Lensrentals dismantles the new Samyang XEEN Cine lenses.

Image courtesy: Lensrentals

Roger Cicala from Lensrentals got their hands on the new Samyang/Rokinon Xeen 85mm T1.5 lens. As you know Cine Lenses are quite expensive so it’s good to get a much cheaper alternative like the new XEEN series.

So what’s the verdict on build quality? Overall, it’s very good, especially given that it’s selling for about half of what other cinema lenses sell for. I do have some very real concerns about how the focus system will hold up over time and with hard use, but the compromises made seem very reasonable overall. Put another way, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one based on what I saw today, but I’d be make sure my focus puller was gentle and didn’t ‘slam’ focus. Over time hard use, especially hard focusing use, will take a toll on this lens I think.

The new XEEN Cine lenses are now available on preorder at BHphoto and at Adorama too.