Yongnuo YN 11mm F1.8 DA DSM WL

The Yongnuo YN 11mm F1.8 DA DSM WL is an ultra-wide prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offered for Sony E and Nikon Z. On an APS-C body it frames like a 16.5 mm lens on full frame. It is the first lens of Yongnuo's "Commander" series with optional wireless remote.

Optical design

The construction has 10 elements in 9 groups. According to Yongnuo's Z-mount page, these include two aspherical elements, three low-dispersion elements and two extra-low-dispersion elements, plus a nano-multilayer coating and a fluorine coating on the front element. The maximum aperture is f/1.8 and the minimum is f/16. Seven circular aperture blades are fitted, which gives 14-point star effects on bright light sources when stopped down.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by a digital stepping motor (DSM) with an internal focusing design. The minimum focus distance is 15 cm at 0.15x magnification. A built-in 2.4 GHz wireless module works with Yongnuo's BR-L1 lens remote for remote focus, A-B focus pulls with adjustable speed and starting or stopping video. Yongnuo quotes a range of about 30 m. The Sony E version has an aperture ring with a click switch, which can be de-clicked for video, plus an Fn button and a function switch (AF/MF or remote on/off). The Nikon Z version offers a customizable control ring, two Fn buttons and the same kind of switch. On full-frame bodies, Yongnuo says the APS-C or Super 35 crop mode must be set to avoid black corners.

Build and size

The barrel is made of aluminium alloy, with a metal bayonet, gold-plated contacts and a rubber gasket at the mount (dust and splash resistant, but not fully waterproof, says Yongnuo). A USB-C port allows firmware updates. The filter thread is 58 mm. The E version measures 66 x 69 mm and weighs about 260 g, the Z version 68 x 70 mm and about 290 g, both without caps.

Where it fits

Within the database, the closest focal length for Sony E is the Sony E 11mm F1.8, which is E-mount only. The Viltrox AF 13mm F1.4 is slightly longer and brighter, and the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN is a zoom with a similar wide end.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.8 at 11 mm in a lens of about 260 to 290 g
• Close focusing down to 15 cm
• Wireless focus and video control with the optional BR-L1 remote
• Aperture ring with click switch on the Sony E version, control ring on the Nikon Z version

Cons

• APS-C only, so full-frame bodies need the crop mode
• No optical stabilization
• Weather protection is limited to a gasket at the mount

Verdict

A compact, bright ultra-wide for APS-C bodies with an unusual extra: wireless lens control. It suits video and landscape shooters who want f/1.8 and close focusing in a light lens.