Yongnuo YN 17mm F1.7 M

Focal length: 17 mm
Aperture: f/1.7
Weight: 180 g
Filter diameter: 52 mm
Min. focus distance: 18 cm
Length: 77.8 mm

Overview

The Yongnuo YN 17mm F1.7 M is a small wide-angle prime for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It gives the same field of view as a 34 mm lens on full frame, a classic street and walk-around focal length. Yongnuo describes it as a compact lens designed for street photography.

Optical design

Yongnuo specifies 10 elements in 9 groups. Two aspherical elements compensate aberrations and two low-dispersion elements reduce chromatic aberration, according to Yongnuo. A nano-multilayer coating is meant to reduce ghosting and flare. The aperture range is f/1.7 to f/22, and seven circular blades produce 14-point star effects when stopped down. The diagonal angle of view is 65.1 degrees.

Autofocus and handling

The lens uses an STM stepping motor, which Yongnuo says gives a fast start-stop response and quiet focusing for photo and video. An AF/MF switch sits on the barrel. The focus ring supports full-time manual focus after autofocus, provided the function is enabled in the camera. The minimum focus distance is 18 cm at 0.15x magnification, which is close for a 17 mm lens.

Build and size

The lens has a metal bayonet with gold-plated contacts and a rubber gasket at the mount, which Yongnuo says resists dust and splashes but is not completely waterproof. The filter thread is 52 mm. It measures about 65.8 x 77.8 mm and weighs about 180 g.

Where it fits

The database lists several rivals at similar focal lengths: the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 Pro, the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm F1.7 ASPH, the Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 II ASPH and the Venus Laowa 17mm F1.8. Compared with these, the Yongnuo is a budget-minded option with an STM motor and an AF/MF switch.

Pros and cons

Pros

f/1.7 maximum aperture in a 180 g lens
18 cm minimum focus distance
Full-time manual focus and AF/MF switch
Mount gasket against dust and splashes

Cons

No optical stabilization in the lens
No aperture ring or Fn button listed by Yongnuo
Seven aperture blades only

Verdict

The YN 17mm F1.7 M is a light, simple 34 mm equivalent for Micro Four Thirds. It suits street and travel shooters who want a bright, small lens with autofocus and close focusing and do not need extra controls on the lens.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 17 mm
max focal length: 17 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.7
max f (max zoom): f/1.7
min. aperture: f/22
Elements: 10
Groups: 9
Weight: 180 g (0.4 lb)
Filter diameter: 52 mm
min focus distance: 18 cm (7.09 in)
Length: 77.8 mm (3.06 in)
Diameter: 65.8 mm (2.59 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Yongnuo YN 17mm F1.7 M fit?

The Yongnuo YN 17mm F1.7 M fits all Micro Four Thirds cameras. There its field of view equals 34 mm in full-frame terms (crop factor 2).

Micro Four Thirds cameras

Micro Four Thirds:: OM System PEN, OM System OM-3, OM System OM-5 Mark II, Panasonic Lumix G97 (G99M2), Panasonic Lumix GH7, OM System OM-1 Mark II, Panasonic Lumix G9 II, Panasonic Lumix G100D, OM System OM-5, OM System OM-1, Panasonic Lumix GH6, Panasonic Lumix GH5 II, Olympus PEN E-P7, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, Panasonic Lumix G100 (G110), Panasonic Lumix BGH1, Olympus PEN E-PL10, Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, Panasonic Lumix G95 (G90, G91), Olympus OM-D E-M1X, Panasonic Lumix GX9, Panasonic Lumix GF10 (GF90, GX880), Olympus PEN E-PL9, Panasonic Lumix GH5S, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, Panasonic Lumix G9, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, Panasonic Lumix GF9 (GX850, GX800), Panasonic Lumix GH5, Olympus PEN E-PL8, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Panasonic Lumix G85 (G80, G81), Panasonic Lumix GX85 (GX80, GX7 Mark II), Olympus PEN-F, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, Panasonic Lumix GX8, Panasonic Lumix G7, Panasonic Lumix GF7, Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II, Panasonic Lumix GM5, Olympus PEN E-PL7, Panasonic Lumix GH4, Olympus OM-D E-M10, Panasonic Lumix GM1, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Panasonic Lumix GX7, Olympus PEN E-PL6, Olympus PEN E-P5, Panasonic Lumix G6, Panasonic Lumix GF6, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, Olympus PEN E-PM2, Olympus PEN E-PL5, Panasonic Lumix GH3, Panasonic Lumix G5, Panasonic Lumix GF5, Olympus OM-D E-M5, Blackmagic Cinema Camera (MFT)