Yongnuo YN 23mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro

The Yongnuo YN 23mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro is a fast wide-angle prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It frames like a 35 mm lens on full frame and is offered for Sony E, Nikon Z and, as a "Multi-mount" version, for Canon RF bodies. It belongs to Yongnuo's Commander series, whose E and Z versions have a built-in wireless module for the BR-L1 remote.

Optical design

Yongnuo specifies 11 elements in 9 groups with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and a minimum of f/16. The glass includes ultra-low-dispersion and high-refractive-index elements, combined with a nano-multilayer coating and a fluorine coating on the front element. Nine aperture blades produce round highlights and 18-point star effects when stopped down. The diagonal angle of view is 64.5 degrees according to Yongnuo.

Autofocus and handling

A digital stepping motor (DSM) drives the focus. The minimum focus distance is 30 cm at 0.1x magnification. The E and Z versions support remote focus and A-B focus pulls with the BR-L1 remote. The R version has no remote function. The Sony E version has a real aperture ring and an "A" position for camera control, the Z version can assign the ring as a control ring in the camera menu. All versions have an Fn button, and Yongnuo says shading and distortion correction can be activated in the camera menu.

Build and size

The barrel is made of aluminium alloy with a metal bayonet, gold-plated contacts and a rubber gasket at the mount, plus USB-C for firmware updates. The filter thread is 58 mm. The E version measures 69 x 85 mm and weighs about 360 g. The Canon RF version is listed at 69 x 84 mm and about 351 g. For the Z version, B&H lists 368 g and 69 x 87 mm.

Where it fits

Direct alternatives in the database are the Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary, the Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 and the Tokina atx-m 23mm F1.4. Yongnuo's Commander family also includes the 33mm and 56mm F1.4 lenses, which share the 58 mm filter size and similar dimensions, which helps when swapping lenses on a gimbal.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.4 at a 35 mm equivalent focal length
• Aperture ring and Fn button
• Wireless remote focus on the E and Z versions
• 58 mm filters shared with the 33mm and 56mm lenses

Cons

• Around 350 to 370 g, heavier than the Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN (330 g in E mount, per Sigma)
• Minimum focus distance of 30 cm
• No optical stabilization
• The Canon RF version lacks the remote function

Verdict

The YN 23mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro offers a bright 35 mm equivalent with an aperture ring and optional wireless control at a low price tier. It fits users who want a fast APS-C standard wide-angle and accept a heavier body than some rivals.