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BUYERS’ GUIDE
SAMYANG XEEN samyanglens.com
Samyang Xeens are a set of relatively large cine primes suitable for 8K, with 14mm T3.1, 16mm T2.6, 20mm T1.9, 24mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5, 85mm T1.5 and 135mm T2.2. All are built with consistent size and optical performance. The lenses are available in metric or imperial scales for EF, E, Micro Four Thirds, PL and F mounts. As most are T1.5, they are ideal for low light, and mounts are interchangeable, meaning each lens can be used on a variety of cameras. A set of five – 14, 24, 35, 50 and 85mm – costs £8034/$8625 in EF. These Xeen lenses are similar in size to the original Zeiss CP.2 range.
SIGMA CINE PRIMES sigma-imaging-uk.com
Each model offers consistent gear positions and 180° focus barrel rotation. FF High Speed Primes also feature dampeners on each gear ring for silent operation, industry-standard 0.8 module gear pitch – and engraved markings in luminous paint for easy visibility in low light. Filter size is a constant 82mm; the front diameter remains 95mm. A 50mm optic is £3299/$3499.
Sigma’s high-end cinema lens range of full-frame primes shares optical design with its range of Art primes, rehoused in a traditional, all-manual metal body with clickless aperture ring. Lenses from 20mm to 135mm open as wide as T1.5 – while the 14mm is T2 – and come in PL, Sony E or Canon EF fit. The nine-bladed iris produces pleasing bokeh and ghosting is minimised.
Pros: Consistent size across the range Cons: Quite large for mirrorless
Pros: Top image quality and build Cons: Only three mount options
SAMYANG XEEN CF samyanglens.com
Compact Xeen primes from Samyang are branded the CF range, made with carbon fibre composite in the lens barrel. A more sensible 95mm front section can fit a wider selection of matte boxes and other accessories. They are available in 16mm T2.6, 24mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5 and 85mm T1.5. A full set of CF lenses costs £8229/$8995. Samyang’s bid to go even further upmarket has seen the recent launch of Xeen Premium lenses. Included here are the Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 and Xeen Meister in 35mm T1.3, 50mm T1.3 and 85mm T1.3 – all of which are designed for high-end cinematography in Sony E, Canon EF and PL mounts. Prices for this bumper crop are still to be revealed.
SIGMA CONTEMPORARY AF sigma-imaging-uk.com
and moisture. The aperture ring can be clicked into the A position, allowing you to control settings from the camera body. Or use the metal aperture ring itself, adjustable in thirds of a stop. Not all models are the same size – even filter threads are different. Others in the family include 24 and 65mm f/2 versions, 24mm f/3.5, plus 90 and 45mm f/2.8.
Retro-styled Sigma lenses are called the Contemporary I series and come in Sony E-mount and L-Mount. It’s now a seven- strong range, with the latest a £650/$699 20mm f/2 DG DN. Lenses have a mechanical aperture ring, with knurled metal components and matching lens hood. They house an AF stepping motor and are resistant to dust
Pros: Smaller and sharper Xeens Cons: No massive leap in image quality
Pros: Good-value, small AF primes Cons: Not a matching set
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