It was bound to happen. As soon as word came out that Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo had set their sights to copying lenses (specifically the infamous Canon 50mm f/1.8, also known as the ‘Nifty Fifty,’) people wondered how the two would stack up against each other. Canon’s 50mm comes in at a budget-friendly $115, while Yongnuo’s version can be bought for half that price, from the change found under your couch cushions.
A few weeks ago, Kish posted another comparison article of the two lenses done by Tony and Chelsea Northrup and now a new comparison has surfaced, this time from the guys over at DigitalRev. Using their trademark humor (and some strong language), Kai compares the two lenses on the busy streets of China, fittingly, the copycat capital of the world. He begins by putting the lenses side by side. Now, if you’ve owned the nifty-fifty (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), you’ll know that the plastic build is lightweight and not very sturdy, but the Yongnuo is actually even lighter. The real question is, though, how does it perform?
Not bad actually, though quite noisy, like “Johnny 5 with constipation.” (If you’re a child of the 80’s as I am, that quote should’ve made you chuckle a little, at least). Kai then compares the sharpness, speed and bokeh of the two lenses, as well as their “insides.”
Whether or not you’re in the market for a nifty fifty, this video is a fun watch. The choice, of course, is yours, Should you buy the original and know that you have a very solid lens to work with or save a few bucks and get the copy, which has its positives and negatives.
This quote from the 90’s movie, Multiplicity, sums it up quite nicely, “You know how when you make a copy of a copy, it’s not as sharp as… well… the original.”
Watch YongNuo 50mm f/1.8 vs Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
What do you think? Would you buy the Yongnuo over Canon or Nikon’s “Nifty Fifty?” Tell us why in the comments below.
[Via DigitalRev]
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