Sony YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8S Lens, 50mm F1.8 Larege Review
The Yongnuo 50mm F1.8S delivers autofocus and stabilization that shame lenses twice its price. We found one major flaw, but it's still an easy recommendation.
Overview
The Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8S is a shockingly good lens for the money. It's not just 'good for the price,' it's a legitimately great performer that punches way above its $119 weight class. The one thing to know? This lens makes you question why you'd ever spend three times as much on a Sony or Sigma 50mm for an APS-C camera. It's that impressive.
Performance
What surprised me was just how polished the whole package is. The autofocus is in the 97th percentile, and it's not just fast, it's quiet and accurate, which makes it a dream for video. The in-lens stabilization works a treat, too. The only real letdown is the optical quality, which lands in the 33rd percentile. You'll see some softness wide open and chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes, but for most social media or casual shooting, it's totally fine.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong af (97th percentile) 96th
- Strong build (95th percentile) 95th
- Strong macro (92th percentile) 90th
- Strong stabilization (89th percentile) 86th
Cons
- Below average optical (33th percentile)
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 50 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.3 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 49 |
Value & Pricing
At $119, this lens is an absolute steal. It delivers performance you'd expect from a lens costing twice as much. The value proposition is so strong it makes the competition look overpriced.
vs Competition
The most direct competitor is the Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro. The Meike is a full-frame lens, so it's more versatile if you upgrade your camera later, and its optics are slightly better. But it costs more and its autofocus isn't as snappy or quiet. The Viltrox 35mm F1.7 is another option, giving you a wider field of view. Choose the Yongnuo for killer autofocus and stabilization on a budget, the Meike for future-proofing, or the Viltrox if you prefer a 35mm focal length.
| Spec | Sony YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8S Lens, 50mm F1.8 Larege | Meike Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Lens High | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 Lens, X Mount 35mm F1.7 Auto | Canon Canon - RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Standard Zoom Lens | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 55mm | 35mm | 28-70mm | 14-140mm | 25mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 145 | 201 | 301 | 499 | 27 | 400 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | STM | Autofocus | — | STM |
| Lens Type | — | — | — | Standard Zoom | Telephoto | — |
Verdict
If you shoot with a Sony APS-C camera like an A6400 or A6000 and want a fast, versatile prime lens, just buy this. The autofocus and stabilization are top-tier features you rarely get at this price. Ignore the weaker optical score unless you're a pixel-peeping pro. For everyone else, this is the new budget king.