Rokinon Xeen 85mm Lens Review: Pro Cinema Quality

I've got my hands on the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens, and I'm impressed. This lens delivers pro cinema quality, perfect for portrait photographers and cinematographers. The tight focus ring control and smooth iris rotation functionality make it a joy to use. The aluminum body feels solid, and the durable metal lens hood is a nice touch. With its exceptional sharpness, contrast, and bokeh, I'm expecting outstanding portrait photography results. I've only scratched the surface – there's more to explore about this lens's features and performance…

Key Takeaways

• The Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens delivers professional-grade cinema performance with exceptional image quality and durable build.
• The lens features a smooth focus mechanism, accurate aperture gears, and a generous focus throw, meeting high-quality cine lens standards.
• Its 11-bladed diaphragm creates beautiful bokeh and stunningly shallow depth of field, making it ideal for portrait photography excellence.
• The lens boasts a robust aluminum body, unified gear design, and full-frame compatibility, ensuring seamless integration and reliable performance.
• With high customer ratings and affordable pricing, the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens offers exceptional value for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Tight Focus Ring Control

As I got hands-on with the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens, I was impressed with the tight focus ring control, which allowed for precise adjustments and a overall smooth operation.

What I liked most was how the 11-bladed diaphragm and unified focus gear worked in tandem to produce a seamless focus experience.

However, I did notice that the ring could be a bit stiffer, especially when making precise adjustments at the longer end of the focus range.

What We Liked

The Xeen 85mm's focus ring, with its subtle resistance and precise mechanical clicks, provided me with an unparalleled sense of control, allowing me to dial in the perfect focus with ease.

I was impressed by the smooth, consistent rotation, which made it easy to navigate the generous 300-degree focus throw. The unified gear design guaranteed seamless integration with my camera's follow focus system, making it a breeze to rack focus during shoots.

The aperture ring, too, was a pleasure to use, with distinct, clicky stops that made it easy to set precise T-stops. Overall, the Xeen 85mm's exceptional mechanical design made it a joy to use, and I appreciated the attention to detail that Rokinon brought to this pro-grade cinema lens.

What Can Be Improved

While the Xeen 85mm's focus ring is generally a pleasure to use, I found the tight control over focus ring rotation to be slightly lacking, particularly when making precise adjustments at the longer end of the focus throw.

This lack of precision made it difficult to achieve exact focus points, especially when working with shallow depth of field. I'd to make multiple adjustments to get the desired result, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.

A more refined focus ring control would elevate the overall shooting experience. Despite this, the lens's overall build quality and image quality are exceptional, making it a great value for the price.

Quick Verdict

I'm impressed by the Rokinon Xeen 85mm's incredible value, offering professional-grade cinema performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end competitors. This lens delivers exceptional image quality, a durable aluminum body, and a unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale. The 11-bladed diaphragm and 114mm front diameter make it suitable for full-frame cameras.

Here's a quick summary of the lens's key features:

Smooth Iris Rotation Functionality

One standout feature of the Rokinon Xeen 85mm is its incredibly smooth iris rotation functionality, allowing for seamless adjustments to aperture during filming. I was impressed by how effortlessly I could adjust the iris, even when making subtle changes.

This feature is particularly useful when working with sensitive subjects or capturing critical moments, where any disruption could be detrimental. The smooth rotation also enables precise control over the aperture, ensuring that I can achieve the desired effect without any hiccups.

Additionally, the unified gear design makes it easy to integrate with follow-focus systems, further enhancing the overall filmmaking experience.

Aluminum Body Feels Solid

The Rokinon Xeen 85mm's aluminum body exudes a sense of solidity and durability, instilling confidence that it can withstand the rigors of heavy use on set.

I've had the pleasure of handling this lens, and I can attest that it feels robust and premium. The aluminum construction is a significant upgrade from cheaper plastic or polycarbonate alternatives, and it's clear that Rokinon has prioritized build quality.

The weight of the lens, 2.7 lbs, is substantial, but it's balanced perfectly, making it comfortable to hold and maneuver.

Durable Metal Lens Hood

As I unbox the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens, I'm excited by the durable metal lens hood that comes with it. The hood's sturdy construction and sleek design give me confidence that it can withstand the demands of professional cinematography.

I'm looking forward to exploring the specifications, documentation, and user guide to see how this feature enhances my overall shooting experience.

Specifications

I'm impressed by the Rokinon Xeen 85mm's durable metal lens hood, which not only protects the lens from stray light but also adds to its overall rugged build quality.

Now, let's delve into the specifications that make this lens a powerhouse for cinematography.

