The Versatile Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 Lens: The Perfect Zoom Lens for Sony FE and L-Mount Systems

By Marcus Swales | Senior Product Specialist, Holdan

A Versatile Focal Range for Every Shooting Scenario

The Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 lens is designed to be the ultimate all-purpose tool, offering a focal range that covers everything from wide-angle to telephoto. With five key focal lengths 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm, and 150mm, this lens gives you the flexibility to shoot a wide variety of scenes without the hassle of changing lenses. This makes it an ideal choice for users who need to quickly adapt to different shooting environments, whether they’re capturing portraits, events, or travel scenes. The lens recently became even more versatile with the offering of both Sony FE mount and now L-Mount. Let’s discuss this all-in-one lens and why it could be the only one you need.

Mark Duffy, Commercial Photographer | Mark Duffy - Bio Site
Its focal and aperture range make it an incredibly versatile lens. This one lens can satisfy my needs in a number of different ways for my commercial work.
In studio portraits it's an absolute one lens fits all. But not only that, I've used it for product photography, headshot photography and my all-important behind the scenes photos.

Fast Aperture Throughout the Zoom Range

One of the standout features of this lens is its fast aperture. With a maximum aperture of F2 at the wide end and F2.8 at the telephoto end, the lens excels in low-light conditions regardless of focal length and provides a shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh and effectively separating your subject from the background. The consistently low aperture throughout the zoom range also ensures that you can maintain the same exposure settings with minimal adjustments, making your workflow more efficient and your results more predictable.

Superior Autofocus Performance

Samyang’s reputation for delivering fast, accurate autofocus is well earned, and this lens is no exception. Equipped with a Linear Stepping Motor (STM), the lens offers fast, silent, and precise autofocus, making it ideal for both photography and video work. The lens also supports key features of both Sony FE and L-mount cameras, such as Hybrid AF, Eye AF, and Direct Manual Focus (DMF), ensuring that your subjects are always sharply in focus, whether you’re shooting stills or video.

Outstanding Image Quality with Samyang Optics

The AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 lens is built with Samyang’s renowned optical expertise, let’s not forgot this is the same company creating brilliant cinema optics with their XEEN lens line. With 21 elements in 18 groups, including 2 Aspherical (ASP), 1 Hybrid Aspherical (HB), 3 High Refractive (HR), and 6 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements, the lens delivers outstanding image quality throughout the zoom range. Whether you’re shooting at the wide or telephoto end, you can expect sharp, high-contrast images with minimal distortion and aberrations.

Thoughtful Design Features

Samyang has packed this lens with features that enhance its usability and performance. The lens includes two customisable buttons and three custom mode options, which can be programmed via the optional Samyang Lens Station. This allows you to tailor the lens’s functions to suit your shooting style. Additionally, despite minimal lens creep, a locking zoom switch prevents the lens from extending unintentionally during transport, making it more convenient to carry around.

Video Shooting Capabilities

The lens is not just a powerhouse for still photography; it’s also optimised for video. With the three custom modes comes features like Dolly Zoom Shot, Cinematic Video AF, Linear MF Focus Control, and Digital Par-Focal. These features allow for smooth, controlled zooms and focus transitions, making it easier to achieve cinematic effects without the need for expensive, bulky equipment. These video abilities ultimately save time and create ease being able to confidently switch between photo and video with one lens.

Weather-Sealed Design for All Conditions

Samyang understands that photographers and videographers often shoot in challenging environments, which is why this lens is designed to be weather-sealed. Sealed in 11 areas to prevent damage from dust, light rain, and snow, the lens is built to withstand the elements, ensuring reliable performance even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Conclusion

The Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 lens with its versatile focal range, fast aperture, and advanced features, is a powerful tool for both photographers and videographers. Its entry into the L-mount system not only provides current users with a high-quality, all-in-one solution but also signals the potential for more innovative Samyang lenses to come in this versatile mount. Whether you’re capturing stunning portraits, dynamic events, or cinematic video, this lens is poised to become a go-to in your kit.