Fujifilm YONGNUO YN50MM F1.8 Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount, Review

The Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8 is a compact, stabilized prime lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. At $135, it's punching well above its weight class, especially in autofocus where it lands in the 96th percentile. That means it's focusing faster and more reliably than almost every other lens in our database.

It's a 50mm lens on APS-C, which gives you an effective 75mm field of view. That makes it a natural fit for portraits and tighter shots. With a max aperture of f/1.8 and built-in stabilization, it's also a solid choice for low-light situations. Just know its optical performance sits in the 59th percentile, so it's not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Let's talk about where this lens shines. Its autofocus, driven by a stepping motor (STM), is its standout feature. A 96th percentile ranking means it's exceptionally quick and quiet for the price. The built-in image stabilization is no slouch either, sitting in the 89th percentile. That combo makes it a great lens for video work or handheld shooting in iffy light.

Now, the optics are a bit of a mixed bag. The aperture is a decent f/1.8 (77th percentile), but the overall optical score is just 59th percentile. You'll get nice background blur (bokeh at the 68th percentile), but don't expect tack-sharp corner-to-corner performance, especially wide open. For its size and weight of 249g, it's a fair trade-off.

At $135, the value proposition here is hard to beat. You're getting autofocus and stabilization performance that rivals lenses costing two or three times as much. The main compromise is in ultimate optical quality, but for most shooters, the trade-off is worth it. It's a fantastic 'first prime' lens or a lightweight option for travel and video.

Stacked against its main rivals, the Yongnuo holds its own through sheer specialization. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is more versatile (wider field of view) and often sharper, but it lacks stabilization and its autofocus isn't as snappy. The Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro is a sharper full-frame option, but it's heavier, more expensive, and its stabilization isn't as good. If your priority is reliable, quiet autofocus and steady handheld shots for video or portraits, the Yongnuo's combo of 96th percentile AF and 89th percentile stabilization is a unique win at this price. If you need a walk-around lens or crave maximum sharpness, look at the Viltrox or Meike.

This is a data-backed recommendation for a specific user. If you're a Fuji shooter who needs a fast, reliable, and stabilized lens for portraits, video, or low-light work, and you're on a tight budget, the Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8 is a no-brainer. Its autofocus and stabilization scores are exceptional for the price. Just go in knowing the optics are good, not great, and the 50mm focal length on APS-C is a bit tight for everyday use.