Olympus 45mm f1.8 vs Yongnuo 42.5mm f1.7 Mark II, Battle of budget portrait lens - RED35 Review

I've just reviewed the brand new Yongnuo 42.5mm f1.7 STM Mark II. It's a vastly improved entry level portrait lens. But how does it compare to the brilliant Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f1.8 that I refer to as the "King of M43 lens"? Watch to find out.
#microfourthirds #olympus #Photography
For more information about #Olympus gear. Visit www.olympus.co.uk
** Contents of this video **
0:00 - Video Start
0:53 - Video Introduction
1:49 - Pricing
2:35 - Sharpness
4:14 - Bokeh Quality
5:35 - AF Performance
7:22 - MF Performance
7:50 - Closest Focusing
8:16 - Handling
9:01 - Conclusion
10:34 - Outtro
10:50 - Muffins/Video End
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[@JorgeRzezak]

I discovered your blog recently and I'm becoming a fan of you, thanks a lot for your work. Having the Olympus 45mm, would you consider buying the 42.5mm Yi because the maro capabilities and a very cheap price?

[@mtleealex]

thanks jimmy for this review, now I feel much more confidents on this lens, not that I not trust this olympus 45mm f1.8, it is not a easy Lens to handle it, maybe I am new on this system just about 2 months old but I never feel regret to own olympus em1-mark ii . thanks jimmy and happy to watch your KZbin channel. By the way, I still have one unit ttartisan 35mm f1.4mm manual lens to play with

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Hey Jimmy -- slightly off-topic, but your comparison of continuous AF made me remember this -- I have a Panasonic G85, and I picked up a used M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm, f4-5.6 ED MSC (I think generation 1?) lens and it works great in single AF, but when I tried using continuous AF in both stills and video, it was not "continuous." I had to tap the screen, push the shutter button to reacquire focus, even when the tracking box was following the subject. I have the Panasonic Lumix 45-150mm f4-5.6 lens also, and it does not have that issue with the continuous AF. I would think that the "continuous" part is all in the camera -- processor and firmware -- so it is really odd that it just does not work when I have the Olympus lens attached. Any ideas? Thanks!!!

[@Centauri27]

The Yongnuo is not bad at all as a budget lens! Note though that you can pick up a used Olympus 45mm f/1.8 at nearly the same price as the Yongnuo.

[@brasilbike3343]

Olá, ela funciona na primeira versão da olympus em5?

[@BasMusic-mi6dm]

how the noise when the video autofocus mode ?

[@LEVUAProduction]

Exposure overdose behind.. true pro😆🙌

[@GeorgeStar]

I like the manual AF/MF switch.

[@jpdeardenphotography]

I have the Olympus 45 F1.8 and love the lens . I couldn't replace it with the yongnuo's one

[@Red35Photography]

Yes, of course, the 45mm 1.8 is always going to be, in my opinion, one of the best. However, I am glad that we now have choices, more the merrier for M43.

[@jpdeardenphotography]

@@Red35Photography totally agree with that statement. More competition the more they work harder in bring even better lens etc BUT As I'm sure you can guess from one of my previous post I'm so indecisive haha

[@carmenfissenden2530]

I would love a comparison with these two and the Sigma 56 mm 1.4. This lens is around the price of the Olympus 45 1.8 and a little longer focal length at 112 mm in 35 mm terms, which produces nice clean backgrounds . Thanks for the video Jimmy , there were lots of nice things that came out of it and your conclusion was spot on.

[@Red35Photography]

I hope to get hold of a copy of 56mm 1.4 for testing. I've heard great things about. When I do, I will definitely make a video.

[@xan-ellis]

@@Red35Photography I was blown away by the 56mm f/1.4. The way it renders wide open is incredible. The focus separation between the subject and background feel just perfect to me.

[@leonfourie5717]

But then is the sigma not bigger and heavier. Not sure the price?

[@carmenfissenden2530]

Bigger yes, but it is not heavy .

[@carmenfissenden2530]

I will be keenly looking out for your review and I am sure others will be keenly looking forward to that video too.

[@joanantonim.p.2400]

Thank you very much... 👍👍👍🙏 "Saludos... 👋👋😃 "

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Joan!!

[@tommykeefer1048]

Great video.

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Tommy, thanks for watching.

[@tobiasdavid3096]

I‘ll stick with my Panasonic 42.5 1.7 since I also use Lumix bodies like the GM5 next to my Olympus M1 II. But I think the Olympus 45mm is almost unbeatable bang for your buck.

