Solid Budget Zoom For Micro Four Thirds - YONGNUO 12-35MM F2.8-4

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Excellent video 😮!

[@YONGNUOPhotography]

Thank you for the decent review, we will keep making more excellent products for all photographers

[@paul_boddie]

Maybe send Robin one of your other lenses to review, or even the YN455 camera featuring a Micro Four Thirds lens mount? Those products look rather exciting. It is great to see new players in the camera market trying things that established manufacturers gave up on. And with regard to the YN455, people keep saying how cameras should have smartphone-like screens and functionality, so there they have it!

[@fotoyoshi]

pls make 30mm macro lens

[@mikenofi281]

Excellent review. Your images are beautiful and a reminder of how good the Olympus m4/3 is in the hands of a skilled photographer.

[@robinwong]

Thanks, you are too kind!

[@xmeda]

Nice deep review Robin. Chromatic aberation might be more visible on Yongnuo, because Olympus cameras tend to correct own Oly lenses a bit more while processing images including RAWs. F2.8-4.0 range is still fine for most user cases. It reminds me one of my favourite APS-C lenses, the mighty Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.0 which also does have "macro" close up capability and is one of the most versatile lenses you can get for any APS-C DSLR. Older version Sig 17-70/2.8-4.5 was my first lens and workhorse for many years bought in 2008 and I still have it. It does not excell in any particular thing, but the combination of parameters is great. It only feels a bit short, but matches well with some classic 55-300 or 70-300 APS-C telephoto lens :) And since I'm using mixed lens setups from Pentax, Sigma and Tamron, the zoom ring direction is different all the time. But after some time my brain simply learned which lens turns which way and now I barely have to think about it. Brain is switching with lenses ;) Btw. I would like to see some Sigma 18-35/1.8 equivallent for M4/3. Closest and maybe even better range is only Panasonic 10-25/1.7, but the price difference is HUGE. So some Oly 14-25/1.8 maybe in $700-800 range will do... maybe in future.

[@robinwong]

I think it is more than just the software correction, as the chromatic aberration is not the usual purple or green fringing, and Olympus or Panasonic bodies don't correct for those unusual color shifts. As much as I like seeing Sigma F1.8 zooms, I hope they can make it small, and not just port over the mount compatibility. Look at the 16mm F1.4, it is monstrous!

[@xmeda]

@@robinwong Yes, because it is APS-C lens just with different mount :D But there are 17/1.2 and 17/1.8 to choose from :)

[@WMARUoriginal]

I like that this is internal zooming and the image quality looks great. If this can get discounted a bit more, it would be a worthy purchase.

[@robinwong]

Yeap, it seems like a solid option.

[@c.augustin]

Thanks for this review! I would not consider this one and rather look for a used Olympus 12-40 mm F2.8 Pro - or for the 12-45 mm F4 Pro (even more reach). What bugs me about the 2.8-4 is that it has a wider aperture where it isn't needed (at the lower end), and is at F4 when light would be an issue. Then I can go with F4 over the whole zoom range …

[@robinwong]

The variable aperture is to keep the lens small. You will be surprised, even at wide angle 12mm, F2.8 does make a difference when you shoot moving subjects in low light.

[@c.augustin]

@@robinwong Yes, you're right. Not what I would need, so I didn't think about that. Still, I would go with a used 12-40 F2.8 Pro if need be - it doesn't look that much larger (I had it for two days, and it felt comfortable on an E-M1II that I borrowed together with the lens). I'm sure that the YONGNUO will find its customers, it does look good (and the dedicated buttons are something to be considered, also the closer "macro" capability).

[@williampegram]

Hi Robin, great photos! If I didn't have my 12-40 f2.8 (or couldn't get a second hand 12-40 f2.8) i might consider this lens. Again Great photos!

[@robtheaccountant]

Thanks Robin

[@robinwong]

Cheers

[@sbcwinn]

How much does the YongNuo cost?? You never mentIoned it. Thanks!

[@martlet530]

Great video. Many thanks!!!!!

[@robinwong]

No worries, glad I can share.

