Samyang adds final two lenses to it Xeen CF lightweight cine lens quintet

Xeen CF 35mm T1.5 and Xeen CF 16mm T2.6
(Image credit: Samyang)

The final two lenses in Samyang's new Xeen CF range of lightweight cine lenses is here. Joining the 24mm T1.5,  50mm T1.5 and 85mm T1.5 which were introduced last year, the new Xeen CF 35mm T1.5 and Xeen CF 16mm T2.6 complete the five prime set. The quintet is designed to offer a lightweight, and affordable, range of optics for professional video shooters. The lenses will be available in Sony FE, Canon EF and Arri PL mounts. As is usual, the lenses will be sold under the Rokinon brand in North America. 

CF stands for “Compact and Flexible” - highlighting the compact size and versatility of the lenses. The Xeen CF 16mm weighs  0.9kg (2.0lbs) and measures 82.3mm (3.24in) height. This compact size has been produced to meet the trend in cinematography and videography, where lenses are not just used in large cinematography camera setups, but also with drones and gimbals setups which require a more compact and lighter lens. The Xeen CF 35mm T1.5 still weighs only 2.4lbs (1088g) and measures 3.24in (113.7mm) in length.

The use of carbon fiber in the XEEN CF lens barrel makes it lighter, but sturdier than others with metal barrels.

Samyang XEEN CF 16mm T2.6 (Image credit: Samyang)

Key features of the lenses include:

• 43.3mm image circle designed to ensure compatibility with large sensor cameras

• 11 aperture blades for creating beautiful, circular bokeh.

• Luminous paint used for model and distance markings  for use in low-light environments

• 200°  of manual focus ring rotation enables fine focus adjustment 

XEEN CF  35mm T1.5 (Image credit: Samyang)

Xeen CF 35mm T1.5 and Xeen CF 16mm T2.6 and will be available for $2499 / £1999 a piece. Kits with all five CF lenses will also be available. 

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Chris George

Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography. 

His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards. Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 15 Pro Max.

He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.