Yongnuo has unveiled its latest offering, the YN17mm F1.7 M4/3 Macro Lens. Announced today, the lens is priced at $159.99 and is available now. This new addition to Yongnuo's lineup is designed to cater to Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera users, promising an alternative macro photography experience with its unique features.
A New Frontier in Yongnuo's Lens Lineup
The YN17mm F1.7 Macro Lens is particularly notable for being Yongnuo's longest focal length macro lens to date, tailored specifically for the M4/3 mount. While the lens is marketed under the MFT system, it is important to clarify that it is not a full-frame lens; the term may have been used to highlight its comprehensive feature set rather than sensor coverage. The 17mm focal length, combined with a fast F1.7 aperture, allows for versatile shooting, from landscapes and portraits to intricate macro photography.
Advanced Autofocus with Full-Time Manual Focus Support
The YN17mm F1.7 Macro Lens features an advanced autofocus system, equipped with an STM CNC stepping motor. This technology ensures smooth and silent focusing, making it an ideal choice for both still photography and videography. Additionally, the lens includes an autofocus/manual focus switch, providing photographers with the flexibility to easily switch between automatic and manual focusing modes. This feature is particularly useful in situations where precise control over focus is required, such as in macro photography, allowing users to fine-tune the focus even after the autofocus system has been engaged.
Moreover, the lens supports full-time manual focus, enabling users to fine-tune focus manually even after autofocus has been achieved. This feature is particularly beneficial for macro photography, where precise focus adjustments are often necessary to capture minute details.
Optical Design and Build Quality
The YN17mm F1.7 Macro Lens boasts a sophisticated optical design, comprising 10 elements arranged in 9 groups. This configuration includes two aspherical elements and two low-dispersion elements, which work together to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, delivering sharp and high-contrast images. The lens also features seven circular diaphragm blades, contributing to a pleasing bokeh effect in out-of-focus areas, which is often sought after in portrait and macro photography.
Constructed with a metal mount and gold-plated contacts, the lens is built to ensure durability and reliable communication with the camera body. The relatively lightweight build, weighing around 180 grams, makes it a portable choice for photographers on the go.
A Competitive Offering in the Macro Lens Market
With a price point of $159.99, the Yongnuo YN17mm F1.7 Macro Lens positions itself as an affordable yet capable option for MFT system users. Its combination of focal length, wide aperture, advanced autofocus, and manual focus capabilities makes it a versatile tool for a variety of photographic applications. Whether capturing the intricate details of a flower petal or a portrait with a creamy background blur, this lens offers photographers a new tool to explore their creative potential.
In conclusion, Yongnuo's latest lens release reflects the company's commitment to providing innovative and accessible photography equipment. The YN17mm F1.7 Macro Lens is a testament to this ethos, offering both amateur and professional photographers an exciting new option in the realm of macro photography. As the lens hits the market, it will be interesting to see how it is received by the photography community and how it stands up to competition from other brands in the macro lens segment.