Rokinon Cinema Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide for Filmmakers

For filmmakers seeking high-quality optics at a competitive price point, Rokinon cinema lenses have emerged as a compelling option. Known for their robust build, smooth manual operation, and impressive image quality, these lenses cater to a wide range of cinematic applications. This guide delves into the world of Rokinon cinema lenses, exploring their features, benefits, and considerations for filmmakers of all levels.

What are Rokinon Cinema Lenses?

Rokinon cinema lenses are a specialized line of lenses designed specifically for filmmaking. Unlike traditional photography lenses, cinema lenses prioritize features crucial for video production, such as stepless aperture control, geared focus and iris rings for use with follow focus systems, and unified front diameters for easy accessory mounting. Rokinon, also known as Samyang in some markets, has built a reputation for delivering exceptional value, offering cinema-grade optics at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

Key Features and Benefits of Rokinon Cinema Lenses

• Stepless Aperture Control: Allows for smooth and silent iris adjustments during recording, preventing jarring exposure changes.
• Geared Focus and Iris Rings: Compatible with industry-standard follow focus systems, enabling precise and repeatable focus pulls.
• Unified Front Diameters: Simplifies the process of swapping accessories like matte boxes and filters across different lenses in a set.
• Robust Build Quality: Designed to withstand the rigors of professional filmmaking environments.
• Excellent Image Quality: Delivers sharp, clear images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
• Affordable Price Point: Offers exceptional value for filmmakers on a budget.

Rokinon Cinema Lens Lineup: A Detailed Overview

Rokinon offers a comprehensive range of cinema lenses to cover various focal lengths and shooting scenarios. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular models:

Rokinon Cine DS Series

The Cine DS series is the workhorse of the Rokinon cinema lens lineup. These lenses are known for their consistent color rendition and focus markings across the entire range, making them ideal for multi-camera setups and streamlining post-production workflows. The Cine DS lenses are available in a wide variety of focal lengths, including:

• 14mm T3.1: An ultra-wide-angle lens perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and dramatic perspectives.
• 24mm T1.5: A versatile wide-angle lens suitable for a variety of shooting situations.
• 35mm T1.5: A classic focal length for documentary and narrative filmmaking.
• 50mm T1.5: A standard lens ideal for portraits and general-purpose shooting.
• 85mm T1.5: A telephoto lens perfect for capturing shallow depth-of-field portraits and isolating subjects.
• 135mm T2.2: A longer telephoto lens for capturing distant subjects with a compressed perspective.

Rokinon Xeen Series

The Xeen series represents Rokinon’s premium line of cinema lenses. These lenses boast even higher image quality, improved build quality, and full-frame coverage. The Xeen lenses are designed for professional filmmakers who demand the best possible performance. Key features of the Xeen series include:

• Full-Frame Coverage: Compatible with full-frame cameras, providing a wider field of view and shallower depth of field.
• Exceptional Image Quality: Delivers incredibly sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion.
• Internal Focus Design: Prevents the front element from rotating during focusing, simplifying the use of polarizing filters.
• Available in Various Mounts: Compatible with a wide range of camera systems, including PL, EF, E, MFT, and more.

Rokinon Cine DSX Series

The Cine DSX series is a compact and lightweight option, offering similar performance to the Cine DS series in a smaller form factor. These lenses are ideal for gimbal operators and filmmakers who need a more portable setup.

Choosing the Right Rokinon Cinema Lens

Selecting the right Rokinon cinema lens depends on several factors, including your budget, shooting style, and the type of projects you typically work on. Here are some key considerations:

• Budget: Rokinon cinema lenses offer a range of price points, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. The Cine DS series is the most affordable option, while the Xeen series is the most expensive.
• Focal Length: Choose focal lengths that align with your shooting style and the types of shots you typically need to capture. Consider a variety of focal lengths to cover different scenarios.
• Sensor Size: Ensure that the lens you choose is compatible with your camera’s sensor size. Full-frame lenses can be used on crop-sensor cameras, but crop-sensor lenses cannot be used on full-frame cameras.
• Mount Type: Select a lens with the correct mount for your camera system. Rokinon cinema lenses are available in a variety of mounts, including Canon EF, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, and more.
• Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-number or T-number) allows for more light to enter the lens, which is beneficial in low-light situations and for creating shallow depth-of-field effects.

Tips for Using Rokinon Cinema Lenses

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Rokinon cinema lenses:

• Use a Follow Focus System: A follow focus system will help you achieve precise and repeatable focus pulls.
• Use a Matte Box: A matte box will help you control light and prevent lens flare.
• Use Filters: Filters can be used to enhance your images and create different effects. Consider using ND filters to control exposure in bright sunlight.
• Practice Your Focus Pulls: Smooth and accurate focus pulls are essential for professional-looking video.
• Experiment with Different Focal Lengths: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different focal lengths to find the look that you’re after.

Rokinon Cinema Lenses: Are They Right for You?

Rokinon cinema lenses offer a compelling combination of quality, performance, and affordability. They are an excellent choice for filmmakers who are looking for high-quality optics without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student filmmaker, an independent filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, Rokinon cinema lenses can help you achieve your creative vision. However, it’s important to consider the manual nature of these lenses. If you rely heavily on autofocus, these lenses might not be the best fit. [See also: Best Budget Cinema Lenses]

Alternatives to Rokinon Cinema Lenses

While Rokinon cinema lenses provide great value, it’s worth considering other options. Sigma Cine lenses, for instance, offer similar features and performance, often with slightly better sharpness and contrast. Zeiss CP.3 lenses are a higher-end alternative, known for their exceptional optical quality and build. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. [See also: Sigma Cine Lens Review]

Conclusion

Rokinon cinema lenses have carved a significant niche in the filmmaking world by providing accessible, high-performing optics. Their manual focus and aperture controls, coupled with robust construction and excellent image quality, make them a valuable tool for both aspiring and experienced filmmakers. By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can determine if Rokinon cinema lenses are the right choice for your next project. The consistent color rendition across the Rokinon range is a significant advantage, saving time in post-production. Investing in a set of Rokinon cinema lenses can be a smart move for those looking to elevate their film production without excessive cost. The availability of various mounts for Rokinon lenses further enhances their versatility across different camera systems. Remember to properly care for your Rokinon cinema lenses to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. With the right techniques and equipment, Rokinon cinema lenses can help bring your cinematic visions to life. Always test your Rokinon cinema lenses before a critical shoot to ensure they meet your expectations. Understanding the characteristics of each Rokinon cinema lens will allow you to effectively utilize them in diverse shooting conditions. Don’t hesitate to explore different settings and creative approaches with your Rokinon cinema lenses to discover their full potential. The community of Rokinon users is a great resource for tips and advice on using these lenses effectively.