Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN Lens for Canon RF Cameras Released

Lens News

by Jeff LochJuly 15^th, 2021

Yongnuo recently released a new lens for Canon RF cameras: the Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN. This autofocus lens features an interesting focus/control ring that you can assign via a switch on the lens. Let’s take a closer look at this extremely affordable lens!

Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo is back with yet another incredibly affordable lens after their 25mm F/1.7 lens for MFT cameras and the 35mm F/2 for Sony E-mount cameras: the Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN. Also, the company announced its new Android-based MFT camera a couple of days ago, the Yongnuo YN455.

Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN features

The Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN is a Canon RF lens with very compact dimensions of only 67 × 88mm for 346g/0.76lbs. For fun, we can compare it to the Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L USM – even if the Canon version is in another league – that weighs 1.2kg/2.64lbs and measures 10.4 x 11.6cm.

Jokes aside, the YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN is mostly made out of plastic, but the bayonet is metal with gold-plated contacts. The lens has a maximum aperture of F/1.8 and has autofocus capabilities thanks to its digitally controlled stepping motor (DSM). In addition, there is an AF/MF switch on the lens body to turn autofocus On/Off.

As you can see, there is also another switch next to the AF/MF one. This interesting switch lets you change what the focus ring is doing. Indeed, if you put it to “control,” you can assign the ring to change various settings like your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. But, all these adjustments will be clickless, with no audible noise, like a traditional focus ring.

If you want to have a more tactile feeling – similar to Canon RF lenses with a control ring, you can set the switch to the third position, which is “click.” That way, the focus ring will have audible clicks when you turn it. That’s a very clever design and the first time seeing it on a Canon RF lens.

On the side of the lens, close to the lens mount, you’ll find a built-in USB Type-C port. According to Yongnuo, this port is used to update the lens’s firmware down the road.

Lens design

The lens design of the Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN consists of 9 elements in 8 groups, with a low-dispersion glass lens to reduce distortions and a “nano-multilayer coating process, which can effectively increase the light transmittance and suppress back-light ghosts and glare,” according to Yongnuo.

The aperture diaphragm consists of 7 circular aperture blades. The front filter thread is 58mm, and the minimum focus distance is 80cm/31.5in.

Price and availability

The Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN is available now for $398. In the box, you’ll find the lens, front and back caps, and a lens hood.

At this price point, I’m inquisitive to see how the Yongnuo YN 85mm F/1.8R DF DSN will perform. As a direct comparison, the Samyang/Rokinon AF 85mm F/1.4 Lens for Canon RF is $699, and the Canon RF 85mm F/2 Macro IS STM lens is $599.

For more information, please visit Yongnuo’s website here.

What do you think about this affordable Canon RF 85mm lens option? Do you often shoot with an 85mm prime lens? If so, which one is your favorite? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!