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BUYERS’ GUIDE
“The Xeen range has been a huge hit since its launch in 2015– and is suitable for 8K”
AS XEEN ON SCREEN Samyang has cine lens sets to suit all budgets. Its new Premium range includes the 2x Xeen Anamorphic optic (left), among a host of alternatives
3. SAMYANG
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quality. They are available in 16mm T2.6, 24, 35, 50 and 85mm T1.5. The full set of CF lenses costs £8550/$10,975. But Samyang is eager to go even faster and more high-quality, recently unveiling a brand-new line-up of Xeen Premium lenses: the Anamorphic 50mm T2.3, and Xeen Meister in 35, 50 and 85mm T1.3 options. The 8K Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 is available in PL mount only, and offers 2x squeeze for a 2.55:1 original Cinemascope ratio on a full-frame sensor. It’s made with carbon fibre to keep weight low, and has a 114mm front to attach accessories. There are 15 aperture blades and a 300° throw on the focus ring. The set of Meister 35, 50 and 85mm T1.3 models cover full-frame and larger sensors, designed for high-end digital cinematography in Sony E, Canon EF and PL mounts – this PL mount comes with Cooke /i Technology. But the real beauty is the very fast T1.3 maximum aperture, for a super-shallow depth-of-field and smooth bokeh – thanks to a 13-bladed aperture. Unfortunately, the prices for these Premium lenses have yet to be made public.
since its launch in 2015 and is suitable for 8K capture. Xeens can be purchased in 14mm T3.1, 16mm T2.6, 20mm T1.9, 24, 35, 50 and 85mm T1.5, and 135mm T2.2 – in a family designed for consistent size and optical performance. The lenses are available in metric or imperial distance scales for Canon EF, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, PL and Nikon F fittings. With many at T1.5, they are very bright lenses, ideal for low light. Ultra multi-coating minimises ghosting and flare, while 11 aperture blades make for creamy bokeh. De-clicked gear rings feature in identical locations, meaning changing lenses is hassle-free. And mounts are interchangeable, so each lens can be used on a variety of cameras. A set of five – 14, 24, 35, 50 and 85mm – costs £7254/$8625 in EF mount. These original Xeen lenses are relatively large, similar to the original Zeiss CP.2 line. But now there is a series of smaller, lighter Xeen primes called the CF range, formed with carbon fibre composite in the lens barrel. These have a more usable 95mm front section to fit matte boxes and other accessories, along with new coatings to improve image
Korean brand Samyang is the undisputed king of lens sets for indie filmmakers in search of great-value glass. The optic expert couples its standard range of VDSLR optics with the higher-end Xeen collection, which continues to grow. There are now five different ranges of the latest Samyang optics – sometimes branded as Rokinon. The most affordable is the VDSLR MK2, available in 14mm T3.1, 24, 35, 50 and 85mm T1.5, and 135mm T2.2. Compared to the original series, the new Mark II versions have improved weather sealing, include focal lengths written on both sides, a sleek new design and nine aperture blades. These full-frame lenses fit Canon EF, Sony E, Nikon F, Canon M, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds cameras – DSLR or mirrorless. They’re small and light, ideal for gimbals or handheld shooting. There’s a large 130° focus throw, a de- clicked aperture ring, and lenses come with gearing on the focus and iris rings, ready for a rig. A set of the 24, 35, 59 and 85mm lenses is £2677/$2346. Sitting above the VDSLR series is the Xeen range, which has been a huge hit
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