$350 vs $2,800 – Nikon Z vs Yongnuo Lens Showdown (35mm / 50mm / 85mm Comparison)

Martin Wong ·

Key takeaways

  • Same mount. All Nikon Z (from 0:00).
  • Why 35, 50, 85. Popular, versatile (from 1:05).
  • Yongnuo build. Solid, USB-C ports (from 2:11).
  • Differences. Yongnuo darker or stronger vignette, colors differ (from 7:41).
  • Prices. $350 vs $2,800 at the time, per the title.

Yongnuo 35mm f/2: https://geni.us/Yongnuo35mmZ

Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8: https://geni.us/Yongnuo50mmZ

Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8: https://geni.us/Yongnuo85mmZ

Lens - Nikon 35mm f/1.2: https://geni.us/NIKKORz35mm

Lens - Nikon 50mm f/1.2: https://geni.us/NIKKORz50mm

Lens - Nikon 85mm f/1.2: https://geni.us/NIKKORz85mm

Can you tell the difference between a $350 Yongnuo lens and a $2,800 Nikon lens?

In this video, I compare three popular focal lengths — 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm — using both Yongnuo Z-mount mirrorless lenses and Nikon’s premium Z-series primes, including the brand new 35mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.4 lenses.

This is not just a pixel-peep test. It's a real-world comparison looking at color rendering, bokeh, sharpness, and overall value — all on the Nikon Z system.

FAQ

Do the Yongnuo Z lenses feel cheap?

No. They're cheap in price, but they feel pretty solid.

What differences did you notice?

The Yongnuo lenses looked a bit darker, or had a stronger vignette, and the color was a little different.

Keep reading

Questions? Ask me in the comments on the video on YouTube.