XEEN CF 135mm T2.2 Announced – Sixth Lens Added to Series

Lens News

by Francesco AndreolaAugust 26^th, 2022

Samyang Optics – also known as Rokinon – has just announced the sixth focal length in their XEEN CF lineup, the 135mm T2.2. The lens is designed for full-frame sensors, comes in three mount options (PL/EF/E), and sports a familiar carbon fiber construction.

First introduced in September 2019, the XEEN CF lens series is a lightweight revisitation of the original XEEN cinema primes. The new lineup initially consisted of three focal lengths (24, 50, and 85mm T1.5), which were joined by the 16mm T2.6 and 35mm T1.5 just a few months later.

However, the company then took a break from developing the XEEN CF lineup to focus on their first anamorphic lens and a new set of primes – the Meister lenses – instead. Now they seem to be back on track and ready to debut the XEEN CF 135mm T2.2. Let’s take a closer look.

XEEN CF 135mm T2.2: the sixth family member

With an image circle of 43.2mm – 0.01mm narrower compared to its predecessors – the new XEEN CF 135mm T2.2 is still capable of covering the full-frame format. Just like its siblings, the lens will come in 3 different mount options: ARRI PL, Canon EF, and Sony E.

This focal length provides an angle of view of 18.8°, when paired with full-frame sensors, and 13.6° with Super 35 mm cameras. Although it’s not as fast as some of the other family members, its T2.2 light transmission should still prove to be a good ally in low light scenarios. The lens can focus as close as 80cm/2’7” and, according to Samyang, provides enough resolution for 8K capture.

Size, weight, and design

Being part of the CF (Carbon Fiber) series, the new 135mm T2.2 features a compact and lightweight construction, that should still provide enough protection to the internal glass elements. The PL version of the lens measures ⌀103.2×113.7mm in size and weighs approximately 1.4kg/3.1lbs.

Some of the physical characteristics are unified across the lens series to facilitate the use of lens accessories, such as follow focus systems and matte boxes. With its siblings, this newly-announced 135mm shares the same 95mm front diameter as well as focus (200°) and iris ring (35°) gear positions. Also, focus markings and aperture values on the lens barrels are reported using a luminous font, which makes them much more visible in low light environments.

The fast aperture has an 11-blade design, while the glass elements benefit from the manufacturer’s proprietary X-coating technology. This should result in better control of flares and ghosting, Samyang claims.

XEEN CF series: lineup update

• 16mm T2.6
• 24mm T1.5
• 35mm T1.5
• 50mm T1.5
• 85mm T1.5
• 135mm T2.2

Price and availability

Currently, Samyang Optics hasn’t released any official information regarding pricing and availability of the new XEEN 135mm T2.2. For reference, all of the other focal lengths in the series currently retail for $1,995 per piece.

Nonetheless, we should find out soon. Indeed, the company will reveal more details at IBC Show in Amsterdam. The exhibition opens on September 9th.

Have you ever shot on the XEEN CF lenses? How do you like the look of this lens set? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!