Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens for Sony E

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84%
91%
Image Quality
88%
Build Quality
85%
Manual Focus Control
93%
Low Light Performance
80%
Ease of Use
87%
Compatibility with Sony E-mount
78%
Lens Hood Effectiveness
90%
Durability in Professional Use
60%
Autofocus Limitations
82%
Focus Ring Smoothness
85%
Size and Weight
88%
Price vs. Performance
More

Overview

The Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens for Sony E is a prime lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras, specifically catering to the needs of filmmakers and videographers. With its wide-angle 14mm focal length, it offers impressive full-frame coverage, making it an excellent choice for capturing expansive scenes and cinematic shots. The lens boasts a fast T3.1 aperture, ideal for low-light conditions and creating beautiful depth of field effects. This manual focus lens ensures precise control over focus, allowing for creative flexibility during shoots.

Features & Benefits

This wide-angle cine lens offers a 115.7° angle of view when used on full-frame cameras, which is crucial for wide shots and landscapes. The lens features an Ultra Multi-Coating that helps reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring clearer, more vibrant images. Its unified gear positions across the Rokinon Cine DS line make it easy to use alongside other Rokinon DS lenses for a consistent experience. With a minimum focusing distance of just 11 inches, it excels in close-up shots, while its durable, metal construction ensures long-lasting performance even in demanding shooting environments.

Best For

The Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS lens is best suited for filmmakers who need a reliable, wide-angle lens that can deliver crisp, cinematic footage. It is ideal for those working with Sony E-mount full-frame cameras and who prioritize control over focus. This lens is also a great choice for videographers who value manual focus capabilities for creative shot composition. Its fast aperture and close-focus ability make it perfect for users who need versatility in both tight and expansive shooting conditions.

User Feedback

Many users praise this lens for its excellent image quality, particularly in low-light scenarios, where its fast aperture shines. The build quality also stands out, with a solid, durable construction that feels robust and professional. On the downside, some users have noted that the lack of autofocus can be challenging for fast-paced work, especially in documentary or event filmmaking. However, for those comfortable with manual focusing, this lens provides outstanding control and creative potential.

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Pros

  • The 14mm focal length provides an expansive wide-angle view, perfect for cinematic shots and capturing sweeping landscapes.
  • Users praise the <b>low-light performance</b> of this lens, especially in indoor or night-time settings.
  • The manual focus allows for <b>precise control</b>, ideal for filmmakers who want to dictate the focus point in their shots.
  • Its <b>durable construction</b> ensures reliability on set, making it a good option for professionals.
  • The lens is well-suited for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras, ensuring full-frame coverage with no vignetting.
  • The built-in petal-shaped lens hood adds protection and helps reduce flare and ghosting, improving image quality.

Cons

  • The lack of autofocus can be limiting for fast-paced shooting scenarios, such as live events or action scenes.
  • The lens' relatively heavy weight can be cumbersome for handheld shooting or for users prioritizing portability.
  • Some users have mentioned that the <b>manual focus ring</b> can feel slightly stiff, especially when making quick adjustments.
  • It may not be ideal for beginners who are accustomed to automatic focus systems and simpler lens operations.
  • While its build quality is solid, it may not hold up as well under extreme conditions, such as rough outdoor shoots.
  • A few users have found that the wide-angle effect can sometimes distort edges, requiring careful composition.

Ratings

The scores for the Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens for Sony E were generated after analyzing verified user feedback from multiple sources and languages across the globe. Spam, bot, and incentivized reviews were filtered out, ensuring that only authentic, high-quality input shaped the results. Both strengths and common pain points from users are reflected in the ratings, providing a balanced view of the lens's overall performance.

