A new addition to Samyang/Rokinon's lineup of cinema-style lenses promises to offer high-quality macro shots at an affordable price.
Late last week, Samyang announced a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens and a cine-style variation with a T/3.1 aperture, geared focus and iris, and longer throw distances. Macro lenses, of course, have the ability to focus at much closer distances than their non-macro counterparts, which makes them perfect for capturing extreme close-ups of smaller items that would otherwise be difficult to photograph in extreme detail. That makes macro lenses great for a number of purposes, including nature and product photography, but for filmmakers, macro lenses are great for capturing highly-detailed inserts and cutaways.
Here's some footage shot with the new lens to give you an idea of what it can do. Just as a heads up, you may want to mute the video because the song choice is -- questionable.
Here are the basic specs and another photo of the new 100mm T/3.1:
- 100mm Lens
- Full-Frame Coverage
- Multi-Layer Coating to Reduce Flare
- Standard Gearing for Focus and Iris
- Dual Side Focus and T-Stop Scales
- De-Clicked Aperture Ring
- Hybrid Aspherical Lenses
- Manual Focus and Aperture
- Removable Lens Hood
- Accepts 67mm Threaded Filter Rings
The Rokinon 100mm T/3.1 comes in a whole array of mounts for different camera systems and will retail for $599. It is currently available for pre-order at B&H and is expected to begin shipping within the next two weeks.
Your Comment
15 Comments
Sure seems like a nice lens, great addition to the very affordable Samyang cine primes.
I wonder how this stacks up against the Canon 100mm f/2.8 L IS in terms of image quality. I really fell in love with the ability to use the Canon 100 on a handheld rig because of image stabiliser. Looking forward seeing some portrait and flare tests.
If you are in the market for a 100mm this will save you $350 compared to the Canon, sweet!
April 6, 2015 at 3:11PM
Would definitely be a welcome addition if it provides similar quality to the Canon 100L.
April 25, 2015 at 3:58PM
At this very moment, "Lapis Lazuli" is stuck in my head. And that's YOUR fault, No Film School! ;-)
April 6, 2015 at 4:06PM
Hmmmm, is it just me or is the breathing on that... insane (in a not so awesome way)?
April 6, 2015 at 4:24PM
"Methinks these kids are gettin gridy." Seriously, they want more than what Canon charges for the USM flavors of its superb 100mm.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12058-USA/Canon_2518A003_Telephoto...
April 6, 2015 at 6:42PM
I don't agree with you there. Yes, both of those are less than the Samyang, by $50 and $150 respectively, and yes, they are both fine lenses, both of which could probably fulfill the same purpose at a relatively close quality level to the new Samyang.
However, I think you should take into account that the Samyang is available in more than just the EF mount, has a manual aperture ring, and is fully geared for follow focus use. Those features, in my opinion easily merit the extra $50 and perhaps even $150, coming from a non-Canon user without access to an EF mount camera.
By all means, like the lenses you like, however, I don't think you've made a sufficient argument against this lens or toward either of the lenses you listed.
April 6, 2015 at 8:37PM
Dear Sir, thank you for your kind permission to like the lenses I like! :))) All good, Jacob ;)
April 6, 2015 at 10:31PM
Oh, also, nice article, Robert. Would've missed this otherwise.
April 6, 2015 at 8:45PM
This was announced a week ago.
April 6, 2015 at 8:48PM
They're really expanding their range, and that's great! I'm just hoping it has got a good enough focus throw, my 24mm is a bit short IMO - I miss focus when I'm close to infinity all the time.
April 6, 2015 at 10:37PM, Edited April 6, 10:37PM
It looks nice. Now I just need more room in my lens case!
April 6, 2015 at 11:19PM
I looked up the song in the vid. It's from a Japanese RPG. I think that explains a lot.
April 7, 2015 at 9:34AM
After owning multiple Rokinon lenses and re selling them I don't think I will ever purchase them again. They have a great appearance and cine like quality build and feel, but the actual glass is mediocre. It's soft in so many spots and sharp in others and it floods an uncomfortable amount of light in wide open. I just felt cheated, but in the end I wasnt... that's why it's cheaper.
April 7, 2015 at 10:09AM
Why are you worried about the wide open performance? Wide open is oftenly the worse setting on most good performing lenses.
April 7, 2015 at 7:25PM, Edited April 7, 7:25PM
I tell you, I really love the idea of this entire website. I get excited just to click my bookmark! I always rack my brain on how you come about this information.
April 8, 2015 at 9:37AM