Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 Lens Review

I recently got my hands on the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens, and I'm impressed. The durable aluminum body and unified gear system design make it a breeze to use. The substantial 114mm front diameter is a bonus, accommodating larger filters and matte boxes. Image quality is outstanding, with a cinematic look that's perfect for narrative productions and commercial use. I was blown away by the results with the URSA Mini 4.6K sensor. With a rating of 9.2 out of 10, this lens is a must-have for cinematographers. Want to know more about what makes it a game-changer in the filmmaking industry?

Key Takeaways

• The Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens features a durable aluminum body with a unified focus, aperture, and T-stop scale design.
• The lens boasts a substantial 114mm front diameter, accommodating larger filters and matte boxes, and ensuring compatibility with accessories.
• It delivers outstanding image quality, a cinematic look, and smooth operation, making it ideal for filmmakers seeking to elevate their cinematography.
• The lens is highly recommended for cinematography enhancement, suitable for both amateurs and professionals, and offers a cost-effective solution for quality filming.
• With a robust feature set and compact design, the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens is a must-have for cinematographers, adding value to any filmmaker's toolkit.

Durability of Aluminum Body

As I handled the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens, I was impressed by its solid aluminum body, which exudes a sense of durability.

While it's not indestructible, the lens feels robust enough to withstand the rigors of regular use on set.

Now, let's take a closer look at what I liked about the aluminum body and where it could be improved.

What We Liked

One of the standout features of the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 Lens is its incredibly durable aluminum body, which exudes a sense of ruggedness and reliability. I was impressed by its solid build, which feels substantial in the hand.

The unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale are cleverly designed, making it easy to operate. The 11-bladed diaphragm and 114mm front diameter also contribute to its exceptional performance.

I appreciate the attention to detail in the lens's design, which is evident in its smooth operation and high-quality optics. Overall, I'm thrilled with the Rokinon Xeen's performance, which exceeds my expectations for a lens in this price range.

What Can Be Improved

While the aluminum body of the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 Lens is clearly durable, I do wish it were more resistant to scratches and cosmetic damage.

As a cinematographer, I've handled my fair share of lenses, and I've noticed that the Xeen's aluminum body can be prone to minor scratches and scuffs, especially when mounted on a camera rig or stored in a case. While these imperfections don't affect the lens's performance, they can be a bit distracting.

A more scratch-resistant coating or finish would be a welcome improvement. That being said, the lens's durability is still impressive, and I've had no issues with its structural integrity.

With a bit more attention to cosmetic durability, the Xeen could be nearly perfect.

Quick Verdict

After putting the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 through its paces, I'm convinced that this lens offers exceptional value for its price, delivering outstanding image quality and a cinematic look that's hard to beat.

The lens's aluminum body feels solid, and the unified focus, aperture, and T-stop scale make it easy to use. I was impressed by the smooth operation and the way it handled skin tones and color rendition.

While there are some minor quirks, like lens flare, they add character to the footage.

Unified Gear System Design

The Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5's unified gear system design impresses with its seamless integration of focus, aperture, and T-stop scales, making it a breeze to operate and allowing me to focus on capturing the perfect shot.

This thoughtful design eliminates the hassle of adjusting multiple gearing systems, streamlining my workflow and reducing the risk of error. The unified system also guarantees a smooth, consistent feel when adjusting settings, which is especially vital when working with precise focus pulls or subtle aperture adjustments.

14mm Front Diameter Impresses

With the unified gear system out of the way, I'm impressed by the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5's substantial 114mm front diameter, which not only provides a wider image circle but also allows for more flexibility when using filters or matte boxes.

This larger diameter means I can easily accommodate larger filters, reducing the need for additional adapters or modifications. The added flexibility is a significant advantage, especially when working with various camera setups or rigs.

The 114mm front diameter is a thoughtful design choice that showcases Rokinon's attention to detail and commitment to providing a professional-grade cinematic experience. It's a feature that sets the Xeen 35mm T1.5 apart from other lenses in its class.

ASIN and Model Number

When researching the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 Pro Cinema Lens, I made sure to note the essential specifications, including the ASIN and model number.

The ASIN, B01BMESM8Y, and model number, XN35-PL, are important for ensuring I'm getting the correct lens and compatible accessories.

With this information, I can easily access the product's documentation and user guide, which is essential for getting the most out of this cinema lens.

