Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE Review: A Korean Zoom That Replaces a Bag Full of Primes
A zoom that opens to f/2 at 35mm and stays at f/2.8 all the way to 150mm sounds like something you’d build out of several lenses. The Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE, from South Korea’s Samyang (now LK Samyang), does it in one. It launched in April 2023 at $1,399 for Sony E-mount, with an L-Mount version following later.
For wedding and portrait photographers, that range is magic. 35mm for the getting-ready shots, 50mm and 85mm for portraits, 135mm and 150mm for the ceremony. All at apertures that blur backgrounds and handle low light.
It’s the kind of lens that lets you go to a wedding with one camera body and one lens.
Video review: Christopher Frost
The images
Sharpness is good to very good across the range, best in the center, and very usable wide open. Out-of-focus areas at 150mm f/2.8 look close to what you’d get from a dedicated portrait prime. At 35mm f/2, you get more blur than any standard f/2.8 zoom can manage.
Color and contrast are pleasing, and the lens renders skin tones nicely.
Handling and features
Autofocus uses linear STM motors. It’s quick and tracks eyes well for portraits and events. There’s an AF/MF switch, a three-position custom switch, two focus-hold buttons and a zoom lock that holds it at 35mm. Firmware updates and custom settings go through Samyang’s optional Lens Station dock. It’s weather sealed.
For video there’s a linear manual focus option and a “dolly shot” mode that links zoom and focus for a smooth push-in effect.
The cost of that range
Weight. It’s about 1.2 kilograms, and it extends from roughly 157 millimeters at 35mm to nearly 198 millimeters at 150mm. Carrying it all day is a workout. A good strap or a harness is wise.
The 82mm filter is big. There’s no optical stabilization, which Sony and Lumix bodies cover with IBIS.
Tamron’s 35-150mm f/2-2.8 covers the same range at a similar weight and is the obvious alternative. Compare street prices; the Samyang’s custom switch and dolly mode are the features the Tamron doesn’t copy.
Who should buy it
Wedding and event photographers who want fewer lens changes. Portrait shooters who want 35-150mm of options without swapping primes. Documentary and run-and-gun filmmakers.
If you need something light for travel, look elsewhere. If you want one lens that covers almost every portrait and event situation at fast apertures, this Samyang is one of the best values in the category.