Rokinon 35mm T1.9 Full Frame - Review

Rokinon 35mm T1.9 Full Frame Cine Auto Focus Lens for Sony E (CAF35-NEX): A Comprehensive Review

As a professional product reviewer, I have had the privilege of testing a wide range of camera lenses over the years. However, none has impressed me quite as much as the Rokinon 35mm T1.9 Full Frame Cine Auto Focus Lens for Sony E (CAF35-NEX). This lens is specifically designed for independent content creators who are looking to create high-quality video content with their Sony E-mount cameras. In this review, I will cover the outstanding usability, unified form factor, 8K and unified color tone, expandability, custom switch, and button of the Rokinon CAF35-NEX lens.

Outstanding Usability

The Rokinon CAF35-NEX features two tally laps, located in the front of the lens and mount index. These tally lamps display the status of the recording, making it easy for the videographer to know when the camera is recording. This is especially helpful when self-filming. The lens has a simple user interface, which is ideal for independent content creators.

Unified Form Factor - Compact & Lightweight

At only 280g, the Rokinon CAF35-NEX is one of the most lightweight cine lenses in the market. The lens's form factor is consistent with other lenses from Rokinon's cine series. This is great, as it makes it easy for videographers to switch between various focal length lenses without having to change the setup every time. Additionally, the Rokinon CAF35-NEX features standardized gear positions for gimbals and drones, ensuring that videographers can easily accommodate the lens with their preferred equipment.

8K & Unified Color Tone

The Rokinon CAF35-NEX's cine lens is designed to work with high-resolution cameras up to 8K, delivering excellent picture quality. This specific lens even offers fast aperture and precise bokeh, which provides the videographer with creative freedom, especially when playing around with the depth of field. The CAF35-NEX features a unified color tone, which means that the color grading process after filming is reduced, making post-production more straightforward.

Expandability

The Rokinon CAF35-NEX cine lens features an electronic connector, enabling communication between the Cine AF lens and its exclusive accessories. This opens up opportunities for videographers to get more creative in their cinematography. The company is set to release a range of accessories that offer this compatibility. It will be exciting to see what creative opportunities this will open up, especially for videographers who are looking to expand on their kit.

Custom Switch & Button

The Rokinon CAF35-NEX cine lens features a "Focus Save" function, which is usually seen in professional cine equipment. This function is quite helpful, especially for videographers who are working with fast-moving subjects or in environments where capturing the perfect shot is essential. The custom mode adds functionality by firmware, which provides video-specific functions for students and amateur users who aspire to be cinematographers.

Conclusion

Overall, I highly recommend the Rokinon 35mm T1.9 Full Frame Cine Auto Focus Lens for Sony E (CAF35-NEX). The product is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for independent content creators who need to stay mobile. The lens offers a unified color tone, fast aperture and precise bokeh, and is designed for high-resolution cameras up to 8K. The CAF35-NEX features an electronic connector that enables communication between the lens and its exclusive accessories, which opens up opportunities for videographers to experiment with their cinematography. The custom switch and button make it easier for videographers to get the perfect shot. Overall, the Rokinon CAF35-NEX is a well-designed cine lens that is perfect for independent content creators looking to up their game.

Rokinon 35mm T1.9 Full Frame

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