Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II vs Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II
Canon 50mm f/1.8 is 32 g lighter. Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 focuses 10 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II is a 50mm f/1.8 prime, and the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II is a 50mm f/1.8 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II 
Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II better than the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II?
- 32 g lighter (130 g vs 162 g)
- 34 mm shorter (41 mm vs 75 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (52 mm vs 58 mm)
Why is the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II better than the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II?
- Focuses 10 cm closer (0.35 m vs 0.45 m)
- More aperture blades (7 vs 5)
- Newer design (2018 vs 1990)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II has the edge: it is 32 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II | Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 130 g (4.59 oz) ◆ | 162 g (5.71 oz) |
| Dimensions | 68.2 x 41 mm | 51 x 75 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.45 m (17.72 inches) | 0.35 m (13.78 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 5 | 7 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 6 elements / 5 groups | 6 elements / 5 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm ◆ | 58 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Released | 1990 | 2018 |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Yongnuo
- 41 × 68.2 mm
- 75 × 51 mm
The Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II is 34 mm longer and 32 g heavier than the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II.
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Sample frames
Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II
Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II or the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II?
- The Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II weighs 130 g, 32 g less than the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II (162 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II or the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II?
- The Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II focuses down to 0.35 m, against 0.45 m for the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II.
- Do the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II and the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II or the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8 II better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II has the edge: it is 32 g lighter to carry.
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