Choosing the right Rokinon Xeen 135mm lens depends heavily on your camera system and shooting style. The Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 for Sony E stands out for its compact design and excellent compatibility with full-frame Sony cameras, making it ideal for Sony shooters. Meanwhile, the Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Nikon Mount offers a robust, all-metal build and a long focus throw, favored by cinematographers working with Nikon gear. For those looking for a bundle, the Sony E bundle with deluxe cleaning kit combines professional optics with essential accessories, though at a higher price point. Each lens presents tradeoffs in weight, compatibility, and features, which I will clarify in this comparison.
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Key Takeaways
- The best overall choice balances build quality, versatility, and price, often favoring models with full-range focus and aperture controls.
- Compatibility with your camera system is critical; some lenses are optimized for Sony E-mount, others for Nikon or Micro Four Thirds.
- Build quality varies, with all-metal constructions generally offering better durability but adding weight.
- Price reflects optical quality, features, and accessories; premium lenses often include helpful extras but come at a premium.
- Long focus throws and clear markings are advantages for cinematographers who prioritize precise focusing.
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Professional Cine Lens for Sony E Mount – Sony FE |  | Best for Sony users seeking versatility and precise focusing | Mount: Sony E | Focal Length: 135mm | Aperture: T2.2 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount with Accessories |  | Best for cinematographers working with Nikon gear seeking optical excellence | Mount: Nikon F | Focal Length: 135mm | Aperture: T2.2 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 for Sony E Camera Lens with Deluxe Cleaning Kit |  | Best bundle for Sony E users needing professional optics and accessories | Focal Length: 135mm | Maximum Aperture: T2.2 | Compatibility: Sony E mount, full-frame sensors | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Professional Cine Lens for Nikon Mount |  | Best for Nikon cinematographers seeking durability and precise control | Mount: Nikon | Focus throw: 200 degrees | Aperture blades: 11 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Professional Cine Lens for Micro Four Thirds |  | Best for Micro Four Thirds users needing professional cine optics | Mount: Micro Four Thirds | Focus throw: 200 degrees | Aperture: T2.2 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| rokinon xeen 135mm cinema lens review | Mount | Focus Throw | Front Diameter | Focal Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Profes | Sony E | 200 degrees | 114mm | 135mm |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Lens f | Nikon F | 200° | 114mm | 135mm |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 for So | — | — | — | 135mm |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Profes | Nikon | 200 degrees | 114mm | — |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Profes | Micro Four Thirds | 200 degrees | 114mm | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Professional Cine Lens for Sony E Mount – Sony FE
This lens is a compelling choice for Sony E-mount shooters who want a durable, professional cine lens. Its aluminum body offers resilience, and the long 200-degree focus throw makes precise focusing straightforward. Compared to the Nikon version, it’s lighter and more adaptable for handheld or gimbal work, but its limited to Sony E cameras. The large markings and compatibility with standard matte boxes enhance usability. However, it lacks included accessories, which could increase overall costs for complete setups. Its aperture T2.2 ensures good low-light performance, making it ideal for narrative work.
Pros:- Durable aluminum construction
- Long focus throw for precise control
- Compatible with standard matte boxes
- Good low-light performance at T2.2
Cons:- Limited to Sony E-mount cameras
- No included accessories
- Requires adapters for other mounts
Best for: Sony E-mount videographers and filmmakers needing a versatile, high-quality lens
Not ideal for: Photographers or shooters using other mounts without adapters
- Mount:Sony E
- Focal Length:135mm
- Aperture:T2.2
- Focus Throw:200 degrees
- Diaphragm Blades:11
- Front Diameter:114mm
- Angle of View:18.8° (full frame), 12.4° (APS-C)
- Minimum Focusing Distance:31.5 inches
Our verdict“An excellent choice for Sony E shooters prioritizing durability and precise focusing in professional video work.”
Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount with Accessories
This Nikon-mount version excels in delivering sharp, cinematic images with rich color fidelity. Its all-metal construction ensures durability, with a focus throw of 200 degrees that allows for fine control, essential for professional cinematography. It comes with accessories like a hand strap and cleaning kit, adding value for serious shooters. The lens’s optical coatings reduce flare and enhance contrast, but its weight and size can be cumbersome for handheld shooting. It’s less suitable for casual photography due to its cinema-centric design and higher price.
