Xeen vs Rokinon Cine Lenses (Part 1)
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- More info & test here: goo.gl/fMNb5R
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You can buy the Xeen and Rokinon Cine DS lenses here:
Rokinon Xeen Cine lenses on
BH Photo goo.gl/tC6IZ4
Adorama goo.gl/gdXCTr
eBay goo.gl/4JR9L6
Amazon amzn.to/2m22EJq
Amazon Canada amzn.to/2ntSmyQ
Xeen Complete Cine Lens Bundle (14, 16, 24, 35, 50, 85, 135mm)
BH Photo goo.gl/T2W0cU
Rokinon Cine DS lenses on
BH Photo goo.gl/TbxU93
Adorama goo.gl/MoHdSa
eBay goo.gl/vn9GIM
Henry's goo.gl/HJd9PZ
Amazon amzn.to/2m1QaSf
Amazon Canada amzn.to/2n1n70f
I own a bundle very similar to the following (I have one less lens):
Cine DS Lens Bundle (24, 35, 50, 85mm) on
BH Photo goo.gl/vJtPSf
Here is a video where I test the Xeen Cinema and Rokinon Cine lenses. Both the Cinema and Cine lines of Rokinon lenses appear to deliver the same sharpness.
Actually, I believe that all these lenses are internally the same. It is just that the Cinema line uses the standard (and much larger) exterior housing.
Also, based on the videos I’ve filmed, the sharpness, color rendition, distortion and breathing effect seem to be the same. I will provide you with concrete video examples in a future review.
So, it seems to me that the high price of the Xeen lenses is due to the industry-standard exterior build, rather than the image quality.
Each lens incorporates built-in, cinema-style focus and iris gears that share common positions, making for fast lens changes. The 24, 35, 50, and 85mm lenses feature a maximum aperture of T1.5 and an 11-bladed iris. The 14mm features a maximum aperture of T3.1 and has a 9-bladed iris, while the 16mm features a T2.6 maximum aperture and an 11-bladed iris. The 135mm is still fast at T2.2 and incorporates an 11-bladed iris. As these are cinema lenses, the iris is designed to be clickless, allowing smooth aperture pulls. All these lenses have the common 114mm front diameter which allows for quick lens changes as you don't have to swap out anti-reflection donuts or adapters to use the same matte box.
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My name is Tom Antos. I am a film director and cinematographer with over 15 years experience in VFX & animation.
Jak się masz?! I'm originally from Poland ;)
Check out my channel here: / polcan99 - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Nothing beats listening to Tom explain differences in glass with calming, soft music playing in the background. :)
I love the Rokinons. They do well. I just wouldn't shoot them wide open.
Thanks for this Tom. Always enjoy your videos, they are the so informative. Curtis Judd and you both provide the best info and no-nonsense reviews.
I started watching a couple of weeks ago and I've learned so much from you. Thanks!
Thank you for watching and its great to hear that you find my videos educational.
Brilliant thank you! The advice on why to get EF mount is fantastic.
Thanks Tom...your tutorials are always so informative. This video answered a lot of questions I had about the Rokinon lenses...tchau.
Another amazing video. Tom do you conduct training clinics? I have learned so many good habits for content creation and videography from you. Thank you so much for your lessons and tips.
Thanks. Just want to say the video looks great and sharp on watching on youtube. Could you show your lighting setup for this interview?
hey Tom
What Matt Box are you running
I love how it swings away
Regards, Rick
hey man, i follow your work i think its great and it's been very helpful.
few questions, im on a sony a6500 at the moment running on mostly native lenses for small commercial work - so far so good, and planning to either upgrade to an a7iii or a blackmagic pocket 4k, do you think the rokinon $1700 bundle can cover the earlier parts of the transition? or are they even good to go for the long run
I've used the cine lens on a MFT camera with excellent results. When I upgraded to a Ursa 4.6K I was disappointed with the focus breathing on the larger super 35 sensor. The ZEEN worked flawlessly.
The upgraded Cine line - the Cine DS has the focus and iris gears the exact same distance from the lens mount
Clint D'Souza yes so no need to worry about follow focus placement 👍
Is that the only difference between the Cine lenses and the Cine DS lenses?
