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

If you're a Sony shooter looking for one lens that can handle portraits, events, and even some close-up work, the Samyang Rokinon 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF is a fascinating option. It's a full-frame zoom lens that covers a massive range, from a wide 35mm to a tight 150mm, all while keeping a bright f/2 aperture at the wide end. That's a combo you don't see every day. It's heavy at over 2.8 pounds and lacks stabilization, but for photographers who want to travel light with just one lens on their camera, it's got a lot of appeal. People often ask, 'is there a good all-in-one zoom for Sony?' and this is one of the few answers that doesn't force you to compromise on aperture.

The optical performance is where this lens really shines, landing in the 98th percentile. That means it's sharp, even wide open, which is impressive for such a complex zoom design. The bokeh is also solid, scoring in the 72nd percentile, so your portrait backgrounds will look smooth and creamy. The autofocus is middle-of-the-road at the 48th percentile. It's not the fastest or most reliable system out there, but for portraits and slower-paced work, it gets the job done. Just don't expect it to keep up with Sony's top-tier sports or wildlife lenses. The lack of stabilization (41st percentile) means you'll need to rely on your camera body's IBIS or keep your shutter speed up, especially at the long end.

At $949, this lens sits in a weird spot. It's not cheap, but you're getting a unique focal range and aperture combo that you'd normally need two or three primes to cover. If you're a portrait or event photographer who hates swapping lenses, that convenience might be worth the price. But you are making some big trade-offs in weight and stabilization to get it.

Let's compare it to some alternatives. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is much smaller, lighter, and faster, but it's just one focal length. If you need a zoom, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is the direct competitor and generally has better autofocus and build quality, but it's also more expensive. For Fujifilm shooters, the Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 offers a similar 'fast normal prime' experience on a crop sensor. And if you're all about optical perfection, the Sony 15mm f/1.4 G is in another league for sharpness and AF, but it's a completely different (and much wider) lens. The Samyang's main draw is being the most affordable way to get this specific 35-150mm f/2-2.8 range on a Sony camera.

So, should you buy the Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8? If your top priority is having one lens that goes from moderately wide to telephoto with a bright aperture, and you're okay with the heft and lack of stabilization, then yes, it's a compelling choice. The image quality is fantastic. But if you shoot a lot of handheld video, need weather sealing, or demand the absolute best autofocus, you should look at the Tamron version or consider a pair of lighter primes. This lens is a specialist tool for a specific type of photographer who values range and speed above all else.