Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 full-frame lens is an impressive combination with Nikon Z f (and any full frame Nikon or Sony camera).
This lens is significantly smaller than Nikon’s own Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8, much more affordable, and still delivers fantastic image quality with excellent autofocus.
In this review, I’ll share my experience, my pictures, and why I truly love using Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 on the Nikon ZF.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 The Smallest Dedicated 35mm Lens for Nikon Z
This is not an adapted Sony lens (Sony review here) —it’s a dedicated Yongnuo lens for Nikon Z, designed specifically for the Z-mount. Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 is also available for Sony E mount.
And I have to say, I am absolutely amazed and blown away by it on Nikon Z f – because I was terrified thinking that the only alternative was the big (and very good) 35mm f1.8 Nikon lens (that I don’t need for hobby photography).
This excitement isn’t just about the lens itself but also how it pairs with the Nikon Z f.
Let’s dive into who should consider this lens and why it’s worth it.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 For Who Is This Lens?
If you’re looking for a compact, lightweight lens that’s significantly smaller and lighter than the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8, then this is a great option. It weighs around 290g, making it a perfect choice for those who want a portable setup.
It also comes with weather sealing, a custom function button, a rubber gasket, accurate autofocus, and fantastic image quality. This makes it an excellent choice for:
- Documentary photography
- Event photography
- Street photography
- Everyday photography when you don’t want to miss a shot
I’ve tested this lens extensively in both good and low light, using electronic shutter and touch-to-shoot on the Nikon Zf. The results have been impressive, and I’ve never been able to shoot this way with other cameras.
The Shooting Experience With Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2
My setup was simple: Nikon Zf, this lens, touch-to-shoot autofocus, and pointing my finger to select focus.
One key tip—disable Eye AF when shooting in crowds.
Otherwise, the camera might select a random eye. When Eye AF is off, touch-to-shoot works flawlessly.
I used a minimum shutter speed of 1/1000s (depending on the light), and despite using electronic shutter, I had no banding issues—except in one single image.
That’s impressive and speaks a lot about the Nikon Zf’s performance with Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Build Quality and Features
Yongnuo has packed this lens with everything you could need:
- AF/MF switch
- Custom FN button (which the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 lacks)
- Control ring that can be customized
- USB-C port for firmware updates
- Weather-sealed design with a strong rubber gasket
I was already impressed with the build quality of other Yongnuo Pro lenses (but also Yongnuo budget 50mm f1.8 for Fujifilm X), and this one maintains the same high standard.
It’s a sturdy, metal-built lens that feels premium and durable.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Autofocus Performance
I was initially concerned about autofocus, but I had no reason to worry.
Every Yongnuo lens I’ve tested has had great AF, and this one is no exception. On the Nikon Zf, the auto focus is very good!
I had virtually no missed shots due to the lens, only user error.
I tested it in low light, street photography, and fast-moving subjects like cyclists, using electronic shutter and touch-to-shoot. The autofocus remained fast, accurate, and reliable.
Even Eye AF performed exceptionally well, locking onto subjects with stickiness and accuracy.
In fact, I noticed that on the Nikon Zf, this lens focuses faster than on the Sony A7C, which was a huge surprise.
On the Sony A7C, it’s good, but not as fast as the native Sony 35mm f/1.8. However, on the Nikon Zf, this lens performs as if it were a native Nikon lens—on par with Sony’s best glass in terms of AF speed.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Image Quality
I’m not a pixel peeper or lab tester—I judge image quality by real-world shooting. And with this lens, I have no complaints.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Flare Resistance
No significant issues with flare. It comes with a lens hood, which helps in bright conditions.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Vignetting
There is some vignetting at f/2, but it’s minimal and easy to correct.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Bokeh and 3D Pop
The bokeh is smooth and pleasing, with a nice 3D pop and great subject separation. It has a rich structure, clarity, and color rendition.
I also tested this lens on Sony cameras, and while the glass is the same, it delivers even better results on the Nikon ZF due to the sensor-lens combination.
This makes it an excellent choice for street photography, documentary work, and even wedding photography.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Versus Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8
While I don’t own the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8, we can see some key differences:
- The Yongnuo lens is three times cheaper.
- It’s almost 100g lighter.
- It has an AF/MF switch and a custom FN button, which the Nikon Z lens lacks.
- The image quality is close enough that you’re not missing out.
Yes, the Nikon Z lens might have slightly better optics, but in real-world use, I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing anything.
The Yongnuo delivers fantastic image quality while saving money and weight plus adding pro features.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Versus Nikon Z 40mm f/2
But the lenses have different focal lengths – so one it’s not replacing the other.
But also they have different minimum to focus distance. Nikon 40mm f2 has 0.29 m and has Yongnuo YN35mm f2 0.35m.
Here is the close up so you can judge for yourself.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 Conclusion – Should You Buy This Lens?
I love what Yongnuo is doing. Their lenses deserve more attention because they offer excellent glass at a fraction of the cost.
This lens is:
- Fast and accurate in autofocus
- Great in image quality
- Compact and lightweight
- Weather-sealed
- Affordable
If you’re looking for an everyday carry lens for the Nikon Z f, this is an absolute no-brainer.
Yongnuo YN 35mm f2 Video Reviews
Were to buy Yongnuo YN 35mm f2?
I highly recommend this lens! If you’re interested, please use my affiliate links so you can support my work without any extra-cost for you:
- Get Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 from Amazon: click here (aff link)
- Get Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 from B&H Photo: click here
- Alternative Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 Amazon aff / B&H Photo