When I first picked up the Yongnuo 35mm f/2 for my Nikon Z5II, I honestly wasn’t expecting much. It was one of those budget-friendly primes I wanted to try out — more for curiosity than anything else. But after a few weeks of using it, I can say this: the 35mm focal length has a charm of its own, and this little lens has found a permanent place in my camera bag.
A Natural Field of View
What I love most about the 35mm is how natural it feels. It’s not too wide, not too tight — just right for capturing scenes the way your eyes see them. Whether I’m shooting portraits, street photography, or even travel shots, it gives me enough context in the frame without distorting faces or backgrounds too much.
NIKON Z5II with Yongnuo 35mm f/2 @ 35mm, ISO 160, 1/1600, f/2.0
Light, Compact, and Fun to Use
The Yongnuo 35mm f/2 isn’t fancy. It’s lightweight, compact, and doesn’t scream “professional gear,” which actually makes it easier to carry around and less intimidating when pointing it at people. Sometimes the simplest gear brings the most joy to use.
Sharpness & Image Quality
For the price, I was surprised by how sharp this lens can be when stopped down a little. Wide open at f/2, it gives a dreamy softness with some character, especially in portraits. Once you stop down to f/2.8 or f/4, the details pop out nicely. Of course, it doesn’t match the higher-end Nikon glass, but considering the cost difference, it’s more than enough for my needs.
NIKON Z5II with Yongnuo 35mm f/2 @ 35mm, ISO 100, 1/161, f/2.0
Bokeh & Depth
At f/2, the subject isolation is beautiful. The bokeh isn’t creamy like the expensive lenses, but it has a unique character. For portraits or close-ups, it helps create that separation between the subject and background that I really enjoy.
Where It Shines for Me
I’ve found myself reaching for the 35mm most when I want to capture a story. Portraits with some background, moments in the street, candid family shots — it does them all really well. It forces me to move around, find better angles, and be more creative rather than just zooming in and out.
NIKON Z5II with Yongnuo 35mm f/2 @ 35mm, ISO 64, 1/100, f/2.0
Final Thoughts
The Yongnuo 35mm f/2 isn’t perfect — autofocus can be a bit noisy, and it’s not weather-sealed. But for the price, it’s a fantastic little lens. More importantly, it has reminded me that photography is not about having the most expensive gear, but about learning to see and tell stories.
This lens has given me some of my favorite shots so far, and I’ll be sharing a few test shots below so you can see what it’s capable of.