Sony E Autofocus

Yongnuo YN 35mm F1.8 DA DSM WL

Focal length: 35 mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Weight: 179 g
Filter diameter: 52 mm
Min. focus distance: 30 cm
Length: 63 mm

Overview

The Yongnuo YN 35mm F1.8 DA DSM WL is a compact standard prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras, sold for Sony E and Nikon Z. On APS-C it frames like a 52.5 mm lens on full frame. Yongnuo calls it an entry-level lens for young photographers, and the "WL" in the name stands for a built-in wireless module.

Optical design

Yongnuo specifies 10 elements in 8 groups with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a minimum of f/16. A nano-multilayer coating is meant to suppress ghosting and flare, and the front element has a fluorine coating. Seven circular aperture blades give 14-point star effects when stopped down. The diagonal angle of view is 44.9 degrees.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by a digital stepping motor (DSM). The minimum focus distance is 30 cm at 0.15x magnification, close for a standard lens. The built-in 2.4 GHz module works with the BR-L1 remote for remote focus and A-B focus pulls. A function switch can be assigned either as focus mode switch or as wireless on/off switch. The Sony E version has one Fn button, the Nikon Z version two (Fn-A and Fn-B). The lens is intended for APS-C bodies. On full-frame cameras, the Z page notes an automatic crop.

Build and size

The lens has a metal bayonet with gold-plated contacts, a rubber gasket at the mount, a USB-C firmware port and a 52 mm filter thread. The Sony E version measures about 64 x 63 mm and weighs about 179 g. The Nikon Z version is listed at 68 x 64 mm and about 182 g. White versions exist as well.

Where it fits

In the database, comparable options include the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.8, the 7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 FE, and the Sony E 35mm F1.8 OSS. Yongnuo's own 35mm F1.8 DA ART is a more metal-focused alternative for Sony E.

Pros and cons

Pros

About 180 g and f/1.8
30 cm minimum focus distance
Wireless focus control with the optional remote
Fn button(s) and function switch

Cons

APS-C only
Seven aperture blades
No optical stabilization
The wireless functions need the separate BR-L1 remote

Verdict

The YN 35mm F1.8 DA DSM WL is a light, inexpensive standard lens for APS-C bodies with an unusual wireless extra. It suits beginners and video users who want a bright 52 mm equivalent view in a very small package.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 35 mm
max focal length: 35 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.8
max f (max zoom): f/1.8
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 10
Groups: 8
Weight: 179 g (0.39 lb)
Filter diameter: 52 mm
min focus distance: 30 cm (11.81 in)
Length: 63 mm (2.48 in)
Diameter: 64 mm (2.52 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Yongnuo YN 35mm F1.8 DA DSM WL fit?

The Yongnuo YN 35mm F1.8 DA DSM WL is designed for APS-C sensors. On APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 53 mm in full-frame terms. Full-frame bodies use it in APS-C (crop) mode, recording only part of the sensor and fewer megapixels.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame (in APS-C mode):: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3