Image Quality
91%
Users rave about the lens' sharpness and clarity, especially when shooting in low light. The wide aperture allows for stunning depth of field effects, making it perfect for cinematic shots. The quality of the image is often praised for being crisp with minimal distortion, even at the edges.
A few users mentioned that the image quality can degrade slightly when shooting at the widest aperture, especially in challenging lighting conditions. There are also some reports of chromatic aberration under certain circumstances, although it's not a common issue.
Build Quality
88%
The sturdy, metal construction stands out as a key strength of this lens. It feels durable and well-made, offering professionals the reliability they need for frequent use. Users also appreciate the built-in petal-shaped hood, which adds to the overall solid build while minimizing flare.
Some users feel that the weight of the lens might be a bit too heavy for handheld use, especially during extended shooting sessions. Although it's durable, the lens can feel bulky when compared to plastic-bodied alternatives, which may be a downside for some.
Manual Focus Control
85%
The smooth, precise manual focus ring offers excellent control for filmmakers who prefer a hands-on approach. Users have expressed satisfaction with its focus throw and feel, which makes it ideal for critical focus adjustments during shooting. This level of control is crucial for cinematic shots.
While many appreciate the manual focus, some users find it difficult to adjust during fast-paced shoots. The lack of autofocus can be a drawback when trying to capture quick-moving subjects, which could limit its use in certain fast-action situations.
Low Light Performance
93%
The lens excels in low-light conditions, with its fast T3.1 aperture providing ample light-gathering capability. Users have commented that the lens performs admirably in dark environments, with minimal noise and high-quality results. It's ideal for filmmakers needing to capture rich, detailed images even in dim settings.
A handful of users reported that while the lens performs well in low light, it can show some softness at the extreme edges of the frame. Additionally, the relatively wide aperture can sometimes lead to less depth of field control compared to other options, though this is a minor issue for most.
Ease of Use
80%
20%
Many users appreciate the straightforward design and ease of mounting the lens on Sony E-mount cameras. Its simple controls and manual focus make it user-friendly for those familiar with traditional filmmaking gear. It's a reliable tool for those who prioritize hands-on control over automated features.
The absence of autofocus and electronic aperture control makes this lens less suitable for those who are accustomed to fully automatic lenses. Some users find that the manual controls take a bit of getting used to, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with cinematic lenses.
Compatibility with Sony E-mount
87%
Users with Sony E-mount cameras have noted the perfect fit and seamless performance with this lens. It's designed specifically for these cameras, making it an ideal choice for filmmakers using Sony's mirrorless system. Many users find it easy to pair with their Sony setups without issues.
A few users with non-Sony E-mount cameras have experienced compatibility issues, which limits its versatility for users with other systems. While it's a great match for Sony cameras, the lens' specialized design may not make it as adaptable for other brands or mounts.
Lens Hood Effectiveness
78%
22%
The built-in petal-shaped lens hood effectively reduces lens flare and protects the front element of the lens from unwanted light. Users find that it performs well during outdoor shoots or in situations where light sources are visible in the frame, minimizing unwanted artifacts.
Some users found the lens hood to be a bit too bulky for certain shooting situations. In tight or cramped spaces, the added size can be a hindrance, and its non-removable design can be limiting for those who prefer to use alternative filters or hoods.
Durability in Professional Use
90%
The solid build quality, combined with the robust design, makes this lens a durable choice for professionals. Users often cite its reliability for demanding shoots, with many reporting that it holds up well even after extensive use in harsh conditions, like outdoor filming or heavy travel.
Despite its durability, the lens is relatively heavy, which can become a concern during long, physically demanding shoots. Some users have mentioned that while it’s sturdy, its weight may not make it the most ideal choice for quick, mobile shoots or handheld work over extended periods.
Autofocus Limitations
60%
40%
Some users appreciate the manual control aspect and the creative potential it brings, especially for cinematic shots that rely on precise focus adjustments. For those who prefer full control over their shot, the absence of autofocus is seen as a non-issue.
The lack of autofocus is a major downside for many users, especially those who shoot in fast-paced environments like event videography or sports. The inability to quickly refocus in dynamic situations leads to missed shots and additional setup time, which can be frustrating for many.
Focus Ring Smoothness
82%
18%
The focus ring is praised for its smooth and consistent movement, providing filmmakers with the tactile feedback they need for precise adjustments. The long focus throw is especially appreciated for more deliberate, controlled movements.
While many users find the focus ring smooth, a few report that it can feel slightly stiff when using it in colder temperatures or during longer shoots. Some feel that the resistance could be finer, providing even more control in delicate focus situations.
Size and Weight
85%
Many users find the lens to be a reasonable size, considering its wide aperture and full-frame compatibility. It's compact enough to use comfortably in various shooting setups, especially when paired with lightweight mirrorless cameras.
On the downside, the lens can feel heavy, especially for those used to lighter lenses. Some users have noted that the weight can become cumbersome during long shoots, particularly when mounted on smaller rigs or handheld for extended periods.
Price vs. Performance
88%
This lens offers great value for its price, particularly for filmmakers and videographers looking for a reliable wide-angle cine lens. Users feel that the quality, performance, and durability make it well worth the investment, especially when compared to higher-priced alternatives.
Despite the positive feedback, some users feel that the lens is on the pricier side for those just starting out in cinematography. A few buyers mentioned that while the lens offers excellent performance, they expected a bit more versatility or features for the price.

