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Samyang VDSLR MK2 Budget Cine Primes

Samyang (Rokinon in some parts of the world) have announced a new set of VDSLR MK2 Cine primes that cover full-frame sensors. Just to be clear, these are stills lenses that have cine gears and de-clicked apertures.

The VDSLR MK2 lenses are the follow up to the companies original VDLR series. The original VDSLR lenses which were announced way back in 2015 have been popular with budget filmmakers who wanted a cine-style prime lens without having to fork out a lot of money.

The new VDSLR series consists of four lenses:

  • 24mm T1.5 MK2
  • 35mm T1.5 MK2
  • 50mm T1.5 MK2
  • 85mm T1.5 MK2

A 14mm T3.1 lens will be available in early 2021. I would expect Samyang to to eventaully announce more focal lengths. The original VDSLR series are available in focal lengths of 8,10,12,14.16,20,24,35,50,85,100, and 135mm.

All the lenses feature a fast T1.5 aperture, a de-clicked aperture and focus gear rings. The focus throw is 130° which is relatively small for a cine lens, but given they are aimed at budget filmmakers I don’t see that as being a problem.

The new series inherits the same image quality of the previous series. The biggest difference between the older set and the new MK2 versions is the new housing design. Essentially these are very similar to the original VDLR lenses, but they are in updated housings. The new housing also help to slightly reduce the weight. For example, the original 50mm T1.5 VDSLR weighs 575g in Canon EF mount, the new 50mm weighs 525.8g.

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The new MK2 versions also have markings on both sides of the lenses and Samyang claims they have added better weather sealing.

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The VDSLR lenses all features 9 aperture blades which should allow them to create circular bokeh. The original VDSLR lenses had 8 aperture blades. The minimum focus distance for the VDSLR MK2 lenses is identical to those of the original VDSLR lenses.

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All four focal lengths have aspherical lens elements that are claimed to reduce spherical and optical aberrations. The 50mm model also has a hybrid aspherical lens element to maintain a compact size.

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The lenses are available in Canon EF, Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon F, Canon M, Fuji X, and MFT mounts.

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The 24, 35, and 50mm lenses feature a 77cm front filter thread. The 85mm has a 72mm filter thread.

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Samyang’s VDSLR lenses are small and lightweight, which makes them suitable for hand-held and gimbal shooting. The VDSLR 50mm T1.5 MK2 is only 7.47cm (2.94″) in length and weighs just 525.8g (1.16lb).

FULL SPECIFICATIONS

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Price & Availability

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The new VDSLR lenses will ship in October. I would imagine they won’t cost anymore than $500-$600 USD. For example, the older Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine AS UMC Lens for Canon EF Mount is available for $399 USD.

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A Rokinon 24, 35, 50, 85mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens Bundle for Canon EF Mount is still available for $1,596 USD.

These new VDSLR MK2 lenses are sure to be a hit with shooters on a budget. Have you used or do you own any of the original VDSLR lense? Whay¥t do you think of them? Let us know in the comments section.

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