[@Red35Photography]

Oh yes, but I am also glad to see there are many options now, M43 is alive and well indeed.

[@christophernation4793]

Gt vid, Jimmy. Succinct, nails all the points - and got me trawling the usual sales channels. Lo and behold! A NEW! M.Zook for €175/£150, the last of 3 at that price from a guy in Portugal! Post free! Brexit has really messed up the reliably better deals to be had in UK for those of us based in the EU. Since 1st July, everything coming in from UK is now at least +local VAT ... 20% here in FR and that is also charged on the total of any Customs Duty + Customs handling charges + p n p.

[@krone5]

somehow I own the Pana and YI 42.5 lenses, so lots of options. while not an easy purchase, my pana 42.5 holds a teleconverter rather easily

[@pratikmulchandani5223]

Would you buy the Yongnuo 42.5mm f1.7 (Mark I) at $50 or the Olympus 45mm f1.8 at $130? I have an option to go for either and was thinking of going for the Yongnuo since I only use single point AF for stills

[@Red35Photography]

Hi Pratik, I would got with Olympus. Yongnuo 42.5mm 1.7 Mark I had some problems with AF on modern M43 cameras. It works better with older bodies apparently. Also AF isn't the fastest, I know you only use single AF, but even my mark II here is way better, Olympus still outperforms it. If you can stretch your budget for Olympus, that's the choice I would make.

[@pratikmulchandani5223]

@@Red35Photography Thanks a lot, I'll go with that then. Appreciate the quick response!

[@theiansm]

I just found an online shop based in China that has the YN for under &100. I can't wait for it to come. I do video's btw.

[@mtcrun]

So hoping to see Mk II versions of the 1.8 lenses with weather sealing... ☺️

[@Red35Photography]

Yes, I hope that too Michael.

[@I_Am_Bone]

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Oly 45 1.8 this coming week! Adding to my 14-150 II, 60 2.8 macro, 12-40 2.8 PRO, and 7Artisans 7.5 FishEye.

[@Red35Photography]

Enjoy your new lens mate, you don't be disappointed.

[@carmenfissenden2530]

You are in for a real treat

[@kidarts]

Это очень хороший обзор. Спасибо! Я получил ответы на все свои вопросы.

[@leonfourie5717]

Olympus all the way! Laowa as a second choice if the cater the focal range.

[@clanmac66]

I was very lucky, I managed to bag a brand new Olympus 45mm f1.8 for £155. If not, this lens would have been my next choice.

[@Red35Photography]

Wow!! You are so lucky mate!

[@carmenfissenden2530]

Christmas comes early ha ha

[@okimurafranck7672]

i prefer Youngnuo 42.5mm f1.7 good price for a good lens

[@ridaali4601]

Yi 42.5 is Great lens too but have plastic mount

[@Red35Photography]

Yes, I mentioned that in my previous video. I would pay that little bit for a metal mount lens, if the performance is similar.

[@danbei2232]

Nice review in 2023!! 😂✌️

[@garys639]

I stick with M.Zuiko all the time ,leave the Leica for the Panny People . Olympus Rules.

[@clanmac66]

And what if you are not in a position to buy a Olympus lens? There's room for everyone. :-)

[@carmenfissenden2530]

I agree entirely . Like most things, if you work within the limitations of the choices you have, you can still achieve outstanding results .

[@zayacz123]

The Olympus 45mm is a great car show lens. I’m sure the Yongnuo Mark 2 would be also.

[@Red35Photography]

Interesting, car show lens :)

[@zayacz123]

@@Red35Photography I watched a KZbinr using it at a moped show of all places. Europe has taken mopeds to a new level compared to the U.S.

[@anthonygainsford1893]

I can tell you are an ambassador and representative, perhaps. So being impartial “What do you want” what do you need? As a professional photographer, I use an Olympus EL9 as an on the hip camera and actually have that Olympus lens! But, when looking at some seascape shots in Yorkshire recently, I thought the kit lens is really, C-r-a-* so useless to anyone with photographic ambitions? Why do camera and lens manufacturers not understand the “Sweet spots” of consumer desire? Per chance? I’m an industry-commercially astute marketeer and seeing the way the Japanese and, high ended European manufacturers still do not understand, the consumer, prosumer and pro market. “Tip” I would buy this lens for one job! Ps business comes second to work and work is very important.