In the field of image in the information society, YONGNUO is a company that integrates the strength of all employees to develop and produce excellent products and make contributions to the society.

YONGNUO Website: http://www.hkyongnuo.com/e-index.php

About MEDIAEDGE Corporation

MEDIAEDGE Corporation has been involved in developing imaging systems for over 17 years, with a track record of sales to various industries and business categories, the support of many loyal customers, and a long history in Japan and around the world. With collaborative development of both software and hardware, the company continues to produce imaging systems that customers can feel safe and sound using.

MEDIAEDGE Corporation Website: https://www.mediaedge.co.jp/

About Anhui ChangGeng Optics Technology Company Limited (Venus Optics)

Anhui ChangGeng Optics Technology Co., Ltd (Venus Optics) was established in 2013. With headquarters in China, we are a leading manufacturer of premium lenses, formed by a group of photography enthusiasts and industry experts. Our mission is to design and create our own portfolio of photographic lenses that are truly unique, practical and affordable.

Venus Optics Website: https://www.venuslens.net/

Micro Four Thirds standard

The outlines of the standard can be found on the following website. http://www.four-thirds.org/en/

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Yongnuo announces updated EF-mount 35mm F1.4 lens with ultrasonic motor

19 Aug

Yongnuo has announced its new YN35mm F1.4C DF UWM, a second-generation full-frame lens for Canon’s EF mount.

This new lens features the same optical construction (eleven elements in nine groups with a seven-blade aperture diaphragm) and outward appearance Yongnuo’s original YN35mm F1.4 MC lens. What’s new is the addition of an Ultrasonic Wave Motor (UWM).

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Below are a few sample images captured with the lens:

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Yongnuo hasn’t listed the price of the lens, which is set to ship in Q4 2019, but its predecessor currently retails for $ 378 (Adorama, B&H). It’s likely this new lens would replace the older model for roughly the same price.

Update (August 19, 2019): Updated article to clarify the Micro USB port was present on the first version of Yongnuo’s 35mm F1.4 lens as well.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Yongnuo reveals YN560TX Pro TTL flash and EF-E II Adapter for Sony E-mount

31 May

Chinese camera gear manufacturer Yongnuo has announced two new products: the EF-E II Adapter for Sony E-mount cameras and the YN560TX Pro TTL flash. The new adapter is available to purchase from online retailers now for $ 99.99 USD, but the YN560TX Pro flash won’t be available to buy until some time in June.

The Yongnuo EF-E II adapter makes EF and EF-S series lenses compatable with Sony E-mount cameras. This model supports AF and mixed-focus systems, and also offers a function key, USB interface (for firmware updates) and a 1/4-in screw hole for tripods.

Joining the new adapter will be the YN560TX Pro scheduled for release in June. Yongnuo describes the product as ‘a new generation of flash signal transmitters’ that will integrate with the YN622 and YN560TX systems. There will be full support for ‘flash mode, focus control, high-speed synchronization and other functions such as GR/TTL/M/Multi,’ according to the company.

No pricing information for the YN560TX Pro TTL flash is currently available

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review: Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens for Canon – At just US$50 could this be the most affordable “nifty fifty”?

18 Mar

The post Review: Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens for Canon – At just US$ 50 could this be the most affordable “nifty fifty”? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kunal Malhotra.

The 50mm f/1.8 lens, or as we call it, the ‘Nifty Fifty,’ is one of the most widely used lenses in the market. This is usually the first lens a modern digital camera owner desires to purchase after the kit lenses.

The reasons why this is the most popular lens are fairly simple – the first being affordability, and the second, the ability to produce pleasing bokeh.

In terms of affordability, the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens is ideally the cheapest Nifty Fifty. Priced at less than US$ 50, this is less than half of the Canon variant and works on APS-C as well as full-frame cameras.

However, the Yongnuo lens for Nikon costs around US$ 70 as it includes the focus motor. I recently bought one for my Canon 5D Mark iii, so I thought of sharing my views about this lens.

Build quality and ergonomics

The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens looks exactly like the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens (discontinued version). The plastic used in the Yongnuo lens feels a bit cheaper though. Surprisingly, the rubber grip is smooth, and the ‘AF and MF’ switch is similar to Canon.

