Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Macro
Score: 66/100
Yongnuo YN35mm F2 Canon
Score: 28/100Rankings
The Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro offers an affordable telephoto zoom with a 1:2 macro capability, suitable for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. While it provides decent sharpness at shorter focal lengths, it suffers from softness at the long end, vignetting, and lacks image stabilization.
The Yongnuo YN35mm F2 is a budget-friendly, fast-aperture prime offering solid optics and a sturdy metal mount. It shines in portability and price but suffers from slower autofocus and a fragile filter thread.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 70 mm | 35 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 35 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 f | 2 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 540 g | 179.9 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 119 mm | 59 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 95 cm | 25 cmbest |
0.5 xbest | 0.23 x | |
— | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | Nikon F | Canon EF |
Autofocus Motor Type | Motorized | DC motor |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 70 mm | 35 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 35 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4 f | 2 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 95 cm | 25 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.5 x | 0.23 x |
Coating Type | Super Multi-Layer | Multi-coated |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 540 g | 179.9 g |
Length (mm) | 119 mm | 59 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 52 mm |
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its sharpness at the wide end and mid-range, the inclusion of SLD glass, and the rare 1:2 macro capability at an entry-level price. However, they consistently note corner softness at full telephoto, noticeable vignetting on full-frame, slow autofocus and the absence of stabilization, making it more of a walk-around lens than a professional workhorse.
Everyday users love the macro function, the reach for wildlife and travel, and the reliable performance of the built-in motor on Nikon entry-level DSLRs. Common complaints revolve around softness at the long end, autofocus hunting, occasional internal haze, and the lack of image stabilization, but most owners consider the lens a durable, good-value tool for hobbyist photography.
Professional reviewers acknowledge the YN35mm F2 as a surprisingly capable lens for its price, praising its optical performance, fast aperture, and sturdy metal mount, while noting that its autofocus speed and overall build fall short of native premium lenses and that it lacks stabilization.
Everyday users love the lens for its portability, low-light capability, and affordability, but complain about slow or hunting autofocus in dim conditions and a fragile filter thread.
“macro feature ... calling it a "hidden gem" for close-up nature and product shots.”
“softness at 300 mm is the most common critique”
“Perfect for travel”
