Improved Rokinon Cine line featuring de-clicked aperture rings and precise focus markings. An affordable entry point into professional cine lenses.
Technical Details
The series includes eight focal lengths: 14mm T3.1, 16mm T2.6, 21mm T1.5, 24mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5, 85mm T1.5, and 135mm T2.2. All lenses feature identical 77mm outer diameters and uniform positions for focus and aperture markings. The focus ring rotates 120 degrees from minimum focus to infinity. The UMC (Ultra Multi Coating) reduces flare and chromatic aberration. Lens weights range from 600g (16mm) to 800g (135mm). Minimum focus distance varies from 0.28m (24mm) to 0.85m (135mm).
History & Development
Samyang introduced the Rokinon Cine DS series in 2013 as an evolution of their VDSLR series. The Korean manufacturer recognized the demand for affordable cine lenses for the growing digital filmmaking segment. In 2016, Samyang expanded the series with Xeen lenses for more professional applications. The DS series established itself as an entry-level solution between still photography lenses and high-end cine glass like Zeiss CP.2 or Cooke S4.
Practical Use in Film
Independent productions utilize Rokinon Cine DS due to the favorable complete price of approximately 4,000 Euros for the 8-lens set. The lenses are suitable for narrative formats, music videos, and commercials with limited budgets. Camera assistants appreciate the unified gear rings for focus pulling. The warm color rendition and moderate sharpness create an organic look that makes digital sensors appear less sterile. Production companies use them as backup sets or for second units.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to Zeiss CP.2 lenses (15,000+ Euros/set), Rokinon DS offers significantly lower costs with weaker corner sharpness and less precise mechanics. Canon CN-E lenses surpass them in optical quality but cost twice as much. Sigma Cine lenses compete directly with comparable prices and sometimes superior sharpness. For documentary work, still lenses with cine adapters remain more flexible; for high-end productions, there is no alternative to Zeiss, Cooke, or Leica.