Canon vs. Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to 50mm f/1.8 lenses, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 are two popular options that offer a similar focal length and wide aperture, but at very different price points. Both lenses are excellent choices for photographers looking to achieve a shallow depth of field, beautiful bokeh, and sharp images, but which one is right for you depends on several factors.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Canon and Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lenses stack up against each other in terms of build quality, image performance, autofocus, and overall value.
1. Build Quality
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM:
- The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM is known for its solid construction, though it’s still lightweight and compact.
- It has a plastic body, but it feels sturdy and well-made for the price.
- The metal mount adds durability, making it a more reliable choice for long-term use.
- The focus ring is smooth, and the lens is slightly more polished in terms of fit and finish.
Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8:
- The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 also has a plastic body, but its build feels more lightweight and less refined than the Canon model.
- It’s generally considered a budget lens, so it doesn’t have the same level of sturdiness or premium feel as the Canon.
- The lens mount is metal, which does add some durability, but the overall feel is more plasticky.
- The focus ring is smooth but doesn’t feel as high-quality as the Canon.
Verdict: The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM offers better build quality, with a more premium feel and smoother operation. It’s a bit sturdier overall.
2. Image Quality
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM:
- The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM offers excellent sharpness, especially when stopped down to f/2.8. It provides great contrast, color accuracy, and a very pleasing bokeh.
- Wide open at f/1.8, the lens is impressively sharp in the center but may show some softness at the edges, which is common with many lenses in this price range.
- The bokeh is smooth and pleasant due to the 7-blade aperture.
Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8:
- The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is also capable of producing sharp images, especially in the center. However, at f/1.8, the lens shows more noticeable softness in the corners compared to the Canon.
- The contrast and color reproduction are good for the price, but it may not be as vivid and refined as the Canon lens.
- The bokeh is nice, but it’s a bit less creamy and more noticeable in the background compared to the Canon lens.
Verdict: The Canon lens offers better overall sharpness, contrast, and bokeh, especially at wider apertures. It delivers superior image quality, making it the preferred choice for professional photographers or those seeking higher-quality results.
3. Autofocus Performance
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM:
- The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM uses a stepper motor (STM) for autofocus, which is fast, quiet, and smooth.
- The STM motor is especially beneficial for video work because it produces minimal noise when focusing, making it ideal for recording audio without interference.
- The autofocus is quick and accurate, especially in well-lit conditions.
Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8:
- The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 uses a micro-motor, which is generally louder and less responsive than Canon’s STM motor.
- While the autofocus is still fairly accurate, it can be a bit slower, especially in low-light conditions.
- The motor can also be more noticeable during video recording, potentially introducing unwanted noise.
Verdict: The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM has a clear advantage in terms of autofocus. It’s faster, quieter, and more reliable, especially for video work.
4. Price and Value
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM:
- The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM is typically priced higher than the Yongnuo, but it’s still considered an affordable lens by most standards.
- With its superior build quality, faster autofocus, and better overall image quality, the Canon lens provides excellent value for the price.
Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8:
- The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is significantly cheaper than the Canon lens. If you’re on a tight budget or just starting in photography, it offers great value for the price.
- While it doesn’t match the Canon in terms of performance or build quality, it still delivers solid results for photographers looking for an affordable way to achieve a 50mm prime lens.
Verdict: If price is a major factor, the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 offers tremendous value for the cost. However, for those who can afford the Canon, the extra investment is well worth it for the superior performance and quality.
5. Compatibility
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM:
- This lens is designed for Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras but is also compatible with Canon’s mirrorless cameras when using an EF-to-EF-M lens mount adapter.
- It’s a native Canon lens, which means it works seamlessly with Canon cameras, maintaining excellent compatibility with features like autofocus and aperture control.
Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8:
- The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is compatible with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras, but it may not work as smoothly with certain Canon mirrorless models.
- While the lens works well on Canon DSLRs, some features like autofocus may be slower or less reliable when adapted for use on mirrorless cameras.
Verdict: Both lenses are designed for Canon EF-mount cameras, but the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM offers better overall compatibility and smoother performance, particularly with Canon’s mirrorless cameras.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM if you’re looking for superior build quality, faster and quieter autofocus, and overall better image quality. It’s a great all-around lens for both professionals and enthusiasts, offering exceptional performance in a relatively affordable package.
- Choose the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a decent 50mm lens that still delivers good image quality for the price. While it doesn’t match the Canon in terms of autofocus performance and overall sharpness, it’s a solid choice for beginners or photographers who are just getting started.
In summary, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM stands out as the superior lens in terms of performance, image quality, and build. However, for those who need to keep costs low or just want a basic prime lens, the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is a great option that offers good value for the price.