NAB 2022 – Rokinon steps up its game with the Meister Professional Cinema Lenses and Xeen Anamorphic Pro Full-Frame Cinema Lenses. At T1.3, the spherical primes are fast—very fast—for full-frame lenses and they use 13-blade irises to provide not just excellent low-light performance, but pleasing bokeh for natural-feeling out-of- focus highlights. Rokinon's X-coatings provide good contrast and help control flare and internal ghosting, allowing you to create a distinctive look that supports your visual storytelling. As full-frame primes, it is not surprising that the lenses are designed to support 8K resolution, helping to futureproof your investment. Offered in 35, 50, and 85mm focal lengths (and in sets), each prime is also available in PL, Canon EF, or Sony E, making them available to virtually anyone, no matter the camera.
Rokinon has taken note of recent trends. Designed for use in the cine industry, these lenses provide a 114mm diameter barrel that fits most third-party matte boxes. The barrel features angled focus markings that make them easier to read from the operator's and focus puller's positions. Meanwhile, the 300° focus travel allows for extremely precise focus marks and accurate pulls, which become all the more critical when shooting at T1.3. Consistent placement of focus and iris gears makes for fast lens swaps. However, given Rokinon's roots as a still lens manufacturer, you might be surprised to find that the Meister primes support Cooke i/Technology (although in PL mount only), making these lenses a natural choice for modern production and VFX cinematography. Still, with Rokinon's X-coatings, flare handling, and focus fall-off, it is the attention to the look that helps bring a distinctive feel to your filming.
Anamorphic lenses have certainly come a long way in size, weight, and optical quality. The 50mm 2X anamorphic lens is only available in PL mount and is made using carbon fiber for reduced weight (the primes use titanium). The anamorphic is a surprising T2.3 and keeps the same 114mm front as the primes, making it easy to work with the same matte box. Focus and aperture scales are also on both sides of the anamorphic, and the 300° focus ring rotation also matches that of the primes. Covering full-frame, but using 15 iris blades to provide natural bokeh for anamorphic cinematography, the XEEN 50mm 2X anamorphic is every bit a complement to the XEEN Pro cine Primes.
Excited by the growth of Rokinon into the Pro cinema world? Share your thoughts in the Comments section, below.
1 Comment
It's cool that Samyang/Rokinon is making some more interesting glass. I've had their lenses for years, and they've been a great budget buy for owner operators. These seem more like they're meant for the rental crowd though, so I won't be picking any up for myself, but who knows, maybe if they get well reviewed they'll find their way onto bigger sets.