Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

This Samyang zoom covers 35–150mm on full-frame cameras. The Sony E version arrived in 2023 and the L-Mount version in 2024. Its range suits portraits, weddings and events that move between people with surroundings and tighter views from a distance.

The main trade-offs are weight and the 35mm starting point. It is a substantial lens to carry through a long event. A wider lens may be needed for a large nearby group or small room. The bright maximum aperture gives useful flexibility when light falls.

The L-Mount version weighs 2 lb 10.5 oz (1206 g) and measures 6.12 in (155.4 mm) long and 3.65 in (92.8 mm) across. Weight and dimensions vary by mount. A rest can take the load during pauses, and a secure carrying setup matters between locations. Screw-in filters must match the 82mm front thread.

At 35mm, you can show a person with more surroundings. At 150mm, one person or distant detail becomes larger from the same position. The shorter setting can help you locate moving action before tightening the framing. Leave space in the direction a person is moving.

The maximum aperture changes from f/2 to f/2.8 across the zoom. When zooming toward the long end, you may need a higher ISO or slower shutter speed to keep the same exposure. For moving people, preserve enough shutter speed to avoid unwanted blur.

At close portrait distances, the wide aperture can give a thin zone of sharp focus. Focus on the eye that matters most. Stop down when more of the face or several people need to stay sharp. A background well behind the subject can become soft and less distracting.

The L-Mount version focuses as close as 1 ft (32 cm) at 35mm, measured from the sensor. The Sony version needs slightly more space at that setting. Both need more distance at 150mm. Maximum magnification is about 0.18x, useful for larger details such as bouquets or table arrangements.

There is no stabilization built into the lens. A camera with body stabilization can reduce shake for still scenes. Moving people still need enough shutter speed for their movement. A tripod or other firm support is useful for long exposures and carefully arranged compositions.

Weather resistance helps outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Remove loose grit before cleaning the front glass. The zoom lock prevents the barrel extending during transport. Release it before changing focal length, and support the lens when carrying the camera between locations. Check that the lock is released before lifting the camera for a sudden picture.

Three aspherical elements, including one hybrid element, help correct distortion and spherical aberration. These can bend lines or soften detail. Six ED elements help reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges. Their presence does not by itself prove the finished lens’s measured sharpness.