Samyang Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF Lens (Leica L) Review
The Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8 delivers stunning sharpness in a versatile zoom, but its heavy build and lack of stabilization hold it back from being a true all-rounder.
Overview
This lens is a bit of a contradiction. On one hand, it's an optical powerhouse, scoring in the 99th percentile for sharpness. On the other, it's a heavy, bulky beast with no weather sealing. The one thing to know? It's a specialist's tool, not a walk-around lens. If you need a super sharp, fast aperture zoom for portraits or controlled environments, it delivers. Just don't plan on taking it on a hike.
Performance
The optical performance genuinely surprised me. For a zoom lens with this range, the sharpness is exceptional. It's tack-sharp across the frame, which is rare. The autofocus, however, lands in the 48th percentile, and you can feel it. It's not slow, but it's not the snappiest, especially in lower light. The lack of stabilization is also a real miss at the long end, forcing you to keep your shutter speed up.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong optical (99th percentile) 98th
- Strong bokeh (72th percentile) 76th
- Strong aperture (67th percentile) 69th
Cons
- Below average build (14th percentile) 15th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Standard Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 150 |
| Focal Length Max | 150 |
| Elements | 21 |
| Groups | 18 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | L-Mount |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 1.2 kg / 2.7 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 82 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 330 |
| Max Magnification | 1:5.7 |
Value & Pricing
At $999, it's a tough sell. You're paying for the optics and the unique aperture range. If those are your only priorities, it's worth it. But for that money, the lack of stabilization and weather sealing feels like a compromise too far for many shooters.
vs Competition
This lens doesn't have a direct competitor, but it sits in a weird spot. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is a fraction of the price, smaller, and has a wider aperture, but it's a prime. You lose the zoom versatility. Compared to a standard 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom, this Samyang gives you more reach and a brighter aperture at the long end, but it's heavier and starts at 35mm, so it's not as wide. You're trading convenience for a very specific set of capabilities.
| Spec | Samyang Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8 AF Lens (Leica L) | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Sirui Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 150mm | 55mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm | 24mm | 56mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | L-Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount | Canon RF | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 1210 | 281 | 676 | 544 | 269 | 422 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Standard Zoom | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | - |
Verdict
I can only recommend this to a specific photographer: someone who shoots mostly portraits or events in good light, values optical quality above all else, and doesn't need to worry about weather or carrying it all day. For everyone else, a standard 24-70mm f/2.8 or a couple of fast primes will be a more practical and balanced choice.