1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the YONGNUO YN12-35mm F2.8-4M Standard Zoom Lens. This lens is designed for Micro Four Thirds (M43) cameras, offering a versatile focal length range suitable for various photographic situations, including landscape, portrait, street photography, and indoor scenes. It features auto-focus capabilities and a robust optical design for high-quality imaging. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the lens to ensure proper operation and to maximize its performance.

Figure 1: YONGNUO YN12-35mm F2.8-4M Standard Zoom Lens.
2. What's in the Box
Upon opening the package, please ensure all the following items are present:
- 1x YN12-35mm F2.8-4M Zoom Lens
- 1x Original Box
- 1x Instruction Manual
3. Key Features
- Focal Length: 12-35mm (35mm equivalent: 24-70mm), providing a versatile zoom range from wide-angle to medium telephoto.
- Maximum Aperture: F2.8-F4, allowing for good low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
- Optical Design: 14 elements in 11 groups, including 3 Low-Dispersion (LD) lenses and 4 Aspherical (ASPH) lenses to minimize aberrations and distortion.
- Autofocus System: Equipped with an STM (Stepping Motor) for quiet and precise autofocus.
- Macro Function: Closest focusing distance of approximately 0.25m, with a Super Close-up (SCU) mode achieving 0.5x magnification at 11cm.
- Aperture Blades: 7 circular aperture blades for smooth bokeh.
- Filter Diameter: 67mm.
- Mount: Metal mount with gold-plated contacts for reliable communication with the camera.
- Durability: Lens mount is equipped with a dust-proof and water-proof rubber ring for enhanced protection.
- Firmware Updates: Supports USB firmware upgrades for future enhancements.

Figure 2: Detailed specifications of the YN12-35mm F2.8-4M lens.

Figure 3: Illustration of an aspherical lens element, which helps to correct optical aberrations.
4. Setup
4.1 Attaching the Lens
- Ensure your camera is powered off before attaching or detaching the lens.
- Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.
- Align the mounting index (usually a white dot) on the lens with the corresponding index on your camera body.
- Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.
- Attach the front lens cap when not in use to protect the front element.
4.2 Detaching the Lens
- Ensure your camera is powered off.
- Press and hold the lens release button on your camera body.
- Rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it detaches from the camera body.
- Immediately attach the rear lens cap to the lens and the body cap to the camera to prevent dust from entering.

Figure 4: The lens mount features a rubber ring for dust and water resistance. While providing protection, it is not completely waterproof; avoid direct exposure to heavy rain.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Focus Mode Switch (AF/MF)
The lens features an AF/MF switch to select between Autofocus and Manual Focus modes.
- Set the switch to AF for automatic focusing. The camera will control the lens focus.
- Set the switch to MF for manual focusing. Rotate the focus ring on the lens to adjust focus manually.
5.2 Macro Mode Switch
The lens includes a dedicated Macro switch to enable or disable the Super Close-up (SCU) function.
- Set the switch to ON to activate Macro mode, allowing for closer focusing distances and higher magnification (up to 0.5x).
- Set the switch to OFF for normal focusing range.

Figure 5: The Macro switch allows for enhanced close-up photography.

Figure 6: Examples demonstrating the close-up capabilities of the lens in Macro mode, capturing fine details of flowers, strawberries, and water droplets.
5.3 Zoom Ring
Rotate the zoom ring to adjust the focal length between 12mm (wide-angle) and 35mm (medium telephoto). The current focal length is indicated on the lens barrel.

Figure 7: The zoom range covers wide-angle, standard, and medium telephoto perspectives, making it suitable for diverse shooting scenarios.
5.4 Compatibility
This lens is compatible with most Micro Four Thirds cameras, including models from Panasonic LUMIX (e.g., G100, GH5, G9, G95, G85, GX9, GX85, GF-10, GF-9, GF-8) and Olympus (e.g., E-M5 Mark II, E-M10 Mark III, E-M10 IV, E-PL9, E-PL10, PEN-F).

Figure 8: The YN12-35mm F2.8-4M lens is shown mounted on a YONGNUO YN455 camera, demonstrating its compatibility and versatility for both distant and close-up shots.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, clean microfiber cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces to gently wipe away dust or smudges. For stubborn marks, use a lens cleaning solution applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
- Dust and Water Resistance: The lens mount has a rubber ring for dust and water resistance. However, the lens is not fully waterproof. Avoid using it in heavy rain or submerging it in water. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately.
- Storage: When not in use, store the lens with both front and rear caps attached in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Consider using a dehumidifying cabinet if you live in a humid environment.
- Avoid Impact: Protect the lens from drops and impacts, which can damage the optical elements or internal mechanisms.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lens not focusing (AF mode) |
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| Images are blurry |
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| Lens not recognized by camera |
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7.1 Firmware Updates
The YN12-35mm F2.8-4M lens supports USB firmware upgrades. Periodically check the official YONGNUO website for the latest firmware versions and instructions to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

Figure 9: The lens features a USB port for convenient firmware updates, ensuring continued performance and compatibility.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 12-35mm (35mm equivalent: 24-70mm) |
| Maximum Aperture | F2.8-F4 |
| Minimum Aperture | Not specified in data, typically F16-F22 |
| Lens Construction | 14 elements in 11 groups (including 3 LD, 4 ASPH) |
| Angle of View | Diagonal: 85.3°-34.1°, Vertical: 56.6°-21.3°, Horizontal: 72.1°-27.9° |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.25m (Super Close-up: 0.11m) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.1x (Super Close-up: 0.5x) |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 7 (circular) |
| Filter Diameter | 67mm |
| Maximum Diameter × Length | Approx. 72mm × 94mm |
| Weight | Approx. 318g (excluding front and rear lens covers) |
| Drive System | STM Stepping Motor |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds (M43) |

Figure 10: MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) charts illustrating the optical performance of the lens at 12mm and 35mm focal lengths.
9. Official Product Video
Video 1: Official product overview of the YONGNUO YN12-35mm F2.8-4M Standard Zoom Lens for M43 Cameras. This video highlights key features and design aspects of the lens.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official YONGNUO website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Manufacturer: YONGNUO