So which would you recommend, the Cine Lenses or the Cine DS lenses. Help me Obi Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope. :)
I find the DS line better, sharper, lesser chromatic aberration, focus breathing and the look is much consistent trough the line.
Almost, also the focus and T-stop signature are moved to the side of the lenses. Optically there's no any changes
Ugh love watching your videos Tom. Thank you for doing what you do.
hey! Thank you for this lenses comparison. Could you make another comparison between the Rokinon and Veydra lenses please?
Very well done and useful. Is it possible to do a comparison between Canon 50, 85mm lenses and the less expensive Rokinon 50, 85mm?
Great idea... I will do that in another video.
Thanks Tom. Will you be trying the Rokinon lenses on your new BMPCC 6K? I will have this camera soon and appreciate your advice should you test them with this camera. I will not be able to afford the Xeen lenses as a senior with expensive hobbies.
Hi, how are you? I have an XEEN 50mm T1.5 lens and I want to place it in a Canon C200 4k camera but I need an adapter and I don't know which is the ideal adapter, can you please help me?
Hey Tom, I am about to purchase the Cinema DS set but I have a question about the focal lengths. I am using 2 GH5 cameras so I'm locked into the MFT cameras for the moment. I am using a Metabones Ultra .71. My question is, what are the focal lengths that are going to work out best to sync up with full frame or APS-C size cameras? What are the most commonly used focal lengths you use in most of your work? Especially for short films? 24 and 35 seem to make the most sense out of the gate since they would equate to a 35mm and 50mm respectively. Are the 16s or 14s worth getting. Would a 50 or an 85 see more use?
Hey Tom! Gret video. I have 2 questions. 1. Do you recommend to get the XEEN cinema lens for something like A7SII? 2. If you can afford only one lens, which focal length will you get? Thank you :)
Tom, you really are the best. So much knowledge and experience and yet so humble and willing to share it with us. I’ve said all this before, but I’ve learned so much from you that I wanted to say it again.
Thank you!
Tom Antos please keep up the incredible work, and always know how much we appreciate you.
Hello Tom, I have a gh5s with a metabones speedbooster EF to M43. Are these lenses a good match for that setup if I get them with EF MOUNT? I only own canon glass.
Did you ever make a part 2?
Hi Tom ! Love your work. Wondering is there any how can I use varible ND filter on the lens not the matte box ? Thanks !
as far as focus throw (barrel rotation) I'm looking to find the longest throw possible but with the cheaper than xeen class of cine lenses. any idea how many degrees the standard cine lenses focus throw is? what about the slr magic? I know 300 is the sort of ultimate standard and 180 degrees is also quite good. thanks for any help you can provide.
are you upgrading to the ursa mini pro?
Hi Tom, could you describe your rig setup in the footage at 6:33 please.
Is there much difference between the rokinons and the newer samyang VDSLR II lenses? I bought the 35mm VDSLR II
I have lumix g9 but I want which cine lenses for flim making cine quality tell about bro
thank you for your explanation; very easy to understand. Well to know a expensivest glass will not affect image quality. Hello from Panamá City
Wondering if you would tell me what mat box was in your video. Thanks
Thx Tom, great to see a series showing these comparisons. Although weight and portability has gone to shit you must really enjoy using these higher end Rokinon Xeen Cine lenses on your Ursa.
Great video, is there a part two?
Very good tutorial Tom 😀.. well done 😎..
I have a question:
I do astrophotography and is a pain in the butt to focus this far away (but not infinity ) btween say 10m -infibity there only a 4 mm focusthrow ...😏😣..i eas wondering if a cine lens would be an better option due that they have longer throws or is it at infinity the same ??
Grtzz johny geerts
That's EXACTLY why I'm here too! :-) I think we are on to something.
Plus - as I read through the comments I see that many argue that the Xeen lenses are indeed better glass (coatings, grinding, processing, et al) than the cheaper Cine lenses, so I'm inclined to buy a lottery ticket ;-) so I can buy a 24mm (the widest they have)...or an ultra-wide Zeiss brand lens (maybe a T1.3 fisheye?) which tends to be the highest quality glass one can buy.
