The Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE has a maximum aperture of F2 at its widest focal length and F2.8 at the telephoto end. It was designed to cover five main focal lengths (35mm/50mm/85mm/135mm/150mm).
Now, Samyang doesn’t actually state at what focal lengths the lens remains at F2. It may well only be at F2 and then it ramps to F2.8 almost immediately.
Samyang claims that the optical design of the lens provides superior resolution right to the edge, and the Linear Stepping Motor allows for faster and more accurate AF performance.
The lens also supports the key features of recent Sony mirrorless bodies, including Hybrid AF, Eye AF, Direct Manual Focus (DMF), and the AF assist function.
The optical design of the lens consists of 21 elements in 18 groups and it has a 9-diaphragm-bladed aperture. The minimum focusing distance at 35mm is 33cm (1.08ft). At 150mm it is 85cm (2.79ft).
The lens weighs 1,224g / 43.2oz and it has a lock switch on the body that helps users keep the lens set at its shortest 35mm position and is useful for protection during travel.
The two round buttons made of soft rubber have a focus save function which can store 2 points of focus. In addition, three custom mode switches on the lens can be pre-programmed via the optional Lens Station, allowing you to set up the mode to suit your preference.
For video shooters, the lens has a Dolly Zoom Shot feature, linear MF control, and it is claimed to be parfocal. In Linear MF mode, the focus movement is constant regardless of the speed at which the focus ring is turned through its 300° rotation.
In “Dolly Shot Mode”, the focus ring and zoom ring are linked in the system so that the user can create dolly shots simply by using the zoom ring.
How does the Dolly Zoom Shot work?
Here is what Samyang states:
- Stand at a distance of about 1.5 to 2 meters away from the subject.
- Set the custom switch to MF and Mode 3 and adjust the focal length to about 100mm.
- After focusing on the subject, set the aperture to F8~16.
- Slowly turn the zoom ring to the left (towards the wide-angle end) while using your upper body and arms to move the camera toward your subject.
Samyang recommends that if the moving distance is long, the camera may shake, so please shoot at a focal length between 35 and 100mm.
This is certainly not the first lens we have seen with this focal range. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E has been out for quite a while and it has gained a good reputation as a versatile and well-performing option for Sony shooters. Despite there being some slight differences between the two lenses, it seems as though Samyang is trying to steal some of Tamron’s thunder by making a more affordable version with the exact same focal range and f stops.
Price & Availability
The Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE is now available to pre-order and it will retail for $1,399 USD. This does make it $500 USD than the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E.
