Yongnuo YN 33mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro

The Yongnuo YN 33mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro is a fast standard prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It frames like a 50 mm lens on full frame. It is offered for Sony E, Nikon Z and, as a "Multi-mount" version without wireless remote, for Canon RF bodies. As part of the Commander series, the E and Z versions have a built-in wireless module for the BR-L1 remote.

Optical design

Yongnuo specifies 11 elements in 9 groups, an aperture range of f/1.4 to f/16 and nine circular aperture blades. The glass includes ultra-low-dispersion and high-refractive-index elements, and Yongnuo applies a nano-multilayer coating and a fluorine coating on the front element. The diagonal angle of view is 48.76 degrees.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing uses a digital stepping motor (DSM). Yongnuo advertises eye-focus support on compatible cameras and says focus breathing is hardly noticeable. The minimum focus distance is 40 cm at 0.1x magnification. With the BR-L1 remote, the E and Z versions allow remote focus and A-B focus pulls. An Fn button can be assigned in the camera menu.

Build and size

The lens has an aluminium barrel, a metal bayonet with gold-plated contacts, a rubber gasket at the mount, a USB-C port for firmware updates and a 58 mm filter thread. According to Yongnuo, the Commander lenses share the same volume. The E version measures 69 x 87 mm and weighs about 370 g. The Z version is listed at 69 x 89 mm and 378 g, the Canon RF version at 69 x 86 mm and 361 g.

Where it fits

For a normal-length APS-C lens, the database lists the Viltrox AF 33mm F1.4, the Tokina atx-m 33mm F1.4, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary and, for Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR. The Yongnuo sits in the same family as the 23mm and 56mm F1.4 lenses, so users can build a three-lens set with the same filter size.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.4 at a 50 mm equivalent focal length
• Nine aperture blades
• Optional wireless remote focus on E and Z
• Same 58 mm filter size as the 23mm and 56mm Commander lenses

Cons

• About 360 to 380 g, a solid weight for an APS-C lens
• Minimum focus distance of 40 cm
• No optical stabilization
• No remote function on the Canon RF version

Verdict

The YN 33mm F1.4 DA DSM WL Pro is a bright APS-C normal lens that adds an Fn key and optional wireless control to a familiar focal length. It makes most sense for photographers and video shooters who want f/1.4 and the Commander features and are fine with a larger, heavier lens.