Mark Ellington
ROKINON CINE DS T1.5 Lens Kit for Canon
Ultimate ROKINON CINE DS T1.5 Cinema Lens Kit Review: 50mm, 35mm, 85mm & 24mm for Canon EF
Introduction
The ROKINON CINE DS T1.5 Cinema Lens Kit is an exceptional collection of four prime lenses designed specifically for Canon EF mount cameras. Manufactured by Rokinon, a well-regarded name in the lens industry, this kit includes 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses, ideal for filmmakers and photographers who seek high-quality cinematic results. With a focus on delivering outstanding optical performance and creative flexibility, these lenses are perfect for both professional and aspiring creators alike.
Product Overview
The ROKINON CINE DS T1.5 lens kit is tailored for full-frame sensors, providing versatile focal lengths suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios. The lenses feature a robust build quality, with a focus on durability and user-friendly design. Intended for cinematography, these lenses help creators achieve stunning visual storytelling through their exceptional clarity and bokeh effects.
Appearance and Design
The lenses in the ROKINON CINE DS T1.5 kit boast a sleek, matte black finish that minimizes reflections and adds to their professional aesthetic. The all-metal construction enhances durability while maintaining a lightweight profile for easy handling. One of the standout design features is the dual side focus and T-stop scales, allowing for precise adjustments during filming. Additionally, the de-clicked aperture ring provides smooth and silent transitions, crucial for video work.
Key Features and Specifications
- Manufacturer: Rokinon
- Product Category: Cinema Lens Kit
- Included Focal Lengths: 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm
- Aperture Range: T1.5 to T22
- Coating: Multi-layer coating to reduce flare
- Compatibility: Canon EF mount, suitable for full-frame sensors
- Part Number: AROKCANDSLENSK5
- Price: $1795
Experience Using the Product
As a filmmaker, I had the opportunity to use the ROKINON CINE DS T1.5 lens kit in various shooting conditions, from interviews to low-light scenes. The 24mm lens was excellent for wide shots, capturing expansive environments while maintaining sharpness. The 35mm lens provided a natural perspective for interviews, creating a pleasant depth of field that isolated the subject beautifully. The 50mm lens is a classic choice for portraits, delivering stunning bokeh that enhances facial features. Lastly, the 85mm lens excelled in close-up shots, allowing for intimate storytelling through its compressive framing.
One of the most notable aspects of using these lenses was their consistent color rendering and sharpness across the range. The T1.5 aperture allowed for significant light gathering, making it easier to shoot in dimly lit environments without sacrificing quality. The manual focus was smooth and precise, providing a satisfying tactile experience during operation. However, some may find the lack of autofocus a drawback, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality and sharpness across all focal lengths
- Robust construction with a professional aesthetic
- Dual side focus and T-stop scales for enhanced usability
- Wide aperture (T1.5) for excellent low-light performance
- De-clicked aperture ring for smooth transitions in video recording
Cons:
- No autofocus; requires manual focusing skills
- Price point may be high for amateur filmmakers
- Lenses may feel heavy for extended handheld use
Conclusion
Overall, the ROKINON CINE DS T1.5 Cinema Lens Kit is an outstanding investment for serious filmmakers and photographers looking to enhance their creative toolkit. With its exceptional optical performance, durable design, and thoughtful features, this lens kit caters to a variety of shooting styles and conditions. While the lack of autofocus may pose challenges for some, the reward of manual control and cinematic quality makes these lenses a worthy choice. For anyone serious about filmmaking or photography, the ROKINON CINE DS T1.5 kit is highly recommended.