Suitable for:

The Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens for Sony E is an excellent choice for filmmakers and videographers looking for a high-quality, wide-angle lens for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. Its fast T3.1 aperture and solid build make it ideal for capturing cinematic shots in low-light environments, such as indoor scenes or night shoots. This manual focus lens provides the creative control that professional cinematographers and videographers often prefer for precise focus adjustments. It's well-suited for users who prioritize image quality, durability, and versatility in various shooting conditions, especially for those working on narrative films, documentaries, or music videos where visual control is key.

Not suitable for:

However, this lens may not be ideal for users who require fast autofocus, such as event videographers or those shooting fast-paced action. Its manual focus design, while offering control, can be a limitation for those looking to quickly adjust focus in dynamic environments. The weight of the lens could also be a drawback for those needing a lighter setup for handheld shoots or extended use in the field. Additionally, the lens may not be the best option for casual or beginner photographers who are accustomed to more automatic systems or those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use lens for everyday use.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens has a 14mm focal length, providing a wide-angle view for full-frame cameras.
  • Aperture: The aperture range spans from T3.1 to T22, allowing for creative control over depth of field and light intake.
  • Angle of View: It offers a 115.7° angle of view on full-frame cameras, ideal for cinematic wide shots.
  • Coating: Ultra Multi-Coating minimizes flare and ghosting, improving image clarity and contrast.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches, allowing for detailed close-up shots.
  • Diaphragm Blades: The lens features 6 diaphragm blades, contributing to a pleasing bokeh effect.
  • Lens Hood: A built-in petal-shaped lens hood helps prevent lens flare and protects the lens from minor impacts.
  • Weight: The lens weighs approximately 1.4 lbs, balancing durability with manageable weight for handheld shooting.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 4.8 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches, making it compact and easy to handle.
  • Mount Type: The lens is designed with a Sony E-mount, compatible with Sony mirrorless cameras.
  • Optical Construction: The lens features 14 elements in 10 groups, ensuring sharp, detailed images with minimal distortion.
  • Manual Focus: This is a manual focus lens, providing precise control over focus for cinematic shots.
  • Construction Material: The lens is built with durable metal, offering robustness and longevity, especially in professional use.
  • Lens Type: It is a wide-angle lens, designed primarily for filmmakers and videographers seeking cinematic shots.
  • Compatibility: The lens is compatible with full-frame and APS-C Sony E-mount cameras, though it offers a crop factor on APS-C sensors.
  • Focus Gear Positions: It has unified gear positions, allowing for seamless lens swapping within the Rokinon Cine DS series.
  • Video Use: The lens is specifically designed for videography, offering smooth focus adjustments and minimal focus breathing.
  • Build Quality: The sturdy, professional-grade build makes this lens a reliable option for serious filmmakers.

FAQ

The Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens has a 14mm focal length, offering a wide-angle view suitable for cinematic shots and landscape photography, especially on full-frame Sony E-mount cameras.

Yes, this lens is designed specifically for Sony E-mount cameras, including both full-frame and APS-C sensors. However, on APS-C cameras, it will offer a crop factor, resulting in a narrower angle of view.

The T3.1 aperture allows a good amount of light to reach the sensor, making the lens effective in low-light environments. It helps maintain a shallow depth of field and ensures a cinematic look in darker settings.

Manual focus provides precise control over focus, allowing users to achieve a more artistic and intentional look. It's especially beneficial for cinematographers who want full creative control over focus, especially during dynamic shots.

No, this lens does not feature autofocus. It is a manual focus lens, which is ideal for controlled, cinematic shots but may be challenging in fast-moving scenarios.

Absolutely! The Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens is specifically designed for videography, with features like smooth focus rings, consistent gear positions, and minimal focus breathing, making it perfect for filmmakers who need precision in their shots.

The minimum focusing distance of the Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens is 11 inches, allowing you to capture close-up shots with excellent detail.

The lens features a sturdy metal construction, ensuring durability and long-lasting use. It's built to withstand the demands of professional filming environments, though extreme conditions like heavy rain may require additional protection.

One of the key challenges with this lens for fast-paced work is its lack of autofocus. For users who need quick, automatic focusing—such as during live events or fast-moving scenes—this can be a limiting factor.

Yes, the Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens comes with a built-in petal-shaped lens hood, which helps reduce lens flare and provides some protection to the lens elements.