Yongnuo YN 56mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro

The Yongnuo YN 56mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro is an APS-C portrait prime that frames like an 85 mm lens on full frame. It is offered for Sony E, Nikon Z and, as a "Multi-mount" version without remote function, for Canon RF bodies. It is the longest lens of Yongnuo's f/1.4 Commander trio.

Optical design

Yongnuo specifies 10 elements in 9 groups, an aperture range of f/1.4 to f/16 and nine aperture blades. The glass includes low-dispersion, extra-low-dispersion and high-refractive-index elements, with a nano-multilayer coating and a fluorine coating on the front element. The angle of view is 26.4 degrees diagonal.

Autofocus and handling

A digital stepping motor (DSM) drives the focus, and Yongnuo says it works quietly and with little focus breathing. The minimum focus distance is 60 cm at 0.11x magnification. The E and Z versions have a built-in wireless module for the BR-L1 remote, which offers remote focus and A-B focus pulls. Yongnuo lists an Fn custom button and a tactile aperture ring, and says shading and distortion correction can be switched on in the camera menu.

Build and size

The barrel is aluminium alloy with a metal bayonet, gold-plated contacts, a rubber gasket at the mount, a USB-C port for firmware updates and a 58 mm filter thread. The E version measures 69 x 87 mm and weighs about 368 g. The Z version is listed at 69 x 89 mm and 375 g, the Canon RF version at 69 x 86 mm and about 359 g. Yongnuo designed the Commander lenses with matching dimensions to ease balancing on gimbals.

Where it fits

Comparable APS-C portrait lenses in the database are the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary, the Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4 and the Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4. The Yongnuo has the same 58 mm filter size as the 23mm and 33mm Commander lenses.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.4 at an 85 mm equivalent focal length
• Nine aperture blades
• Optional wireless remote focus on E and Z
• Shared 58 mm filter size with the other Commander lenses

Cons

• Minimum focus distance of 60 cm
• About 360 to 375 g
• No optical stabilization
• The Canon RF version has no remote function

Verdict

The YN 56mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro is a bright APS-C portrait lens that adds optional wireless control and an Fn button. It suits portrait and video users who want the 85 mm equivalent view on an APS-C body and can live with a 60 cm minimum focus distance.