Pros:- Exceptional sharpness and color fidelity
- All-metal and durable build
- Includes useful accessories
- Long focus throw for precision
Cons:- Heavy and bulky
- Designed primarily for cinema, less for photography
- Premium price
Best for: Cinematographers using Nikon cameras who want a rugged, high-performance lens
Not ideal for: Casual shooters or those prioritizing lightweight, compact gear
- Mount:Nikon F
- Focal Length:135mm
- Aperture:T2.2
- Focus Throw:200°
- Iris Rotation:40°
- Front Diameter:114mm
- Build:All-metal
Our verdict“A robust, cinema-grade lens perfect for Nikon shooters demanding high optical performance and durability.”
Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 for Sony E Camera Lens with Deluxe Cleaning Kit
This package combines the Sony E-mount version of the Xeen 135mm T2.2 with a deluxe cleaning kit, making it ideal for professionals who want a ready-to-shoot setup. The lens features internal focus, which reduces external size and improves handling. Multi-coating ensures consistent color across shots, and the build quality matches other Xeen cine lenses. Absence of autofocus limits its use for run-and-gun scenarios, and the price reflects the added value of the cleaning kit. It’s suited to serious filmmakers working with Sony E cameras who need reliability and a complete package.
Pros:- High-quality optical performance
- Internal focus for smooth operation
- Includes cleaning kit
- Multi-coating for color consistency
Cons:- Limited to Sony E mount
- No autofocus
- Price may be higher due to bundle
Best for: Pro Sony E-mount filmmakers wanting a reliable, ready-to-go lens with accessories
Not ideal for: Casual users or those needing autofocus capabilities
- Focal Length:135mm
- Maximum Aperture:T2.2
- Compatibility:Sony E mount, full-frame sensors
- Focus Type:Internal focus
- Coating:Multi-coating
Our verdict“A well-rounded, professional-grade lens bundled with essential accessories for Sony E shooters.”
Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Professional Cine Lens for Nikon Mount
This Nikon mount version emphasizes ruggedness with its durable aluminum body and a focus throw of 200 degrees, ideal for meticulous focus pulling. Its unified scale across the Xeon lineup simplifies workflow for professionals using multiple lenses. The large markings and tripod mount support typical film production setups. While its optical quality matches other Xeen lenses, the focus distance might be restrictive for some shots, and it lacks included accessories. This lens is best suited for dedicated cinematographers shooting on Nikon systems, especially those who value longevity and precise manual control over autofocus features.
Pros:- Robust aluminum construction
- Long focus throw for accuracy
- Unified focus and T-stop scales
- Large, easy-to-read markings
Cons:- Limited to Nikon mount
- Lack of included accessories
- Focus distance can be restrictive
Best for: Nikon cinematographers needing a durable, precise focus lens
Not ideal for: Casual users or shooters using autofocus-centric cameras
- Mount:Nikon
- Focus throw:200 degrees
- Aperture blades:11
- Front diameter:114mm
- Angle of view:18.8° on full frame
- Minimum focusing distance:31.5 inches
Our verdict“A rugged, precise focus lens designed for professional Nikon cinematographers demanding durability and control.”
Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Professional Cine Lens for Micro Four Thirds
This Micro Four Thirds version matches the other Xeen lenses with a focus throw of 200 degrees and a sturdy aluminum body. Its smaller front diameter facilitates compatibility with various matte boxes, making it flexible for different rigs. The lens’s optical qualities are consistent, with multi-coating and internal focus ensuring stable color and smooth operation. Its main limitation is the smaller sensor size, which results in a narrower field of view compared to full-frame options, and it lacks bundled accessories. This lens fits well into professional cinema setups that prioritize durability and precise manual control.
