Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE vs Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE opens to f/2 versus the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 gives that up to stay lighter (575g (1.27 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 150mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 575g (1.27 lb) it's lighter than the 1160g (2.56 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.4x magnification vs 0.12x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE opens to f/2 vs the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE is 35-150mm, Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 25-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 reaches 0.4x magnification vs 0.12x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 575g (1.27 lb) vs 1160g (2.56 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE or the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE opens to f/2 versus the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 gives that up to stay lighter (575g (1.27 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE?
Choose the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
Who should choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?
Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 150mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 575g (1.27 lb) it's lighter than the 1160g (2.56 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.4x magnification vs 0.12x.
What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE and the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?
Aperture: the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE opens to f/2 vs the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35-150mm | 25-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 63° – 16° | 82° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 33 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.4x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 89.8mm | 76.6mm |
| Length | 157.8mm | 118.6mm |
| Weight | 1160g (2.56 lb) | 575g (1.27 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