So even if Im shooting with an A7iii I should buy the lenses in ef mount and then buy a metabones speedbooster (for best image quality)?
Yes absolutely. Or just a regular EF to E mount adapter. No real need for the speed booster unless you just want it. Buying Canon mount will allow you to use these lenses with just about any camera in the world. (Not literally but you know.)
he y tom I see that's a camtree mattebox, but what is the baseplate system you're using there. I'm assuming that's a manfrotto plate that comes with the tripod connected to something else
how are they when it comes to flaring, focus breathing, CA, contrast loss when shooting into the light.. I think I saw somewhere that that is where the Xeen do better, but don`t quote me on that...
Xeens are better in all of those, especially breathing
Great review Tom!
Hey! Could you compare the Rokinon and Veydra lenses please? :)
Which rig are you using, Mattebox with 15mm rod tripod holder?
The Xeen and Rokinon look identical as far as clarity goes, but the Rokinon lenses seem to add a little bit of blue overtones/darker overall, which in post, is very easy to work with. It's subtle, but still noticeable. My partner in film and I went with the Rokinon. Would love to, down the road, get a Xeen or two. :)
Thanks for the video, I want to ask you, what is the most affordable adapter to mount this lens (EF mount) on BMPCC4K?
Medo Mex they can come with Ef mount
@TomAntos What about PL mount?
why get a cine lens if you got a gh5, gh5 have cinema mode and do post production. so what adapter do you need for the rokinon for the gh5?
Enjoyable and informative. Which did you use to record this video?
can't wait for part 2
Though generally the same overall, I noticed that the Xeen lenses are slightly sharper especially when you look at the edges of the lines on the focus checker. The lines from the Xeen lenses seem more bold and stand out better compared to the Rokinon. But of course the difference is minor. The Rokinon lenses seem to have a greenish color cast whereas the Xeen lenses look to have a more clean neutral color cast. Otherwise I go for the Rokinon lenses looking at the minor differences in quality compared to price. Great video bro. Thanks a mil.
I will point out, as others have, that the new Cine lenses under the Rokinon name, "Cine DS", have two differences from the regular Cine lenses: First, the lenses have a dual scale on each side of the lens, and second, the aputure and follow focus ring are in the same spot on all the lenses.
You will, however, notice a difference in the overall length of your lens with the DS line, which you will not with the Xeens.
Hi, thanks for the video. I think colors are much better and natural on the Xeen lenses, look at the greys. Also, there is many purple fringing on the Rokinon lenses. So, I think it's not the same lenses... What do you think? Bests. Leo
Actually both 85mm Xeen and Rok at T1.5 have purple fringing, but when stopped down to T8 that goes away. You can watch @15:00 (or close to that).
Plus: some other comments here have said that Rokinon themselves claim that the internal glass is exactly the same for all the Rok and Xeen lenses.
hi what about the mount? can someonegive me advice i have a mini ursa 4k with PL MOUNT. could i use the cheaper cinema lens, is there a recommended adapter haven found one with good review
Thanks for advice. Really helpful stuff!!
Tom seems to be able to source out great alternatives to expensive options. NOW I wish he would find us a cheap speedboost for micro 4/3 cameras. In some shooting environments these smaller footprint cameras provide some real advantages. Panasonics do not overheat like some others and while they are not as superb in low light they do offer great low light and with non DCI 4K you are getting great images. Does anyone know of great speedboosters for say Panasonic G85?
Hi Tom, How do you take care of your lenses? What do you do to prevent fungus growth on your lenses? Storage?
Hello! I wanna ask u for advice, what cheapest follow focus is good for XEEN, if use 15mm rods + sony a7r2 + xeen lenses, I looking for plastic gear, cause my metallic one seems may damage painting on lenses. Current model I use is "flama K1141" may google it for pictures of what is it. Also I'm looking for matte box, is there some models for xeen diameter, my seems a bit smaller, and ND I'm using is 4x4". Thanks! :)
Your best bet right now is the JTZ line of products. They make a cinema-quality Matte Box, follow focus, and cage for your camera, and they are pretty affordable. Anything less is going to be of more shoddy quality. Look up 'JTZ Follow Focus' on Amazon.
