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Hong Kong camera gear maker Yongnuo has released version II of its ‘nifty fifty’ Canon clone: the YN 50mm F1.8 II. The original YN 50mm F1.8 was one of the first lenses the budget brand ever released, undercutting Canon’s already ultra-affordable EF 50mm F1.8 II. Version II continues this trend, with a price tag of just $ 75, while the original will cost you just $ 51.
Optically, the lens seems to be unchanged—you still get 6 lens elements in 5 groups which produce a 46° angle of view, and a 7-blade aperture that runs from F1.8 to F22. The updated lens does drop the minimum focusing distance from 45cm to 35cm (to match Canon’s 50mm F1.8 STM), and adds support for USB-free firmware updates that are delivered directly through the camera.
Other notable improvements, according to Yongnuo, come in the form of improved “mechanical structure and coating technology,” which apparently translate into improved “focus accuracy, auto-focus speed and light transmittance.” You’re also getting a metal mount, and focus distance markings have been added to the lens build.
Here’s the full spec sheet, in case you’re curious:
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The lens is already live on eBay, where it’s going for $ 75 (compared to Canon’s 50mm F1.8 STM, which will run you $ 125). Expect the Yongnuo lens to join the rest of the YN lineup on Amazon shortly.
To learn more about this lens, head over to the Yongnuo website.
Press Release
Small Lens with Super Bokeh Effect – YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 II
Supports USB-free Firmware Upgrade
Firmware of the lens can be upgraded through camera instead of using USB port, which not only meets the requirements of firmware upgrade and appearance design, but also avoids the incompatibility problems caused by different computer operating systems.?Note: this function needs to be supported by camera?
F1.8 Bright Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.8,bokeh effect is easily achieved ,which brings you more fun during photographing.
New Mechanical Structure, New Coating Technology
YN50mm F1.8 II has all the product advantages of the last generation. By improving the mechanical structure and coating technology, its focus accuracy, auto-focus speed and light transmittance are increased. Furthermore, it can control backlight ghost and glare.
Durable Metal Mount
YN50mm F1.8 II adopts chrome-plated and high-accuracy metal mount. It’s wearable, corrosion-resistant, and highly consistent with the body of the camera.
0.35m Closest Focusing Distance
Compared with the first generation, the closet focusing distance of YN50mm F1.8 II is shortened to 0.35m.You can get closer to the object for photography and enlarge the object.
Focus Modes: Auto Focus (AF) and Manual Focus (MF)
YN50mm F1.8 II supports auto focus and manual focus. The focus mode can be selected according to practical requirement.
Focus Distance Indicator is convenient for you to estimate the distance and the depth of field.
YN50mm F1.8 II has 7pcs of aperture blades, which helps to take picture of circular defocused spots or helps to stop down and take picture of 14-star effect.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)