Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE Lens for Sony Full-Frame Cameras Announced

Lens News

by Jakub HanApril 7^th, 2023

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE lens aims to be the do-it-all lens for Sony full-frame cameras. The lens offers a weather-sealed design with a metal lens barrel, an 82mm front filter thread, as well as some video-oriented features with two focus hold buttons, zoom lock button, as well as a three-mode switch for linear MF and a simplified dolly zoom function. The lens can be pre-ordered for $1,399.

Back in October 2021, the South-Korean lens manufacturer Samyang released its first zoom lens – the standard range Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE for Sony full-frame cameras. On top of that, the lens introduced some features that were optimized for video shooting. Recently, the company announced its second zoom lens and its specs are rather impressive on paper. Let’s take a look at the new Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE lens.

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE lens

Do this focal range and maximum aperture ring any bell? That’s right – specs-wise, the lens looks very similar to the popular Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 which was released back in 2021. Looking at the comparison of the optical structure of both lenses, I can see some differences, but I am not a lens construction specialist so it is hard to say how similar these lenses really are. What do you think? The Tamron has 21 elements in 15 groups and the Samyang comprises 21 elements in 18 groups.

Just like the Tamron lens, the Samyang 35-150mm covers full-frame sensors, and it, unfortunately, comes for Sony E-mount only. The zoom range is very versatile and the fast aperture of f/2 on the wide end and f/2.8 on the telephoto end makes it a very interesting do-it-all option for full-frame cameras in my opinion. A slight downside might be the lens weight and size, but that is to be expected given the impressive specs. The Samyang 35-150mm weighs 1,224g (43.2oz), while its length varies between 157.4mm (6.2″) and 197.9mm (7.79″) when zooming. The maximum diameter is 92.8mm.

The aperture has 9 blades and is available between f/2 and f/16 on the wide end between f/2.8 and f/22 on the telephoto end. The minimum focusing distance is 33cm (1.08′) at 35mm and 85cm (2.79′) at 150mm. According to Samyang, the UMC (Ultra Multi-Coating) on the lens elements should minimize flare and ghosting.

The lens construction should be quite robust as the lens barrel is made out of metal. Furthermore, the Samyang 35-150mm is weather-sealed (dust, light rain, and snow) at the mount and throughout the body. For autofocus, the lens uses a Linear Stepping Motor. According to Samyang, this should provide fast and accurate AF. There is an 82mm front filter thread.

Custom switch and button – dolly zoom shots

Samyang claims the lens is well-optimized for video. It has a zoom lock switch, two focus hold buttons, a AF/MF switch, and a custom three-modes switch. The three-modes switch is interesting as it customizes the operation of the focus ring:

• Mode 1 – in MF mode, the ring can manually focus, but it is non-linear.
• Mode 2 – in AF mode, the ring functions as an aperture adjustment ring, in MF mode, the ring provides linear manual focusing (300° focus throw).
• Mode 3 – in MF mode, the ring makes it easier to perform dolly zoom shots. In this mode, the focus ring and zoom ring are linked in the system so that users can take the dolly zoom shot just by operating the zoom ring.

Additionally, Samyang claims that the lens is parfocal (digital par-focal) so the focus should stay in place when zooming.

Price and availability

The new Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE lens can be pre-ordered now for $1,399. There is currently no information on when it will start shipping. We will keep you updated once we get the information. For reference, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD lens currently sells for $1,899.

Do you have experience working with the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens? Do you agree it is the ultimate universal zoom lens? How do you think the new Samyang will compare to it? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section underneath the article.