[@grantrobertdavies]

Nice one Rob - Great Review :)

[@robinwong]

Thanks, appreciate that

[@MikeC2K10]

I think if you are on a budget a used 12-40 f/2.8 PRO is going to cost less than a new Yongnuo 12-35mm f/2.8-4. I wasn't able to find any Yongnuo lenses on the used market. But I do like the non-extending zoom and more compact size overall of the Yongnuo.

[@jesseespinosa3325]

Looks like a cool fun lens, thanks for the review! Seems very similar to the Olympus 12-50mm for features. Weather sealing, internal zoom\focus, macro focusing, l-fn button... Electronic or manual zoom on the oly though. Can you zoom in and out in macro mode? The oly goes to fixed 43mm for macro

[@robinwong]

yes you can zoom in the macro mode. However, the Olympus 12-50mm has much narrower aperture.

[@sweden_ove2074]

Seem to be a nice lens. But I have the 12-40pro and 12-100proIS and I also mostly nowdays use my loved 8-25pro.

[@leonfourie5717]

Have the Oly 12-40f2.8,but the Youngnuo is interesting.Notice the rubbergrip on your OMD Em1 mk2 is coming loose.I have the same problem.Not sure how i would fix mine yet.

[@JmartiStudio]

Olympus can be used for landscape, commercial photos, etc. What is the difference between using a full frame?

[@abcxyz.pnhao07]

Does Youngnuo have similar products for sony?

[@hedydd2]

I’ll take the small light Panasonic 12-32 any day. It is my compromise to lose a slight amount of low light performance for the compactness and convenience for small bodies. Others will prefer the convenience of more control switches and manual focus ring on the Yongnuo.

[@leckywoznicki5393]

Thank you :)

[@robinwong]

My pleasure to share

[@leckywoznicki5393]

I like your sail fish one too. Sorry you were ill tho @@robinwong

[@anthony-qm3pn]

Hi Robin, Do you feel that OM systems has been bad about doing major firmware updates to support their cameras for major bug fixes and other issues by now that should’ve been resolved.

[@robinwong]

If they can solve the issues via firmware, they could have solved it. It only means, they can't.

[@jennyburden444]

Robin, I'm going to Australia soon, and have an Olympus omd em1mark 2. Which lens would you recommend I take. I want to take scenic but also wildlife close up shots. Thank you so much 😊

[@robinwong]

I can't just recommend lenses without knowing you in person, what you shoot, how you shoot, and lenses are very personal too. My advice is to use whatever that you have.

[@jennyburden444]

@@robinwong thank you for taking the time to answer. I think I have decided to take the 12 - 100 f4 pro. It's quite versatile, I can get landscape and fairly close up shots. I don't want to lug around too much.

[@sweden_ove2074]

I would, if you can, take two lenses. I normally take my 8-25pro, and my 40-150 f/4 pro. What a combination 😍. That's because I need better wide angle, and better tele reach. I still love my 12-100pro, but it gets less use day by day now. That's sad. Good luck in your choices. You know what's best for you, as Master Robin say. above.

[@santiks]

The zoom direction is something unusual to me too. If Yongnuo can make it further 12-45 or 12-50 that would be great.

[@robinwong]

The added reach is not really a dealbreaker, but I'd rather they improve the AF, and of course, make it a bit smaller.

[@paul_boddie]

@@robinwong It is great that the manufacturer implemented autofocus, unlike so many others, and therefore made the lens worthy of your consideration, knowing your requirements. And although the autofocus is not as fast as the Olympus 12-40, I imagine that you using it in a professional shoot is a vote of confidence in itself. Thanks for the informative review and your enthusiasm!

[@JmartiStudio]

What can a full frame do that an Olympus can't do? Can you tell me?

[@Jbzy3000]

I have a few errands and a meeting tomorrow I’ll bring you one

[@anthony-qm3pn]

My favourite lens from Olympus of all time is the 75mm f/1.8 it is one of their sharpest lens they’ve ever made, but I think this lens is overdue for an update, making it weather sealed. Would love to see pro f/1.4 version of this lens. would like to see this sort of prime roadmap from OM systems Pro f/1.4 20mm & 40mm & 80mm would like to see them all in f/1.4 with weatherproofing.

[@anthony-qm3pn]

OM systems all new OM-1 has had small insignificant bug fix for more updates that’s all which is not good enough OM systems has not made any major significant updates for their new cameras yet to address any major auto focus problems, and also to keep the camera fresh with new capabilities.