• Aluminum body: Built to last, the aluminum body guarantees durability and resistance to wear and tear.
• Unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale: This feature simplifies the shooting process and reduces the risk of human error.
• 11-bladed diaphragm: This diaphragm design enables a smooth, rounded bokeh and a more natural-looking blur.
• 114mm front diameter: A consistent front diameter makes it easy to swap out filters and accessories.

Documentation and User Guide

With the Rokinon Xeen 85mm's durable metal lens hood already impressing, I now turn my attention to the documentation and user guide that comes with this lens, which is equally important in ensuring a seamless shooting experience.

The user guide is thorough, covering everything from lens construction to operation and maintenance. I appreciate the clear, concise language used, making it easy to understand even for those new to cinematography.

The documentation also includes a detailed manual on how to use the lens's advanced features, such as the unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale. Overall, I'm pleased with the quality of the documentation and user guide, which suggests that Rokinon has put thought into supporting their users beyond just the lens itself.

Features – What We Found

Upon closer inspection, the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens reveals a robust aluminum body designed for durability, unified focus, aperture gear, and T-stop scale that streamlines the shooting experience. This professional-grade lens is built to last, with a solid construction that can withstand the demands of frequent use. The unified design makes it easy to adjust settings quickly and accurately.

These features work together to deliver exceptional image quality and a seamless shooting experience.

Portrait Photography Excellence Expected

As a professional cine lens, the Rokinon Xeen 85mm is expected to excel in portrait photography, delivering exceptional sharpness, contrast, and bokeh that bring subjects to life.

I was keen to put it to the test, and I wasn't disappointed. The 85mm focal length and T1.5 aperture work harmoniously to create a stunningly shallow depth of field, separating my subjects from the background with ease.

The 11-bladed diaphragm guarantees a beautiful, rounded bokeh that adds a touch of elegance to every frame.

With the Xeen 85mm, I've been able to capture portraits with incredible depth and dimensionality, making my subjects feel like they're jumping off the screen.

Rating

I've given the Rokinon Xeen 85mm a solid 4.9 out of 5 stars, a rating that reflects its outstanding performance and value for money. This rating is backed up by the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, with an impressive 4.9-star average.

The lens's build quality, image quality, and overall design have all received high praise from users. While some have noted a slight color cast, it's easily correctable in post-processing. Considering its professional-grade features and affordable price point, I believe this lens is a steal.

With its smooth focus, accurate aperture gears, and generous focus throw, it's clear that Rokinon has delivered a high-quality cine lens. Overall, I'm confident that my rating accurately reflects the excellence of the Rokinon Xeen 85mm.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens has proven itself to be an exceptional value for professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering a rare combination of outstanding image quality, robust build, and affordability.

I've been impressed by its smooth focus, accurate aperture gears, and generous focus throw, making it a joy to work with. While some users have noted a color cast, I've found it easily correctable in post-processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rokinon Xeen 85MM Lens Compatible With APS-C Cameras?

"I'm happy to report that yes, the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens is compatible with APS-C cameras, despite being designed for full-frame cameras, so you can still enjoy its cinematic quality on a smaller sensor."

What Is the Warranty Period for the Rokinon Xeen 85MM Lens?

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." When it comes to the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens warranty, I've got you covered – the period is available through customer service, so don't hesitate to reach out for details.

Can I Use the Rokinon Xeen 85MM Lens for Videography?

Yeah, I can totally use the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens for videography – it's designed for pro cinema quality, after all. The smooth focus, accurate aperture gears, and generous focus throw make it perfect for capturing stunning video footage.

Is the Lens Available in Different Colors or Finishes?

"As I hold the Rokinon Xeen 85mm lens, its sleek aluminum body catches my eye. Unfortunately, it only comes in this durable, professional finish – no fancy colors or options to match my personal style."

Does the Rokinon Xeen 85MM Lens Have Image Stabilization?

I've checked the specs, and unfortunately, the Rokinon Xeen 85mm T1.5 Pro Cinema Lens doesn't feature image stabilization. You'll need to rely on your camera's built-in stabilization or use a gimbal for smooth footage.

Conclusion

I've spent countless hours behind the lens, and I can confidently say that the Rokinon Xeen 85mm T1.5 Pro Cinema Lens is a game-changer.

Its performance is a symphony of smooth focus, accurate aperture control, and stunning image quality that will leave you breathless.

With this lens, you'll be capturing cinematic masterpieces that will make your audience weep with envy.

Trust me, it's a steal at this price point – get ready to elevate your filmmaking game to stratospheric heights.