I recently got my hands on the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens and I'm impressed. The silky smooth focus ring is a joy to use, and the unified gear positions make it easy to work with. The brushed metal exterior finish screams premium quality, and the image quality is stunning. I've been getting consistent, exceptional footage with this lens. It's definitely a cinematic workhorse that exudes confidence. With its full-frame coverage and 11-bladed diaphragm, I'm excited to see what more I can do with it. Let's take a closer look at what makes this lens tick.
Key Takeaways
- The Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens boasts a silky smooth focus ring with a 200-degree focus throw and large, easy-to-read markings.
- The lens features a unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale positions, and a durable aluminum body with a brushed metal finish.
- It delivers stunning images with full-frame coverage, consistent exceptional footage, and a beautiful bokeh thanks to its 11-bladed diaphragm.
- The lens is a joy to work with, offering deliberate exposure adjustments and a premium quality feel, making it ideal for filmmakers and cinematographers.
- Although it's not the most affordable option, the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens is seen as a great investment for high-quality results.
Silky Smooth Focus Ring
As I began to work with the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6, I was immediately impressed by the silky smooth focus ring – it's a joy to use.
The 200-degree focus throw allows for precise control, making it easy to capture the exact shot I envision.
Now, let's take a closer look at what I liked about this feature and where it could be improved.
What We Liked
One standout feature that won me over was the silky smooth focus ring, which glided effortlessly under my fingers, making precise adjustments a breeze.
I was impressed by the long focus throw of 200 degrees, allowing for precise control over focus. The large, easy-to-read markings made it simple to set my desired focus distance.
The unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale positions among all Xeen by ROKINON lenses are a thoughtful touch, making it easy to switch between lenses.
What Can Be Improved
While the silky smooth focus ring is a standout feature, I did notice that it can be overly sensitive at times, requiring an annoyingly light touch to avoid accidental adjustments.
This can be frustrating, especially when working in fast-paced environments or with delicate focus pulls. I found myself needing to develop a very gentle touch to avoid unwanted changes, which can be distracting and affect the overall shooting experience.
Perhaps a slight adjustment to the focus ring's sensitivity or a more defined 'dead zone' would help mitigate this issue.
Despite this, the lens's overall build quality and performance are impressive, making this a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent product.
Quick Verdict
I've spent extensive time testing the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6, and my overall impression is that it's a solid, cinematic lens that delivers impressive results.
The build quality is exceptional, with an aluminium body that exudes durability. The large, easy-to-read markings and long focus throw make it a joy to use.
The unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale positions are a nice touch, making it easy to switch between Xeen lenses. The 11-bladed diaphragm produces a beautiful bokeh, and the full-frame coverage is a major plus.
While it's not perfect, the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 is a great choice for cinematographers looking for a high-quality, affordable lens.
Consistent Aperture RingResistance
As I explored the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6's aperture ring, I found that the consistent resistance it provides makes for a more precise and intuitive control over exposure. This reliability is vital, especially when working with a team or in high-pressure situations.
| Aperture | Resistance | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| T2.6 | Smooth | Precise control |
| T4 | Slight increase | Better feel for exposure |
| T5.6 | Noticeable increase | Improved accuracy |
| T8 | Significant increase | Enhanced creative control |
| T11 | Maximum resistance | Maximum precision |
The consistent aperture ring resistance allows for a more deliberate and calculated approach to adjusting exposure, resulting in better image quality and more effective storytelling.
Brushed Metal Exterior Finish
The Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6's brushed metal exterior finish exudes a sense of premium quality. Its subtle texture and satin sheen convey a durability that's ready to withstand the rigors of professional cinematography.
I appreciate the attention to detail Rokinon has put into the design, as it not only looks great but also feels solid in my hands. The aluminum body, which I mentioned earlier, adds to the overall sense of sturdiness. This finish also helps to reduce fingerprints and scratches, making it easier to maintain a clean and professional appearance on set.
Lens Case Included Separately
As I unboxed the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens, I was pleased to find that it comes with a separate lens case, which is a thoughtful touch.
Inside the case, I found the lens's specifications, documentation, and user guide, all neatly organized and easy to reference.
I appreciate how Rokinon has made it easy for me to access the information I need to get started with the lens.
Specifications
I'm examining the specs of the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6, and what stands out is its robust build, featuring an aluminium body designed for increased durability. This lens is built to last, and its construction suggests it can withstand the rigors of frequent use.
