Yongnuo YN 35mm F2 DF DSM

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/2
Weight: 280 g
Filter diameter: 52 mm
Min. focus distance: 35 cm
Length: 72 mm

Overview

The Yongnuo YN 35mm F2 DF DSM is a full-frame wide-angle prime with an RF-compatible bayonet. Yongnuo sells it as a lens "for R mount mirrorless cameras" and lists Canon EOS R bodies as compatible, including full-frame models such as the R5, R6 and R8 and APS-C models such as the R7. It is a compact 35 mm f/2 with autofocus and a customizable control ring.

Optical design

Yongnuo specifies 9 elements in 8 groups, an aperture range of f/2 to f/16 and seven circular aperture blades. One aspherical element compensates various aberrations, and one low-dispersion element is meant to suppress chromatic dispersion. A nano-multilayer coating is applied. The angle of view is 61.3 degrees diagonal, 52.91 degrees horizontal and 36.74 degrees vertical.

Autofocus and handling

A digital stepping motor (DSM) drives the focus. The minimum focus distance is 35 cm at 0.13x magnification. An AF/MF switch is fitted and the focus ring supports full-time manual focus. The control ring can be assigned functions such as aperture, shutter speed or ISO in the camera. Yongnuo advises setting the camera to One-Shot AF, because of the fast focusing speed and its sensitivity. A USB-C port allows firmware updates, which also cover the control ring.

Build and size

The lens has a metal bayonet with gold-plated contacts and a dust and water-resistant rubber ring at the mount. The filter thread is 52 mm. It measures about 67 x 72 mm and weighs about 280 g.

Where it fits

In the database, Canon's own Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro offers optical stabilization and a macro function, and the Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM and Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM are other short primes. The Yongnuo is a plain alternative with a faster aperture than the 28mm F2.8, and with a control ring.

Pros and cons

Pros

Full-frame coverage in a 280 g lens
f/2 aperture
Control ring and AF/MF switch with full-time manual focus
USB-C firmware updates

Cons

No optical stabilization
Seven aperture blades
Slower than f/1.8 rivals such as Canon's RF 35mm F1.8
Yongnuo does not market it as a Canon RF lens

Verdict

The YN 35mm F2 DF DSM is a small, full-frame 35 mm prime with autofocus and a control ring. It suits users of full-frame RF bodies who want a lightweight street or walk-around lens without paying for stabilization or a macro mode.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/2
max f (max zoom): f/2
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 9
Groups: 8
Weight: 280 g (0.62 lb)
Filter diameter: 52 mm
min focus distance: 35 cm (13.78 in)
Length: 72 mm (2.83 in)
Diameter: 67 mm (2.64 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Yongnuo YN 35mm F2 DF DSM fit?

The Yongnuo YN 35mm F2 DF DSM is a full-frame lens for Canon RF cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Canon RF cameras its field of view equals 56 mm in full-frame terms.

Canon RF cameras

Full frame:: Canon EOS R6 V, Canon EOS R6 Mark III, Canon EOS C50, Canon EOS R1, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Canon EOS C400, Canon EOS C80, Canon EOS R8, Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Canon EOS R5 C, Canon EOS R3, Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, Canon EOS Ra, Canon EOS RP, Canon EOS R
APS-C:: Canon EOS R50 V, Canon EOS R100, Canon EOS R50, Canon EOS R7, Canon EOS R10, Canon EOS C70