Samyang Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF Lens (Sony E) Review

The Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is a weird, heavy, and kinda brilliant lens. It's basically two or three prime lenses smashed into one big tube. You get a fast 35mm at f/2 and a decent 150mm at f/2.8, which covers a huge range of portrait and event work without swapping glass.

Optically, it's sharp. Really sharp, landing in the 98th percentile. The bokeh is smooth, and the f/2 aperture at the wide end is great for low light. But the autofocus is just okay, ranking below average, and there's no stabilization at all. At 2.9 pounds, it's a beast to carry, and the build quality feels a bit cheap for the price.

At around $950 to $1,000, it's not cheap. You're paying for that unique zoom range and the optical performance. If you need one lens to do the job of several primes, the value is there. But if you're on a tight budget or hate heavy gear, it's a harder sell.

Compared to a set of primes like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 or the Meike 55mm f/1.8, this Samyang is more convenient but heavier and slower. The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is sharper and better built, but it's way more expensive and doesn't reach 150mm. This lens carves its own niche: it's for the shooter who wants range and speed in one package and doesn't mind the weight.

Buy this if you're a portrait or event photographer who hates lens swaps and prioritizes optical quality over portability. Skip it if you travel light, need top-tier autofocus, or shoot a lot of handheld video without stabilization.