Pros:- Durable aluminum body
- Large markings and focus throw
- Internal focus for smooth handling
- Compatible with standard matte boxes
Cons:- Limited to Micro Four Thirds mount
- No included accessories
- Narrower field of view on larger sensors
Best for: Micro Four Thirds cinematographers seeking reliable, high-quality optics
Not ideal for: Full-frame shooters or casual users needing autofocus
- Mount:Micro Four Thirds
- Focus throw:200 degrees
- Aperture:T2.2
- Diaphragm blades:11
- Front diameter:114mm
- Angle of view:12.4°
- Minimum focusing distance:31.5 inches
Our verdict“A durable, precise lens ideal for professionals working within Micro Four Thirds systems.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on lenses that deliver professional cinema quality, compatibility with mainstream camera mounts, and features that enhance filmmaking flexibility. I prioritized models with a focus throw of at least 200 degrees for precise control, durable construction for longevity, and optical coatings that maintain color fidelity. Price was considered in relation to features, ensuring options for different budgets. We compared specifications, included accessories, and assessed user feedback to determine which lenses stand out in real-world shooting scenarios.
| rokinon xeen 135mm cinema lens review | Mount |
|---|---|
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Profes | Sony E |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Lens f | Nikon F |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 for So | — |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Profes | Nikon |
| Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 Profes | Micro Four Thirds |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Rokinon Xeen 135mm Cinema Lens Review
Selecting the right Rokinon Xeen 135mm lens involves evaluating your camera system, shooting style, and budget. Key considerations include mount compatibility, optical quality, build durability, and focus control. Cinematographers should prioritize lenses with a long focus throw and clear markings for precise manual focusing. Budget-conscious buyers should weigh the tradeoff between features and price, especially when opting for bundles or accessories. Understanding these factors ensures you pick a lens that enhances your filmmaking workflow and delivers consistent results.Mount Compatibility
Check that the lens mount matches your camera body, whether Sony E, Nikon F, or Micro Four Thirds. Adapters exist but may introduce complexity or slight performance differences. Choosing a native mount often results in better integration and easier handling during shoots.
Optical and Build Quality
Look for lenses with a metal construction for durability and optical coatings that minimize flare and enhance contrast. A focus throw of at least 200 degrees improves manual focusing precision, especially for cinematic pulls. Consider the lens’s size and weight relative to your typical rig setup.
Features and Accessories
Decide if you need bundled accessories like cleaning kits, lens hoods, or focus gear. These can add convenience, especially for busy shooting days. Also, verify if the lens offers internal focus and multi-coatings for consistent color rendering across shots.
Price and Value
Premium lenses tend to include advanced features and accessories but come at a higher cost. Balance your needs with your budget—sometimes a slightly less feature-rich lens can still meet professional standards without overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary advantage of a 135mm lens for filmmaking?
A 135mm lens provides a flattering compression of perspective, making it excellent for portraits and close-ups. It allows for tight framing from a moderate distance, which is useful for isolating subjects and creating cinematic depth. Its longer focal length also offers a shallower depth of field, enhancing subject separation from the background.
Are these lenses suitable for run-and-gun shooting?
Most Xeen 135mm lenses are designed with manual focus and aperture control, making quick adjustments challenging. While their build quality and focus throw are excellent for controlled shoots, they are less suited for fast-paced, run-and-gun scenarios where autofocus and lightweight design are priorities. For such uses, a different lens with autofocus might be more appropriate.
How does the focus throw impact filming?
A focus throw of 200 degrees allows for very fine control over focus pulls, which is essential in cinematic production. It enables smooth, deliberate focus transitions that can add emotional or storytelling depth. Lenses with shorter focus throws require quicker, less precise adjustments, which can be limiting in detailed focus work.
Is a cine lens like the Xeen 135mm compatible with still photography?
While these lenses can often be adapted for still photography, they are optimized for video with features like geared focus and aperture rings, and sometimes internal focus. Their manual operation and lack of autofocus make them less convenient for casual photography, but they excel in controlled cinematic environments.
What should I consider when choosing a mount for this lens?
Matching the lens mount to your camera system ensures seamless operation. Native mounts like Sony E or Nikon F typically offer better performance and easier handling. If you own multiple camera systems, consider lenses with interchangeable mounts or adapters, but be aware that adapters may affect focusing speed or stability.
Conclusion
If you primarily shoot with Sony E-mount cameras and need a versatile, lightweight lens, the Rokinon Xeen 135mm T2.2 for Sony E is an ideal choice. For demanding cinematographers working with Nikon systems, the Nikon mount version offers unmatched durability and control. Budget-conscious buyers or Micro Four Thirds shooters will find the bundled Sony E version or the Micro Four Thirds lens suitable, provided they accept some limitations in size or accessories. Ultimately, the best lens depends on your camera compatibility, shooting style, and specific needs within professional filmmaking or photography contexts.
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