Is there a difference in the focus breathing between them?
Very good Video, Congratulations from Guatemala!!!
Tom what matte box are you using?
You just saved a lot of people a lot of money :D
ha ! Fool !
@@MikkelGrumBovin Seriously? Tom seems to be serious and the video test seem to support what he said. Is he wrong?
@@DarrenD777 Hi - I had a long discusion with Tom on that issue... in late march - 2000&17 ! my position is , with the Metabones speedboosters and loads of dump adapters, Nikon -nikkor glass is so plentyfull and cheap, looks more "filmic" and mostly completely non electric - less hassle than fly-by-wire Canon-glass ( the non-hardstops are useless in cinematic filmmaking)
Both sets of lenses are sharp. That's great. But there are a lot of other things you need to take into consideration. The cheaper Rokinons have pretty severe wide angle distortion around the edges, even on the 50mm. Vertical lines at the edges of the frame will appear curved. Are the XEENs any better? Would love to see a comparison.
I never seen barrel distortion on Super 35mm (Arri Alexa) with this lens. But I can't speak for larger sensors.
Are you using the Sennheiser mic?
Thanks for the tips: EF mount. I'm planning to buy Ursa Mini 4.6k and was in doubt about which mount to buy. Thanks!
Fool !
@@MikkelGrumBovin what do you suggest then?
I bought a Rokinon 35mm t1.5 but not recording with my canon m6 mark Ii. I bought viltrox adapter. Looking for head on how to fix it sir
Can you please explain why EF mount instead of 4/3 mount ( for Cine lenses )
Because the 4/3 lens is smaller so you CANNOT use that lens on a full frame camera. But you CAN use the full frame lens on a 4/3 camera so it's a no brainer. Also putting a 4/3 lens on a 4/3 camera does not eliminate the crop factor as some might believe.
I want buy one of the Xeen Lens for my C100 mark II, I need of an adapter or it can fit directly in the canon EF mount ?
It fits directly on the Canon EF mount
Do these cover full frame on Sony A7s? With adapter
They offer both full frame and crop sensor versions of these lenses. Buy the full frame versions and you're good to go.
Amazing information. Thank you very much.
I get the Nikon mount because it has the longest flange to film-plane distance. 5.00-35.00 is an adopter from Nikon F mount to canon EOS mount.
Exactly !
Did you shoot this with an Ursa Mini?
You really explain well and clear.
Sir What lens should i use with Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K Digital Cinema Camera EF-Mount CINECAMURSAM40K/EF My budget is around $1500 USD
Oh boy, it seems you don't even know where to begin. But, ignorance is never a problem, only stupidity. And you, good sir, seem to be smart - because you are starting to ask questions. Soon you'll know what lens the Director wants for each situation without asking him/her.
FOV (greatly dependent on the T-stop used AND the distance to the subject in *focus*) would be a good place to start, also, the number of degrees (angle) that each lens can capture and put onto the sensor. (Hint: a 6mm fisheye lens would be close to 180 degrees, whereas a ultra wide 14mm might only be 90 degrees). Also, note the lower quality image a zoom lens has (but it has the advatage of multiple focal lengths) versus a prime lens (thus many DP's ask for a prime to be mounted and rarely use a zoom lens).
I'm a photographer (looking for the ultimate quality lens) so I usually watch CZcams channels: Matt Granger, or, Tony and Chelsea Northrup as they are pretty reliable sources of tutorials and information.
Good luck in your video ventures.
Could someone pls explain me for what you need the big thing on lens thanks
On the front?
What r the matte box u used in those clip?
What was the matte box you use for these?
Thanks for this information. Will an auto focus system work with the XEEN cine lenses?
Xeen lenses are cinema glass so it's all manual. Sorry but not possible
@@TomAntos That makes sense. The lens is built for a different level of production (manual/follow focus). Thanks for replying-subscribed
Is there any focus breathing present in either set of lenses?
@Joe Trent 4 years later, I own these lenses - The Xeen definately has focus breathing.
bought my first Xeen 24mm cinema lens today...a proud feeling....thx
How are you finding it and what camera are you using it on?
