Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE vs Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 versus the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE gives that up to stay lighter (795g (1.75 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 795g (1.75 lb) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.12x.

Choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 vs the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE is 24-70mm, Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD is 35-150mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE is 795g (1.75 lb) vs 1165g (2.57 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE or the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 versus the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE gives that up to stay lighter (795g (1.75 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Who should choose the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE?

Choose the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 795g (1.75 lb) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.12x.

Who should choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD?

Choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE and the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD?

Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 vs the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length24-70mm35-150mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements1822
Optical Groups1415
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View84° – 34°63° – 16°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSTMVXD
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance21 cm33 cm
Max Magnification0.25x0.12x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$999$999
Filter Size82mm82mm
Diameter88mm89.8mm
Length127.5mm157.8mm
Weight795g (1.75 lb)1165g (2.57 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo