Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S § 03 Head to head
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 focuses 5 cm closer. Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is 266 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Nikon Z mount: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a 50mm f/1.8 prime, and the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM is a 50mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 
Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S better than the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM?
- Focuses 5 cm closer (0.4 m vs 0.45 m)
- More aperture blades (9 vs 7)
Why is the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM better than the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
- 266 g lighter (149 g vs 415 g)
- 24 mm shorter (63 mm vs 86.5 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (49 mm vs 62 mm)
- Newer design (2024 vs 2018)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM has the edge: it is 266 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S | Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 415 g (14.7 oz) | 149 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 76 mm (diameter) x 86.5 mm (length) | 58 x 63 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.4 m (1.32 ft) ◆ | 0.45 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.15x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 (rounded) ◆ | 7 |
| Optical construction | 12 elements in 9 groups (including 2 ED elements and 2 aspherical elements) | 8 elements / 7 groups |
| Filter size | 62 mm | 49 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2018 | 2024 |
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Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Yongnuo
- 86.5 × 76 mm
- 63 × 58 mm
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 24 mm longer and 266 g heavier than the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM.
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Sample frames
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S or the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM?
- The Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM weighs 149 g, 266 g less than the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S (415 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S or the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM?
- The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S focuses down to 0.4 m, against 0.45 m for the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM.
- Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S and the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S or the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Yongnuo YN 50 mm f/1.8Z DA DSM has the edge: it is 266 g lighter to carry.
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