High-quality cine prime series for digital cinema cameras — anamorphic and spherical lenses with T1.5 speed and standardized gear rings. Budget alternative to Zeiss/Cooke for lower-budget productions.
Definition
The Rokinon/Samyang Xeen series refers to a line of professional cinema prime lenses from the South Korean manufacturer Samyang, which are distributed under various brand names. These prime lenses were specifically developed for film production and offer professional cinema features at a comparatively affordable price. The Xeen series includes focal lengths from 14mm to 135mm and is designed for various sensor formats from Super35 to full-frame.
The lenses are characterized by uniform housing dimensions, a 114mm front diameter, and standardized focus and aperture rings. They feature a T-stop scale (instead of F-stops) and are available with common professional camera mounts such as PL, EF, and E-mount. The optical design offers a warm, cinematic image characteristic with controlled contrast and pleasing bokeh.
Practical Application
In German film and television production, the Xeen lenses have established themselves as a cost-effective alternative to premium cinema lenses like Zeiss CP.3 or Cooke. They are particularly suitable for independent productions, commercials, and mid-budget TV productions. The uniform housing dimensions allow for quick lens changes without rebalancing the camera rig, which significantly simplifies working with a follow focus and matte box.
Technical Details
The Xeen series consistently offers T1.5 apertures, mechanical focusing with a 200-degree rotation, and precise T-stop markings. The lenses are optimized for 8K resolution and exhibit minimal focus breathing.