Is the Samyang 35-150 good for Wedding Photography?
Note: All images in this blog post were taken using the Samyang 35-150 f/2-2.8 using a Sony A7R III.
Introduction
Alright, imagine you're a wedding photographer navigating the maze of gear options in 2024. You know you’ll need an 85mm for portraits; you’ll definitely need a 35 or 50mm for a standard focal length, maybe both; and of course it’s aways nice to have a 70-200 for those more intimate shots captured at a distance.
Add into the equation the fact that you’ll probably want something that can shoot wide-open and you’ll see pound signs spinning before you, not to mention a camera bag you’ll need a Sherpa to carry.
Now, enter the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE lens – not your typical lens, it's the lens that promises to do everything.
Flooding in the Cathedral Close
Versatility and Focal Range:
This lens isn't just about taking pictures; it's about giving you all the tools you need to tell a visual story in one package. From classic 35mm shots to a zoomed-in 150mm portrait, it covers all bases. It's like having a photography Swiss Army knife – ready for anything a wedding throws at you.
Salisbury Cathedral, with the sports-fields flooded in the foreground
Low-Light Brilliance:
Weddings are a mixed bag of sunlight madness and evening charm. The f/2-2.8 aperture range has your back. Whether it's the magic of a sunlit ceremony or the enchantment of the evening celebration, this lens dances with the light effortlessly. I have experimented in a range of conditions, and the lens seems to prove remarkably reliable - only in the most extreme of circumstances did I get some purple fringing.
Churchill Gardens, flooded.
Affordability and Quality:
Okay, so the elephant in the room: isn’t this just a Tamron lens twin? But here's the deal – the Samyang is like the budget-friendly sibling; it’s over £500 cheaper . Packed with 21 elements, including some fancy hybrid aspherical and extra-low dispersion glass, it corrects optical hiccups like a pro. No compromises here. I watched a plethora of comparison videos on YouTube before taking the plunge, and most put them on a par - some actually have the Samyang coming out ahead.
The Bishop’s House - I hope he has a canoe…
Practical Handling:
Let's talk about the biggest problem: the weight. Like all of us this side of Christmas, it’s packing some extra pounds. I was astounded when it arrived in the post how big it was compared to my Tamron 28-75. Initially I was concerned, but after taking it out and about, I soon got used to its size and it was no heavier than the three lenses it was set to replace. The size almost seems to say “Hey, I'm here, and I mean business." Everyone knows real photographers have huge lenses. (I jest).
There are three custom modes you can choose from on the lens itself, but from my experience I would only use the default setting for wedding photography. Furthermore, It also requires the purchase of a ‘dock’ to upgrade the firmware, so I doubt I will be in a hurry to do this. If you are planning on using a tripod, I would suggest getting a collar for the lens to mount it with. Otherwise it will definitely feel front-heavy.
Ted in the floodwater
Optical Excellence:
Samyang isn't playing around with optics. Exceptional center sharpness? Check. Uniform brightness? Double-check. Distortion behaving? Absolutely. This lens brings your shots to life, making sure each moment pops, from focused "I do's" to dreamy out-of-focus scenes. I was particularly impressed with the sharpness at f/2.8.
The swans like it at least!
Conclusion:
Now, about that size – yeah, it's not a featherweight. But let's be real, the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE lens is your sidekick in this wedding adventure. It's got the range, the low-light prowess, and the benefit that you’ll not need to swap-out lenses every 5 minutes.. Samyang's commitment to not breaking the bank while delivering top-notch optics makes this lens a true MVP in the world of wedding photography. Time to capture those picturesque moments without breaking a sweat! (As long as you didn’t skip arm day at the gym).
