Rokinon – First Impressions

So I purchased two Rokinon Lenses for my setup. I sold off my fixed lens camera and got another 60D and two lenses, more memory etc. I purchased both the 85mm Rokinon 1.4 and the 35mm 1.4 lenses. My first impressions are simply, WOW!

First, the 85mm. NOTE: these ARE manual lenses.

The picture is beautiful. I was amazed at how sharp and how paper thin the DOF was when using this lens. Because they are manual, the 85mm below anything 2.8 aperature requires a steady eye and quick micro adjustments on the focus ring in order to get a shot that is not blurry. That is just the way it is. I would confidently, without a doubt recommend this lens to the videographer using DLSR without hesitation. Keeping in mind that your focus pulls and framing are going to have to be done on your feet because there is no zooming beyond the physical which by default provides a much more professional look if you have a rookie behind the camera. So if you are a video guy, this is a MUST have lens in your bag. If you are a photographer mostly, I would suggest something like a Sigma 50mm 1.4 or the Canon version. I recommend the Sigma but both are really nice.

The 35mm…

This lens is absolutely beautiful and feels so sweet.. 2 issues.. One, mine broke on day two of filming. The aperature ring rotates but the interal gearing mechanism failed. Two, what I was able to shoot however came out beautiful. I have replacement on the way, (Amazon Rules) but what I was able to note with this lens are as follows:
For Videographers ONLY. If you think for a second you’ll be able to focus in on any object at 1.4 or even, sadly, 2.8, you’re in for one heck of a disappointment. This lens is absolutely, without a doubt, throw me down and kick the dog NOT for photographers. Unless I’m just missing something.

The 35mm on a smaller, cropped sensor camera, it was more like a 50mm lens but I was very happy with the range the crop gave me as far as field of vision. Some of the shots I got here around the house, the lens felt great, smooth with a beautiful look. For a price tag of $499, if you are really into photography over video, I would pass on this lens. But if you are doing anything independent film and want a look that is just amazing in low light, this lens is for you. I’ll let you know if that aperature ring was a fluke in the single unit or if they are inherent in the build quality. Only time will tell and I’ll scrap it if I get another broken one.

Posting a video with the 85mm. I think you’ll like it.