Yongnuo is a Chinese third-party photography accessory brand that tries to do things differently. They created a camera, which didn’t work well, but you have to give them a pat on the back for trying. The innovation was very different for its time (2019) but had many caveats. We have also tested a few of their flashes, and they have performed well at the rate they are there. Then, the company became the first in DXO Marks rating to beat its Japanese competitors with its Yongnuo 85mm f1.8. As you can see, they are going places. And now, it appears they are increasing their lens lineup with a new device for Sony, Fujifilm, Nikon, and maybe Canon.
The lead image is a screenshot from Asobinet’s website.
Yongnuo To Begin a New Series
According to Asobinet and Photo Rumors, the Chinese company has teased a new 35mm lens, the YN35mm f1.8 DA Art. The publications note that the lens is part of a new series titled Art. Asobinet notes that this is going to follow a different principle than Sigma’s Art lineup; however, the details are murky. Furthermore, Yongnuo has also not disclosed whether the lens will see a global release soon.
For the unversed, Sigma’s Art series is supposed to be the best in class and would offer fast primes in this range. This was launched back in 2012 when the company seemed to be taking a new direction with its lenses. However, we noticed how the company has distinct marketing techniques, and when they announced 50mm f2 DG DN Contemporary, they wrote the image quality is as good as Art lenses. So, why does one have to pay more to get an Art when they can get a Contemporary with reasonable rates? Well, one of the reasons is the built and weather resistance, which is still not entirely fully resistant.
Similarly, we do hope that Yongnuo doesn’t fall into this trap. They should not be pricing the lens higher just because it has better weather resistance and is built. That would equate to looting. In addition, the Yongnuo lens is designed for APS-C (DA stands for smaller sensors), and since it is supposed to be for multi-standard mounts, it could be available for Canon RF.
The company has already launched YN35mm f1.8 DA DSM WL, which costs only $138. Keeping that in mind, perhaps the Art lens is a more cost-effective offering with a much simpler design. But it remains to be seen.
So Many Similar Lenses But With Different Names
This is not just about Yongnuo but any third-party or Japanese lenses you pick up today. According to CIPA, about 898,637 lenses were shipped in July 2024 alone, a 1.6% increase from previous years. While the figures are still smaller than in 2012, they are still big enough to make us wonder: are people still happy with the kind of lenses being made today?
We have achieved optical perfection, and the DSLR age saw some of the finest lenses ever to be launched. But then, there were fewer third-party lens manufacturers, largely Japanese companies. However, from 2013 to 2014, many Chinese brands popped up, some new and some rebranded companies. But with that affordability and quality also comes a sense of stagnation, which we believe will continue to grow.
The next few years seem challenging, especially now every brand is able to make lenses more compact and with good sharpness. Perhaps we have reached our limitation, or perhaps it’s just the start of a new chapter.