Sony YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Auto Focus Lens for Sony E Review
The Yongnuo 35mm f/1.8 delivers shockingly good autofocus and stabilization for only $128, making it a killer value for Sony APS-C shooters on a budget.
Overview
So you're looking at the Yongnuo 35mm f/1.8 for Sony E-mount. It's a budget prime lens that promises a lot for the money. It's got autofocus, stabilization, and a bright f/1.8 aperture, all for about $128. That's a pretty wild price for a lens that can do all that.
It's designed for APS-C cameras, so it'll give you a classic 50mm-ish field of view on your Sony crop-sensor body. The build feels solid with its metal parts, and it's surprisingly heavy for its size at 349 grams. This isn't some flimsy piece of plastic.
Performance
Where this lens really shines is in its autofocus and close-focusing ability. The AF is in the 96th percentile, which means it's fast, accurate, and quiet. It's great for video. The macro score is also sky-high at the 94th percentile, so you can get really close to your subject. The stabilization is solid too, sitting in the 89th percentile. The trade-off? The optical performance and bokeh quality are just okay, landing in the 68th percentile. It's sharp enough for the price, but don't expect magic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Autofocus performance is shockingly good for the price. 96th
- Image stabilization works really well. 94th
- Can focus incredibly close for a 35mm lens. 89th
- Build quality feels sturdy and durable. 77th
Cons
- Optical sharpness and bokeh are just average.
- It's not weather-sealed.
- It's a bit heavy for a small prime lens.
- Only covers APS-C sensors, not full-frame.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 35 |
| Focal Length Max | 35 |
| Elements | 10 |
| Groups | 9 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.8 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 35 |
Value & Pricing
For $128, this lens is an absolute steal if you need its specific strengths. You're getting competent autofocus and stabilization that compete with lenses costing three or four times as much. The main compromise is ultimate image quality. If you're a pixel-peeper or need perfect bokeh, look elsewhere. But if you want a reliable, versatile tool for video or everyday shooting without breaking the bank, the value is undeniable.
vs Competition
It goes head-to-head with other budget options like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7. The Yongnuo has a clear edge with built-in stabilization and slightly better autofocus, but the Viltrox might have a hair better optics. Compared to a Meike 35mm f/1.8, the Yongnuo is heavier but feels more robust. Against native Sony glass, you're giving up some optical polish and weather sealing, but you're saving a massive amount of cash. This lens wins on features-per-dollar.
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony YONGNUO 35MM F1.8 Art Auto Focus Lens for Sony E | 96.4 | 68.4 | 71.4 | 93.7 | 67.6 | 76.6 | 38.7 | 88.6 |
| Viltrox VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35 mm F1.7 Z- Mount Lens | 96.4 | 72.1 | 93.5 | 93.7 | 72 | 80.9 | 38.7 | 88.6 |
| Meike Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Stepping | 96.4 | 68.4 | 89.8 | 89.4 | 69.8 | 76.6 | 38.7 | 88.6 |
| Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, | 96.4 | 72.1 | 62.7 | 96.7 | 75.9 | 80.9 | 38.7 | 88.6 |
| Panasonic Meike 35mm F1.8 Full Frame Wide Angle AF STM Lens | 96.4 | 68.4 | 62.7 | 93.7 | 75.9 | 76.6 | 38.7 | 88.6 |
| OM System M.Zuiko OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO Lens | 47.1 | 93.7 | 74.2 | 59.2 | 96.1 | 96.2 | 38.7 | 38.6 |
Verdict
Buy this if you're on a tight budget with an APS-C Sony camera and you prioritize reliable autofocus and stabilization over perfect image quality. It's a fantastic choice for vloggers, content creators, or anyone who needs a dependable, all-rounder prime without the premium price tag. Just know the optics are good, not great.