@@SteveT__001 using Blackmagic 4k production camera... main feature for me is the greater clarity of the glass, better coating and grinding...focus pull is longer at 200 degrees, easier to find precise focus. Could easily rent the entire system out, with a steadicam vest stabilizer for the heavier camera rig and lens. People recognize the lens, wishing they could own it as I smile proudly, explaining that it has eleven blades, where the Rokinon cine DS lens have only 8... those perfect bokeh bubbles
@@andyyolesen Cool, glad you are enjoying it, I just need to decide what the best focal length is for my purposes with GH5. Are you getting much vignetting? This video shows it quite bad on the 16 and 24mm? czcams.com/video/zYRBvFNkiJs/video.html
Awesome lens review!!
Interesting comparison. I’ve had the Samyang 24mm but the photo version, and I didn’t like it. It was super soft wide open and even at 2 or 2.8, while the 85 and the 16 performs very well even wide open... In the future I would consider buying the 35.
The 24mm is known to be soft.
I wouldn't go near it! Lol
Stick with the Rokinon 14mm, 16mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm.
Very sharp.
@@avalanwa Thank you. I will get the 35 and 50 as soon as I can, and then the laowa 7.5mm and I will be happy.
Do you need a ef adapter for the lenses
Tom, good review on the lenses, I see several contradictory opinions on the choice of mount, you mention that you use an Sony A7, (E mount) and use an adapter for a Canon EF lens, because there are more adapters for Canon EF and the shorter total length provides more options in the adapter. Others commented that the Nikon mount is the more universal mount. Any follow up?
Both are very versatile. I think its more of a preference thing. I always buy EF lenses because I have an EF adapter for my Sony's and I come from a Canon background. Its just personal preference. Although EF lenses seem to have a higher resell value I've noticed.
Buy EF lenses. There's more of them. More adapters. Also those lenses re-sale better.
Jim Connor - Because the Nikon mount had the largest distance from sensor to lens, it can even be adapted to Canon, but Canon cannot be adapted to Nikon, so Nikon is "more universal".
However, for whatever reason, Nikon glass can't be adapted to other mounts and retain any electronic information, whereas Canon glass can be adapted to other mounts and retain autofocus and/or image stabilization with some adaptors (assuming the lens has autofocus and/or IS, obviously). Frankly, I don't know why Nikon electronic support isn't available because any patents are long expired.
Nikon glass, either new or used, tends to be cheaper up front, in my experience. It also sells for less, but I'm not sure whether the buy/sell gap is, percentage wise, greater than that of Canon glass. However, it is arguably not as good as equivalent Canon glass. Whether the cost savings is sufficient is a call you need to make.
I started with Nikon glass for my Panasonic because I needed some f/1.4 lenses and the old Nikon AI-S (manual focus) glass because it's super cheap (~$75 for a 50mm lens on eBay). However, I'm seriously thinking about switching to buying Canon when I get a Metabones Speedbooster.
Anyway, ymmv...
GlueFactoryBJJ - Thank for for that insightful review, I bought into the Sony Mirrorless series when first released and do not have an inventory of older lenses, but they are such a good value that I have decided to begin to purchase some of these older but excellent lenses.( plus the adapter), Appreciate your effort.
I own a Canon DSLR and I have used Nikon lenses on it with an adaptor - of course, you lose any electronic control, but it was a manual lens anyway; so depending on the use you plan to give it you won't lose much.
From what I understand, you cannot use Canon lenses on a Nikon camera (you can use an adaptor, but the lens will be too far away from the sensor; so you won't be able to focus to infinity).
What GlueFactoryBJJ mentions about Nikon lenses not being able to be adapted to "other mounts" is new for me, I haven't had that problem (please, which "other mounts" do you mean?)
So, leaving that (potientially important) fact aside; I would argue Nikon mount lenses are at least +1 adaptable than Canon. Of course, if you need electronic control and you use mostly cameras with a Canon mount it might be better for you to buy a Canon lens, but from a "neutral" POV, I think Nikon lenses are more versatile.
