What To Know
- The Yongnuo lens, on the other hand, tends to exhibit some softness and chromatic aberration in the corners of the image.
- The Nikon lens features a metal lens mount and a rubberized focus ring, while the Yongnuo lens has a plastic mount and a plastic focus ring.
- The Nikon lens offers superior optical quality, build quality, and autofocus performance, while the Yongnuo lens is a great value for money.
When it comes to budget-friendly lenses for Nikon DSLRs, the Nikon 50mm 1.8G and the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 are two of the most popular choices. Both lenses offer impressive image quality and a wide f/1.8 aperture, making them ideal for low-light photography, portraits, and street photography. However, there are some key differences between these two lenses that may influence your decision.
Optical Quality
In terms of optical quality, the Nikon 50mm 1.8G has a slight edge over the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8. The Nikon lens produces images with better sharpness and contrast, especially in the center of the frame. The Yongnuo lens, on the other hand, tends to exhibit some softness and chromatic aberration in the corners of the image.
Build Quality
The Nikon 50mm 1.8G is noticeably better built than the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8. The Nikon lens features a metal lens mount and a rubberized focus ring, while the Yongnuo lens has a plastic mount and a plastic focus ring. The Nikon lens also feels more solid and durable overall.
Autofocus
The Nikon 50mm 1.8G uses Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for autofocus, which is fast and accurate. The Yongnuo 50mm 1.8, on the other hand, uses a traditional DC motor for autofocus, which is slower and noisier. In practical use, the Nikon lens will focus more quickly and reliably, especially in low-light conditions.
Aperture Blades
The Nikon 50mm 1.8G has 7 aperture blades, while the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 has 6 aperture blades. This difference affects the bokeh (out-of-focus) quality of the lenses. The Nikon lens produces more circular bokeh, which is generally considered more pleasing to the eye. The Yongnuo lens, on the other hand, produces slightly polygonal bokeh, which can be distracting in some situations.
Price
The Nikon 50mm 1.8G is typically more expensive than the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8. The Nikon lens retails for around $200, while the Yongnuo lens can be purchased for around $100. If price is a major factor in your decision, the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 is a great value for money.
Which Lens is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best possible image quality and build quality, the Nikon 50mm 1.8G is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 is a great alternative that offers surprisingly good image quality for the price.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Both the Nikon 50mm 1.8G and the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 are excellent budget-friendly lenses for Nikon DSLRs. The Nikon lens offers superior optical quality, build quality, and autofocus performance, while the Yongnuo lens is a great value for money. Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
What You Need to Know
1. Is the Nikon 50mm 1.8G weather-sealed?
No, the Nikon 50mm 1.8G is not weather-sealed.
2. Can the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 be used on full-frame Nikon cameras?
Yes, the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 can be used on both full-frame and APS-C Nikon cameras.
3. Which lens is better for low-light photography?
Both the Nikon 50mm 1.8G and the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 have a wide f/1.8 aperture, making them ideal for low-light photography. However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of autofocus performance, which can be beneficial in low-light conditions.
4. Which lens is better for portraits?
Both lenses produce beautiful portraits, but the Nikon 50mm 1.8G has a slight edge in terms of sharpness and bokeh quality.
5. Which lens is better for street photography?
Both lenses are great for street photography, but the Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 is more affordable, making it a better choice for those on a tight budget.