The construction of the lens consists of 6 elements in 5 groups and has 7 diaphragm blades – the same as the Canon variant. This Yongnuo lens is light to carry as it weighs only 120g – 40g lighter than its competitor. Overall the lens looks and feels good at this price point.

Focus speed and accuracy

I have been using this for almost a month now, during the day as well as night time. The focus speed is a bit slow as the lens hunts for focus, especially in low light conditions. If you are shooting stationary subjects, then it is fine, but if you want to nail the focus swiftly, then you might be disappointed.

Though the focus speed is not that fast, the accuracy is fairly good. It takes time to focus but when it does the focus is accurate. I would not recommend this lens for video shooters as it messes a lot with the focus. However, if you are a hobbyist and casually shoot portraits or still objects, this lens can do the job.

Sharpness and Image Quality

Before clicking photos using the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8, I had much less expectation from this lens. To my surprise, this lens produced amazing sharpness and image quality. I did not compare it side by side with its competitor lens, but I am sure it is on par with it.

The few image samples that you see are all shot at an event during the sunset/evening time. The images are tad sharp, and the colors also look natural. I had done a test on vignetting performance, and at f/4 it was almost gone. This lens worked for me when I was shooting stationary subjects as well as when shooting performing artists at an event.

For me, the bokeh shape was a bit unpleasant at f/1.8, and I’m not sure exactly why. I used this lens at f/2.8 and achieved sharp and crisp images with minimum vignetting and shallow depth of field effect.

Conclusion

This lens by Yongnuo is for someone who has just started with photography or has a tight budget but still wants to achieve the f/1.8 look at 50mm. The focus speed is something that might irritate you, but once it focuses the image quality is quite impressive. I would suggest this lens to someone who shoots still subjects or portraits without much movement. If you are a wedding, event or a professional portrait photographer, you might be disappointed.

Have you used this lens? What are your thoughts?

The post Review: Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens for Canon – At just US$ 50 could this be the most affordable “nifty fifty”? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kunal Malhotra.


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Yongnuo shares more details about its upcoming YN450 Android-powered mirrorless camera

07 Mar

Last October, Yongnuo teased the impending launch of a 16-megapixel Android-based mirrorless camera it called the YN450. Since then, not much has been heard about the device, but Yongnuo made an appearance at CP+ and brought along the unreleased device to show off in more detail.

In the video above, Cinema5D takes a closer look at the unreleased device to see just what Yongnuo has managed to pack inside the YN450 and what their goal is with the unique device.

The camera uses a 4/3 sensor and relies on a Canon EF mount for lenses. It’s powered by Android 7.1, features an 8-core Qualcomm processor and includes a 5-inch 1080p multi-touch display. The secret weapon, however, is an integrated 4G SIM card slot that will ensure the camera is as connected as a smartphone would be, with Wi-Fi and GPS to boot.

Based on the current information available, the camera will have 32GB of internal memory as well as a MicroSD card slot. However, Cinema5D believes that slot could be limited to 32GB cards and won’t support SDXC cards.

In addition to 16MP stills, the camera will shoot 4K/30p video, but details on the codec and other information are still unannounced. There’s also a front-facing 8MP camera that’s hidden next to the display. The device will feature a removable 4,00 may battery that’s said to power the camera for up to 4 hours of continuous use.

Photos by Cinema5D shared with permission

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Yongnuo teases YN450 mirrorless camera with Android, 4G connectivity

01 Nov

Chinese company Yongnuo has revealed plans to launch an Android-based mirrorless camera. The model is being referred to as “YN450,” but Yongnuo is soliciting name suggestions in a new contest on its Facebook Page. The public has until January 2019 to submit their name ideas.

The Yongnuo mirrorless interchangeable lens camera features 4G connectivity and runs on the Android operating system, which is accessible via a touchscreen display that covers the entire back of the camera. PhotoRumors elaborates on the Facebook post, claiming the YN450 camera will feature a memory card, headphone jack, 4000mAh battery, 4K/30fps video recording, support for RAW files, and built-in GPS.

Yongnuo will reveal the model’s final name in January 2019 and send contest winners a YN50mm F1.8C/N YONGNUO lens. As noted by MirrorlessRumors, the January date hints at a possible CES 2019 unveiling, though the company hasn’t confirmed the rumor.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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