Yongnuo YN 50mm F1.8S DF DSM Lens Review
Disclosure: This website may contain affiliate links to Amazon or others meaning that I make a small commission form qualifying purchases if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links. This is at no extra cost to you.
The Yongnuo YN 50mm F1.8S is a budget-friendly prime lens for Sony full-frame cameras like the A7 III, A7 IV, and A7S III. If you’re looking for your first prime lens or want a fast 50mm without breaking the bank, this lens is worth a look.
Key Features
Aperture: f/1.8, great for low-light shooting and creamy bokeh.
Motor: DSM (Digital Stepping Motor) for precise autofocus.
Build: Sleek matte black aluminum, metal mount, and water/dust-resistant rubber gasket.
Extra Controls: Auto/manual focus switch and two programmable function buttons (note: compatibility depends on your camera model).
USB-C Port: Easy firmware updates without connecting to a camera.
Handling and Build
This lens is compact and light at 395 grams. The body feels solid thanks to aviation-grade aluminum. While the large “50mm” lettering is a bit bold, it doesn’t affect performance. Switching between auto and manual focus is convenient, especially for video work.
Image Quality
Sharpness: Very good, especially when stopping down from f/1.8 to f/2.8 or f/4. Corners improve as you close the aperture.
Bokeh: Smooth, round, and visually pleasing.
Autofocus: Solid for video and portraits; it may hunt slightly in tricky situations, but it’s impressive for a budget lens.
Fringing: Minimal, only noticeable under heavy pixel peeping.
Who Should Get It?
First-time prime lens buyers
Those looking for a fast, budget-friendly portrait lens
Anyone upgrading from a kit lens to a “nifty 50”
Overall, the Yongnuo YN 50mm F1.8S is a surprisingly solid lens for its price. It proves that Yongnuo isn’t just about flashes and triggers—they’re serious about quality optics too.