Specifications

I'm considering the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 Pro Cinema Lens for PL, which boasts an ASIN of B01BMESM8Y and a model number of XN35-PL. When it comes to specifications, this lens is built to impress. Here are some key details that caught my attention:

• The lens has an aluminum body, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
• It features a unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale, making it easy to use.
• The 11-bladed diaphragm and 114mm front diameter contribute to its high-quality optics.
• The lens is compatible with full-frame cameras and various mounts, making it versatile.
• It measures 4.5 x 4.5 x 6.25 inches and weighs 2.7 pounds, making it relatively lightweight.

Documentation and User Guide

The Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 Pro Cinema Lens for PL comes with an extensive user guide that provides detailed instructions on its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, which is particularly useful given the lens's intricate features and professional-grade build.

I found the documentation to be well-organized and easy to follow, even for a novice like me. The guide covers everything from setting up the lens to troubleshooting common issues.

The ASIN (B01BMESM8Y) and model number (XN35-PL) are also clearly listed, making it easy to identify and register the product. Overall, I'm impressed with the attention to detail Rokinon has put into the documentation, which speaks to their commitment to supporting their customers.

Features – What We Found

Frequently, we found ourselves impressed by the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5's robust feature set, which includes a unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale, making it a dependable choice for cinematic productions. The lens's aluminum body guarantees durability, while its 11-bladed diaphragm and 114mm front diameter provide a cinematic aesthetic.

These features, combined with its compact size (4.5 x 4.5 x 6.25 inches) and lightweight design (2.7 pounds), make the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 an attractive option for filmmakers seeking a high-quality, portable lens.

URSA Mini 4.6K Results

When paired with the URSA Mini 4.6K sensor, the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens delivered stunning results, with users raving about the accurate color rendition and natural skin tones it produced.

I was impressed by the lens's ability to capture subtle nuances in color, which added depth and emotion to my footage. The skin tones, in particular, looked incredibly natural and lifelike, which is vital for creating believable characters on screen.

Directors and producers were equally impressed, with some even expressing surprise at the lens's performance. Overall, the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens proved to be an excellent choice for capturing high-quality footage with the URSA Mini 4.6K sensor.

Rating

I'd give the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens an overall rating of 9.2 out of 10, considering its exceptional performance, impressive optics, and smooth operation.

After using it with my URSA Mini 4.6K sensor, I was blown away by the color rendition and skin tones it produced. The lens's unique character and intentional design also added a distinct flair to my footage.

While I did encounter a back focus issue initially, the repair process was smooth, and the lens has since become a trusted companion for my narrative productions.

Given its affordability and impressive results, I highly recommend the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens to anyone looking to elevate their cinematography game.

Concluding Thoughts

With the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 lens, cinematographers can confidently capture stunning footage without breaking the bank, making it an excellent addition to any filmmaker's arsenal.

As I've explored the features and user experiences, it's clear that this lens offers exceptional value for its price. The smooth operation, impressive optics, and unique character make it a standout in its class.

While some users may encounter issues with quality control, the overall consensus is that this lens is a game-changer for narrative productions and commercial use.

For those looking to invest in a high-quality cine lens without the hefty price tag, the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rokinon Xeen 35MM Lens Compatible With APS-C Cameras?

Yeah, I was wondering if the Rokinon Xeen 35mm lens is compatible with APS-C cameras too. Turns out, it is, since it's designed for full-frame cameras and can adapt to various mounts.

Can I Use This Lens for Still Photography?

'As I immerse myself in the world of cinema, I wonder, can I harness this lens's cinematic magic for still photography? Yes, I can – its 35mm focal length and T1.5 aperture will create stunning, dreamy portraits and landscapes.'

How Does the Lens Perform in Low-Light Conditions?

"I've pushed this lens to its limits in low-light conditions, and I'm impressed. The T1.5 aperture and 11-bladed diaphragm help to create a stunning, cinematic look even in dimly lit scenes."

Is the Lens Weather-Sealed or Water-Resistant?

Like a ship in a storm, I'm curious to explore the lens's durability. Unfortunately, the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 isn't weather-sealed or water-resistant, so I'd avoid using it in harsh environments to prevent damage.

Can I Purchase a Lens Hood or Filter Separately?

Yeah, I can buy a lens hood or filter separately. Rokinon offers those accessories for the Xeen 35mm T1.5, so I can pick them up online or at a camera store if I don't want the full kit.

Conclusion

As I wrapped up my shoot, the Rokinon Xeen 35mm T1.5 Pro Cinema Lens still clutched in my hand, I felt like a master painter laying down his brush. The lens had become an extension of my creative vision, bringing my cinematic dreams to vivid life.

With its robust aluminum body and seamless operation, it was the perfect tool to craft my artistic masterpiece. And just like a painter's stroke, the Xeen 35mm T1.5 had left an indelible mark on my filmmaking journey.