1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper use and care of your YONGNUO YN50MM f1.8 II Lens. This standard prime lens is designed for Canon EF Mount DSLR cameras, offering a large f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the lens to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Figure 1.1: YONGNUO YN50MM f1.8 II Lens with included accessories.
2. Product Overview and Key Features
The YONGNUO YN50MM f1.8 II is a versatile prime lens featuring a robust design and advanced optical elements. Key features include:
- F1.8 Large Aperture: Provides excellent background blur (bokeh) and superior performance in low-light conditions.
- 50mm Fixed Focal Length: Mimics the natural human eye's field of view, ideal for portraits, street photography, and general use.
- 0.35m Minimum Focus Distance: Allows for close-up photography, capturing intricate details.
- AF/MF Switch: Easily switch between Autofocus and Manual Focus modes.
- Durable Metal Bayonet: Ensures a secure and long-lasting connection to your camera body.
- USB-C Firmware Upgrade Interface: Allows for future firmware updates to enhance lens performance.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing approximately 162g, it is highly portable for on-the-go photographers.
- Optical Structure: Features a 5-group, 6-element optical design for improved image quality.
Figure 2.1: Key features of the YN50MM f1.8 II lens, including its metal mount and USB-C port.
3. Setup
3.1 Attaching the Lens
- Ensure your camera is powered off before attaching or detaching the lens.
- Remove the rear lens cap from the YN50MM f1.8 II lens and the body cap from your Canon EF Mount camera.
- Align the red dot on the lens barrel with the red dot on your camera's lens mount.
- Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.
- Remove the front lens cap. Your lens is now ready for use.
3.2 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 your camera to protect the sensors and optical elements from dust.
4. Operating the Lens
4.1 Autofocus (AF) and Manual Focus (MF)
The lens features an AF/MF switch on its barrel, allowing you to select your preferred focusing method.
- AF (Autofocus): Slide the switch to 'AF'. The camera will automatically focus on your subject when the shutter button is half-pressed.
- MF (Manual Focus): Slide the switch to 'MF'. Rotate the focus ring on the lens barrel to manually adjust the focus. The focus distance indicator on the lens can assist in precise manual focusing.
Important Note on Autofocus:
This lens uses an internal focus motor that produces an audible whirring sound during autofocus. This is normal for the lens design. It is generally not recommended for video recording as the noise may be captured by the camera's microphone. Focus speed is also not as fast as some premium lenses, making it primarily suited for still photography.
Figure 4.1: AF/MF switch for focus mode selection.
4.2 Aperture Control (F1.8)
The lens features a wide maximum aperture of f/1.8. This allows for:
- Shallow Depth of Field: Create images with a blurred background, making your subject stand out.
- Low-Light Performance: Capture clear images in dimly lit environments without needing to significantly increase ISO.
The aperture is controlled electronically through your camera body. Refer to your camera's instruction manual for details on adjusting aperture settings.
Figure 4.2: F1.8 large aperture for blurred backgrounds.
5. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your lens.
- Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optics to clean the lens elements. For stubborn smudges, use a small amount of lens cleaning solution applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens. The front lens features a waterproof and anti-fouling coating for easier cleaning.
- Dust Removal: Use a blower brush to remove dust from the lens surface before wiping. Avoid using compressed air, which can damage coatings or internal components.
- Storage: When not in use, always attach both front and rear lens caps. Store the lens 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 cause internal misalignment or damage.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your YN50MM f1.8 II lens, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Autofocus is noisy. | Normal operation for the internal focus motor. | This is characteristic of the lens. If recording video, use manual focus or an external microphone to avoid capturing the sound. |
| Autofocus is slow or inaccurate. | Low light conditions, low contrast subject, camera settings, or lens not fully mounted. | Ensure sufficient light and contrast. Check camera AF settings. Re-mount the lens securely. If issues persist, switch to Manual Focus. |
| Lens not recognized by camera. | Improper mounting, dirty electrical contacts, or outdated firmware. | Re-mount the lens. Clean the electrical contacts on both the lens and camera with a clean, dry cloth. Check for available firmware updates for both the lens and camera. |
| Images are blurry. | Incorrect focus, camera shake, or dirty lens elements. | Verify focus mode (AF/MF) and ensure the subject is in focus. Use a faster shutter speed or tripod to prevent camera shake. Clean the lens elements. |
If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, please contact customer support.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | YN50MM F1.8C II BLACK |
| Focal Length | 50mm (Fixed) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.35m |
| Lens Type | Standard Prime Lens |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
| Optical Structure | 5 groups, 6 elements |
| Filter Diameter | 58mm |
| Item Weight | 8.9 ounces (approx. 252g) |
| Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches |
| Firmware Upgrade | USB Type-C port |
8. What's in the Box
The YONGNUO YN50MM f1.8 II Lens package includes the following items:
- 1 x YN50mm F1.8 II Lens
- 1 x Lens Front Cover
- 1 x Lens Back Cover
- 1 x Instruction Manual
Figure 8.1: Included items in the product package.
9. Lens Compatibility
This lens is designed for Canon EF Mount DSLR cameras. It is compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLR models, including but not limited to:
- Canon EOS 1300D, 1200D, 1100D, 1000D
- Canon EOS 850D, 800D, 750D, 700D, 650D, 600D, 550D, 500D, 450D, 400D, 350D
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II, 7D, 6D, 5D Mark IV, 5D Mark III, 5D Mark II, 5D
- Canon EOS 60D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D, 10D
- Canon EOS 1D series, 1Ds series
For optimal performance, ensure your camera's firmware is up to date. While the lens is compatible with EF mount, performance may vary slightly across different camera models.
Figure 9.1: The YN50MM f1.8 II lens is compatible with Canon EF-Mount DSLR cameras.
10. Firmware Upgrade
The YN50MM f1.8 II lens supports firmware upgrades via a USB Type-C port. This allows for performance improvements and compatibility enhancements.
10.1 USB-Free Firmware Upgrade (Camera Dependent)
Some camera models may support firmware upgrades directly through the camera body, eliminating the need for a separate USB connection to a computer. This method avoids potential incompatibility issues with different computer operating systems.
Note: This function needs to be supported by your camera. Refer to your camera's manual for details on lens firmware updates.
Figure 10.1: Firmware upgrade via camera (if supported).
10.2 Standard USB Firmware Upgrade
For cameras that do not support USB-free upgrades, or for direct lens updates:
- Visit the official YONGNUO website to download the latest firmware for your YN50MM f1.8 II lens.
- Connect the lens to your computer using a USB Type-C cable.
- Follow the instructions provided with the firmware download to complete the update process.
11. Warranty and Support
Warranty information for the YONGNUO YN50MM f1.8 II Lens is typically provided with the product packaging or can be found on the official YONGNUO website. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For technical support, service, or further inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided in your product's warranty card or visit the official YONGNUO support page online.
