Is Yongnuo Making a Lens For Canon Full Frame Users?

Third-party lens manufacturers have been trying to create affordable lenses for various mounts. While they were able to do so for Sony and Leica mirrorless cameras, it is only now that Nikon and Canon users also stand the chance to have the same. Yongnuo is one such lens manufacturer that has been trying to improve its portfolio, and with the latest lens, which may excite amateur portrait photographers. What does it offer? Let’s have a look.

According to Asobinet, Chinese lens manufacturer Yongnuo has announced a new lens, the 50mm f1.8R DF. The images have appeared on Chinese social media, Weibo, which were shared by a page called CameraBeta. However, what makes this lens unique is that it has a “multi-standard mount,” and it won’t only work with Yongnuo’s own cameras but also Canon’s RF mount. Here are the specifications:

• Lens mount: Multi-standard
• Compatible Sensors: Full frame
• Focal length: 50mm
• Lens construction: 10 elements in 6 groups, with one low dispersion lens, one ultra-low dispersion lens, and 4 high refractive index lenses
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F6
• Aperture blades: 9 sheets
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.45m
• Maximum magnification: 0.13 times
• Filter Diameter: 58mm
• Image stabilization: –
• Teleconverter: –
• Coating: Fluorine and Nano Multi Coating
• Size: φ68×77mm
• Weight: 276g
• Dust and water resistant: Simple drip-proof
• AF: STM
• Aperture ring: No
• Other controls: AF/MF switch
• Price: 799 yuan (about $110)

Canon has always been off-limits for third-party manufacturers in terms of official support, but not until Sigma and Tamron recently decided to join hands to launch new lenses. While Canon has opened the avenue for Japanese third-party manufacturers, there is no word on an autofocus Canon lens from Chinese brands such as Viltrox, 7Artisans, TTArtisan, or SIRUI. In the face of things, Yongnuo seems to be trying to change things. We aren’t sure how the company will achieve this, especially for full-frame cameras.

In fact, Canon sued Yongnuo years ago for trying to make a lens for their mount.

However, if the lens does work well with Canon, it will certainly be great for young photographers who have a Canon RF mount and want something more affordable. The Yongnuo lens is said to only have a drip-proof coating, which means it could be partially weather resistant, rather than fully. With a price tag of under $150, one does not expect the lens to have exceptional performance, like we expect from Canon lenses. It will be appealing but likely to feature some shortcomings, especially when it comes to autofocus.

Yongnuo is, anyway, trying to walk in the same path as Sigma, with its 35mm Art series hinting at the same trajectory. But will the company undercut Sigma in any way? That remains to be seen.