Interesting points, when you suggest buying EF mount for tjhe Xeens and I can completely understand your points however all my stills cameras are Nikon F mount, my video camera currently is a GH5. I already own a Speedbooster for Nikon glass so that I can use my 24-70, 70-200 and other lenses but do you think I should stick with Nikon mount or buy a Canon speedbooster and get the EF version?
Take wild guess, -
Nah, Fak Canon, they stink!
@@MikkelGrumBovin Great input.
@@SteveT__001 sorry, I was, in a terrible mood, I had had some rough days, and it's all my own stupid doing, so I'll try again. Give me half an hour, and I'll be back with something, coherent
@@MikkelGrumBovin Haha no worries Mikkel :)
if you compare with rokinon ds that will be great thoughtful.bcz they are all identical
Which matebox are you using?
Where did you buy your matte box? I can't find it online
Here is the info about thst mattebox and where you can buy it
czcams.com/video/7EVRdd9jqrA/video.html
So, no part 2?
where is part 2?
What camera do you use to film this and what lens?
They say the Xeens have extra coatings vs the Rokinons. The DS Rokinon line have matching follow focus ring locations so swapping between only leaves moving the mattebox which is minor especially for the intended user. Would have liked to see the concrete evidence that these are identical but it doesn't look like you made part 2 lol.
actually I had a full set or 6 amd only 3 were DS and only 1 needed to be adjusted after a swap for the follow focus.. so you can get a rokinon set that matches focus rings but arent all DS ,, some were Samyang and bower bit they are identical
Thanks Tom for this
Do any of these lenses change focal length as you pull focus from one end to the other?
I haven't used them but I can confidently they don't. Cine lenses (by definition) simply don't telescope. They're designed to be used with matte boxes which are fixed to the camera support and not the camera itself.
@@reanetsemoleleki8219 There are a lot of cheap "cine" lenses that have plenty of breathing (focal length changes as you focus). Maybe someone who has used them knows?
@@bitspacemusic sorry, I misunderstood your question. I thought you were referring to lenses that physically change size. Shane Hurlbut has done focus breathing tests on some of the Xeens, but not the DS's, you should check that out. The channel is called Hurlbut Academy I think.
@@reanetsemoleleki8219 Thanks, I'll check it out. I don't think any cine lenses change size, not the primes anyway.
What's the advantage of using an EF mount over PL?
Its accepted by more cameras than PL
Wheres part 2 ?
I wonder how they compare to the Veydra mini primes? Frankly I think the Xeen are just the Cine Lenses re-housed.
You should read through the comments. I thought so to, and some even say that, but others say no. Look at the third one before your comment: that's quite a difference.
well I will buy the zeen lenses because it looks cooler than the normal lenses
Great decision!!! Nothing beats the COOL factor...
A lot more potentiel, no doubt. They are not just rehoused !! This guy Tom Antos is too funny.
LOL
thanks bro
I'm pretty sure that the cine DS lenses all have the focus and aperture rings in the same position. Maybe the lenses Tom has are not the cine DS lenses
I don’t think those are the DS lens
Hi Tom, and other posters. Thanks folks, very helpful explanations about mounts. Delighted to have found this channel and web site. I'm so new I'm not even a newbie! Bob.
This was very informative! It makes me feel good with the Cine DS Rokinon lenses I purchased! Keep up the great reviews and tests coming! Thank you!
I suppose if you need the quick swaps that the identical body sizes provides, then you gotta spend...otherwise, I actually thought the Rokinon 50mm looked like it had less purple fringing than the Xeen.
do the lenses cover s35 or ff
FF - you can see at their website, or at Samyang's (who actually makes all these brands.
It is NOT true that the Xeen and Cine DS lenses have the same image quality. Why did you make such a statement without testing it first.
The Xeen lenses are much, much sharper wide open then the cheap Cine DS lenses.
Also, the Xeen lenses have a much more true to life color rendition then the cheaper DS lenses.
The Cine DS lenses have a lot of color fringing and for some reason the image is more magenta tinted.
The Xeen lenses have 11 blades and the Cine DS only 8 so the bokeh looks a bit better on the Xeen.