Samyang Announces a 35-150mm f/2-2.8 ‘All-Rounder’ Zoom Lens
Samyang has announced a new 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens for Sony E-mount which features a wide zoom range typically associated with “all-in-one” style kit lenses but with a fast variable aperture that is uncommon in that segment.
The company says the lens is designed to cover the 35mm, 50mm 85mm, 135mm, and 150mm focal lengths all in one lens without exceeding a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Samyang adds that it is made to be a fast “all-rounder” that can cover a broad range of shooting scenarios from portraiture to travel.
“Samyang has moved a step forward with its second zoom lens to provide a more convenient user experience. The lens is remarkably versatile as an all-rounder with a fast maximum aperture and provides solutions for photographers seeking to avoid changing lenses,” the company says.
“Whilst primarily designed for portrait photographers, the wide zoom range is also useful for everyone shooting commercials, events, and travel imagery.”
The lens is constructed of 21 elements arranged into 18 groups, which includes one hybrid aspherical, two aspherical, three high refractive, and six extra-low dispersion glass elements. Samyang says these multiple “special” lenses allow it to deliver sharp images from edge to edge. It has also been treated with what it calls Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) which helps minimize ghosting and flare.
Perhaps the largest selling point of the lens outside of its wide zoom range is the fast aperture, which has a range of f/2 to f/2.8 through f/16 range provided via a nine-bladed diaphragm. Samyang says that the fast maximum aperture regardless of focal length provides an “attractive” background blur and can fully separate a subject from the background.
The lens supports autofocus via a linear stepping motor, which Samyang says provides both accuracy and high-speed responsiveness when shooting both photos and videos. It also has a relatively short minimum focusing distance of 0.33 meters (about 13 inches) at 35mm and 0.85 meters (about 33.5 inches) at 150mm.
The 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens is also “completely weather sealed” at the mount and throughout the body of the optic, specifically at 12 areas that the company says prevents damage or contamination from dust, light rain, and snow.
Samyang says that the lens has four additional features that are specific to video shooting: Dolly Zoom Shot, Cinematic Video AF, Linear MF Focus Control, and Digital Par-Focal. Depending on the mode selected on the lens, it is capable of providing some level of assist for various cinematic shots, as shown below and a full description of each mode can be found on the company’s web store and lens product page.
In short, depending on which mode the lens is in and how it has been customized using the Samyang Lens Station accessory, it can be programmed to operate for specific types of shots.
Below are a few sample photos captured with the lens:
The Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens for Sony E-mount is currently available to pre-order on Samyang’s website for $1,399, though the company has not said when it expects it to start shipping.
Image credits: Samyang
