Nikon Yongnuo YN85MM F1.8Z DF DSM Lens, Full Frame Auto Review
The Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8 delivers shockingly good autofocus and stabilization for just $349, making it the ultimate budget portrait lens for Nikon Z shooters.
Overview
The Yongnuo YN85mm f/1.8 is a shockingly good deal for Nikon Z shooters. It's a fast, stabilized 85mm prime that nails the basics of autofocus and sharpness for a fraction of the cost of the native Nikon option. The one thing you need to know is this: it punches way, way above its price tag, especially for video and portraits. It's not perfect, but for $349, it makes you question why you'd spend more.
Performance
What surprised me most was the autofocus. It's in the 97th percentile, which is wild for a third-party lens at this price. The STM motor is quiet and accurate for both photos and video. The stabilization is also a standout, sitting in the 90th percentile. It's not magic, but it gives you a real fighting chance for sharp handheld shots at slower shutter speeds, which is a huge bonus for a prime lens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Autofocus performance is top-tier and dead quiet. 96th
- Built-in stabilization is excellent for a prime lens. 88th
- Incredible value at $349. 85th
- Lightweight and compact for an 85mm f/1.8. 76th
Cons
- Bokeh quality is just okay (67th percentile). It can get a bit busy.
- Optical sharpness is good, not great (61st percentile). Don't expect S-Line perfection.
- Not weather-sealed. Keep it out of the rain.
- It's a one-trick pony. The 38th percentile versatility score means it's just for portraits and close-ups.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 85 |
| Focal Length Max | 85 |
| Elements | 9 |
| Groups | 8 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z mount Lens |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.8 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 85 |
Value & Pricing
This lens is an absolute steal. For $349, you get a stabilized, fast-aperture portrait lens with pro-level autofocus. It's worth every penny and then some. If your budget is tight, this is the lens to get.
Price History
vs Competition
The obvious competitor is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S. The Nikon is sharper, has better bokeh, and is weather-sealed. But it's also more than twice the price. The Yongnuo gives you 85% of the performance for less than half the cost. Also, don't confuse it with the Viltrox 35mm or Meike 55mm in the competitor list—those are different focal lengths. For an 85mm, the Yongnuo stands alone as the budget king.
| Spec | Nikon Yongnuo YN85MM F1.8Z DF DSM Lens, Full Frame Auto | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Sirui Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85mm | 55mm | 24-70mm | 24mm | 17-70mm | 56mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount Lens | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Sony E Mount | Sony E |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 346 | 281 | 676 | 269 | 544 | 422 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Telephoto | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | - |
Verdict
If you shoot portraits or video on a Nikon Z camera and want an 85mm lens without breaking the bank, buy the Yongnuo. It's that simple. The autofocus and stabilization are fantastic, and the minor optical compromises are easy to forgive for the price. Skip it only if you absolutely need weather sealing or the absolute best possible image quality, and are willing to pay a huge premium for it.