Rokinon 35mm 1.4 or Canon 35mm f2 IS

[thomasridout]

I am tossed up between these two lenses. Any input is much appreciated.

On the one hand I love the optics and the 1.4 aperture that the Rokinon provides; but some people are saying it is much sharper towards f2 anyways. On the 35mm f2 you have less DOF but you have the IS and probably a better coating on the lens for less glares which is an obvious problem with the Rokinon.

I can get these lenses for around the same price (used) give or take $50 so I am trying to decide.

I will be attempting to use this lens on my steadicam merlin 2 among other rigs.

I would opt for the Rokinon 24mm but I already own the 14mm 2.8

Thanks guys.

[Kharak]

Don't know the Canon f2, but Rokinon T1.5 is a great lens, I like low light and even though its not so sharp at 1.5 it's still gives you really great footage in low light.

Or toss a ND filter on if you want some super slim DoF.

[swinxx]

hello!

my 2 cents:
i have the walimex 35mm/f1.4 which is the same lens as the rokinin and samyang but with another branding (not the video version but with stepped aperture ring) and its really EXTREME SHARP!!! also full open!! beside the canon 135mm/f2.0 its the sharpest lens i have..
other sharp lenses are: the nikon 28mm/2.8 AI-s (best min. focus range) and the pentax 28mm/f2.0 (very, very rare)
greets. sw

[thomasridout]

Thanks for the input

[mageye]

I have the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 lens (it's the same as the Rokinon) and I am very happy with this lens. I will also say very sharp and love the manual control of the prime lens. Just go two stops up from the f/1.4 to start getting a clear but sweet bokeh. It's obviously pretty good at f/1.4 also, just a little soft.

If you have the 14mm Rokinon don't use that as a gauge of the optical quality of the other Rokinon (Samyang etc.) lenses. I bought one of those (the Samyang 14mm 2.8 ) and was not, at all impressed with the quality. It was almost impossible to focus properly(?) I made the assumption that, because the 35mm lens was such good value, the 14mm would be of the same standard. Mistake.

I sent it back and got a refund.

Anyway, I am no expert, but I don't think you would be disappointed with the quality of the Samyang 35mm. Personally, I love it!

[N/A]

I have the Rokinon 35 cine. I love the optics, feel and handling of it. The image quality can't be beat for the price, and the new Cine DS lenses have even better lens coating I believe. Its contrast works beautifully for video, and pulling focus or adjusting the aperture during recording works very well.

A couple downsides, though. This is a beastly lens, it's large and eye-catching but very heavy for a prime. Also, their customer service is pretty much worthless. My 7d got knocked over at a wedding shoot with the Rokinon attached, and broke the inner mount ring, causing the aperture blades to stick shut. Tried emailing their customer service support for advice or replacement parts, but never got a response.

[Stedda]

I have a 35mm IS F2 awesome optical quality and great 3/4 stop IS... I'll take Canon over 3rd party any day!