The tripod mount is a nice touch, providing extra stability when needed.
The large, easy-to-read markings make it simple to adjust settings on the fly.
The long 200-degree focus throw allows for precise control over focus adjustments.
These features, combined with the lens's full frame coverage and 11-bladed diaphragm, make it clear that the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 is a serious cinema lens designed for professionals.
Documentation and User Guide
What's included in the box, besides the lens itself, to help me get started with the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6? Along with the lens, I found a detailed user guide that covers everything from lens care to troubleshooting. The guide is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced cinematographers.
Additionally, the lens comes with a hard, protective case that's designed to keep it safe during transport and storage. The case is sturdy and well-padded, giving me confidence that my investment is well-protected.
Features – What We Found
Upon closer inspection, the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens's build quality and design features impress with their attention to detail and practicality. The aluminium body feels solid and durable, and the tripod mount is a thoughtful addition.
I appreciate the large, easy-to-read markings that make it simple to adjust settings on the fly. The long 200-degree focus throw is also a welcome feature, allowing for precise control over focus.
I'm also impressed by the unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale positions, which make it easy to switch between Xeen lenses. These thoughtful design elements demonstrate Rokinon's commitment to creating a high-quality, professional-grade cinema lens.
Low-Light Handheld Footage Potential
As I ventured into low-light environments with the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens, I was excited to test its handheld footage potential, particularly given its T2.6 aperture and full-frame coverage. I was pleasantly surprised by the lens's ability to capture usable footage even in dimly lit settings.
The 11-bladed diaphragm helped to create a pleasant bokeh, adding depth to my shots. However, I did notice some minor noise and grain in the footage, especially when pushing the ISO to its limits.
Despite this, the lens's overall performance in low-light conditions was impressive, making it a great option for handheld shooters who need to capture high-quality footage in less-than-ideal lighting situations.
Rating
Given its impressive performance in low-light conditions, I'd rate the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens as a solid choice for handheld shooters, but its overall value depends on how its other features stack up against its competition.
Here's a breakdown of its key features and how they impact my rating:
| Feature | Rating (1-5) | Impact on Overall Value |
|---|---|---|
| Image Quality | 4 | High |
| Build Quality | 5 | Very High |
| Price | 3 | Medium |
| Ergonomics | 4 | High |
| Unique Features | 4 | High |
Concluding Thoughts
After weighing the pros and cons, I'm left with a solid impression of the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens. This lens has won me over with its impressive build quality, featuring an aluminium body and large, easy-to-read markings. The long focus throw and unified gear positions make it a joy to work with.
The full-frame coverage and 11-bladed diaphragm deliver stunning images. While it may not be the most affordable option, the 3-year warranty provides peace of mind. Overall, I'm confident that the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens is a great investment for filmmakers and cinematographers who demand high-quality results.
It's a reliable workhorse that's sure to deliver exceptional footage time and time again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rokinonkin Xeen 16MM T2.6 Lens Compatible With All PL Mounts?
"I'm wondering if the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 lens is compatible with all PL mounts. According to the specs, it's designed for PL mounts, so I'd say yes, it is compatible with all PL mounts."
Can I Use This Lens With a Camera That Has a Super 35 Sensor?
Did you know that the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6 Lens has a whopping 200-degree focus throw? Anyway, I can confirm that this lens is compatible with cameras featuring a Super 35 sensor, thanks to its full-frame coverage.
Does the Lens Come With a Built-In Neutral Density Filter?
Honestly, I don't see any mention of a built-in neutral density filter in the specs. It seems you'll need to purchase separate ND filters to achieve the desired exposure control.
Is the 3-Year Warranty Only Valid for Professional Use?
Like a treasure chest overflowing with goodies, I'm happy to report that the 3-year Xeen warranty is not limited to professional use – it's a reassuring safeguard for all users, regardless of their level of expertise.
Can I Purchase Additional Lens Cases Separately?
"I'm wondering if I can buy extra lens cases separately. Unfortunately, Rokinon doesn't explicitly mention this option, but I'd recommend checking their website or contacting their support team for a definitive answer."
Conclusion
As I wrap up my time with the Rokinon Xeen 16mm T2.6, I'm left wondering: is this lens the holy grail of cinematography?
While it's not perfect, its silky smooth focus ring, consistent aperture ring resistance, and robust build make it a formidable contender.
With its impressive low-light performance, this lens is a force to be reckoned with. Can I forgive its minor flaws? Absolutely – this lens is a game-changer.
