It seems that Yongnuo is the first company to figure out a way around Canon’s RF mount autofocus lens licensing issues. Well, it’s either that or they’re going to be next in the line of companies that Canon shuts down for producing unauthorised, patent-infringing, RF mount autofocus lenses. Either way, it seems that Yongnuo has announced a new 85mm f/1.8R DF DSM lens for Canon RF mount.

According to Asobinet, the lens comes with a new design, new optical configuration of 9 elements in 8 groups, a 7-blade aperture, 58mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of around 80cm. It is an autofocus lens featuring a built-in stepper motor, which means it presumably communicates with RF-mount camera bodies. All I want to ask is… How? This isn’t the first time Yongnuo’s tried to release this.

[Related reading: Canon orders Viltrox (and possibly others) to stop selling RF mount lenses]

Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8R DF DSM

The new lens will sit in a rather nice spot for Canon RF users. The 85mm focal length is ideal for full-frame shooters creating portraits. And while the f/1.8 aperture isn’t crazy wide, given its focal length, the depth of field should still be quite shallow when shooting wide open. If you’re shooting against a solid background, you’re probably going to be down at f/5.6-8 anyway, so a faster aperture is a waste.

Being that it’s a Yongnuo lens, it should also be quite a low-budget lens, too. The lens is already available for Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount, priced at $345 and $379, respectively. Currently, there is a version for RF mount listed for a price of $398, although the image isn’t quite the same as that used in the teaser, but the specs seem to match There’s no pre-order button, either. Just a “Request Assistance” button with a note that it’s “Back-Ordered – Special Order”.

What’s clear, though, is that this is most definitely an autofocus lens with communication between the camera lens and body.

But, how?

This isn’t the first time Yongnuo’s tried to launch an 85mm f/1.8 lens for Canon RF mount. They first announced one in 2021. A handful of reviews were posted to Youtube, but it never seemed to make it to actual retail, likely shut down by Canon. A new version of the lens was released in 2022 for Nikon Z and Sony E mount, and this appears to be the model being released now for RF mount.

It’s entirely possible that Yongnuo is taking a “Meh, screw you, Canon, we do what we want!” approach with this lens. But if they are, I can’t see that sitting well with Canon. If that is the case, I think it’s likely that we’ll see a similar story to that which played out with Viltrox, ultimately resulting in confirmation from Canon that, yes, they did order them to stop selling RF mount AF lenses. It was likely a similar story with Samyang, although the details of that were never really made public.

The other option, of course, is that Yongnuo has worked out a licensing deal with Canon to be able to produce RF mount autofocus lenses. The only problem with this theory, though, is how? How has Yongnuo managed to succeed where Sigma, Tamron and Tokina – arguably the three biggest 3rd party lens manufacturers – have seemingly failed? After all, none of those companies are releasing or even hinting at RF mount lenses yet.

[Related reading: Canon confirms blocking Viltrox from making autofocus RF mount lenses]

As mentioned, there is a listing on the B&H website and the specs of the Canon RF mount version do seem to line up with the Nikon Z and Sony E mount versions. Whether or not this is actually a listing for the newly announced lens or simply a holdover from 2021’s announcement that was never removed, is unclear.

But, either it’ll become available soon, or it’ll be time to grab the popcorn, sit back, and watch Canon’s response!

[via Asobinet]