[@AP-RSI]

Sad, can't find this lens on Amazon in my country (Germany). Would like to know how much it costs.

[@d.r.martin6301]

I just looked on Amazon US it's going for $550. So not exactly a bargain.

[@AP-RSI]

@@d.r.martin6301 Thanks!

[@robinwong]

Maybe it is not available yet.

[@rebirth2526]

I heard that Olympus zoom direction is the same as Canon while Panasonic zoom direction is the same as Nikon.

[@robinwong]

That is correct.

[@andreasrochow5170]

My two grandsons are left-handed and complain that grandpa's cameras are designed exclusively for right-handed (and right-eyed) people. Does that make them part of a "discriminated minority"? Compared to that, the direction of rotation of the zoom ring is a trifle. - The pictures, especially the close-up portraits, are very sharp and well edited. It is hard to believe that they could be even better with the M. Zuiko zoom.

[@xmeda]

In film era there were some attempts to sell left handed cameras, but not in digital era. But it might be quite easy to fit other shutter button on some EPL body. They might advertise such camera as not only left hand friendly, but also selfie friendly, because then you'll be able to use it by both hands easily.

[@robinwong]

The optical quality of the Yongnuo is quite good, no doubt, but definitely if you use the Olympus 12-40mm PRO, the image quality will be sharper.

[@jenyahpppx]

Thanks. What about Continious AF? Is it reliable?

[@robinwong]

I don't shoot C-AF

[@dw.imaging]

As of the time I am commenting; The Amazon link just takes me to Amazon home page.

[@ATF_CA]

It's his Amazon affiliate link

[@robinwong]

That is as intended.

[@dw.imaging]

Generally, I would have expected 1 of 2 things after clicking an Affiliate Link. Either to see the product in the review after clicking the Amazon Link, or your recommended product list. At the time I clicked on the link, there was no annotation that it was a generic link leading me to a normal Amazon page. Now I am wondering if all my shopping on Prime Day yesterday generated any misc revenue stream during my shopping experience and if it will continue to do so unless I clear my browser or something. I am unfamiliar with how this works as you intended it to. I am ok with you earning, I think that's wonderful. But in my situation, it was and still is unclear now that I have clicked on an affiliate link that (by intention) lead me to the amazon Home Page. @@robinwong

[@dfaisal85]

Alamak...ini racun 🤣

[@robinwong]

Buy buy buy

[@TFPMadcow]

M43 ha so much middle ground, 12-60 lumix for example. Or 12-45 f4 pro. Stuff you will actually able to resell down the line. Thus yongnuo makes no sense in any scenario.

[@jonbarnard7186]

Well it may be a budget option, but in my country, it is only $200 cheaper than the Olympus 12-40 (on Amazon Canada anyway). That's a long way from half price. So it doesn't make any sense at all.

[@Роман-д1й1ш]

No, thanks. Used 12-40 is my choise if i want to save some money.

[@robinwong]

12-40mm is twice as much as what the Yongnuo is asking for.

[@salat]

"Step up from kit lenses" - Actually no, only if you completely ignore the superb Panasonic Leica 12-60m f2.8-4. Ironically you can get that out of kit for not much more than the Yongnuo. So imho the Yongnuo is completely overpriced..

[@robinwong]

Panasonic 12-60mm is a good lens, NOT superb in any sense. I have reviewed it before. And that is NOT a kit lens. When we talk about kit lens, we talk about basic, cheaper lenses that has aperture range of F3.5-5.6. When the lens gets bigger and more expensive like the 12-60mm, with aperture from F2.8-4, that is already a step up from the kit lens.

[@Sasha-Good]

12-35 is so short -- 12-50 is better for travel.

[@robinwong]

Then 12-50mm is too short, 12-100mm is better. Then 12-100mm is too short, 12-200mm is better. Then 200mm is not enough, 300mm is better. It never ends, does it?

[@Sasha-Good]

@@robinwong I'm not sure but for travel, usually do not need something bigger than 150mm. I have Lumix 12-32, and 12-50 Olympus, and the last is better, but fun fact if I want to do only streetphotography 15,17,20,25 is more than enough.