Samyang 35mm T1.5 VDSLR MK2 (Canon RF) – 4K Cine Lens, Full-Frame Coverage, De-Clicked Iris, Manual Focus
The Samyang 35mm T1.5 VDSLR MK2 (Canon RF) positions itself as an essential cine lens for professional filmmakers, content creators, and cinematographers seeking uncompromising image quality, robust manual control, and seamless compatibility with Canon RF-mount cinema cameras. Addressing the demand for precise manual focus and ultra-fast aperture in a compact, full-frame design, the MK2 series is engineered for high-resolution 4K and HDR workflows, enabling creators to capture cinematic visuals in diverse environments, from indie productions to commercial shoots. Samyang’s advanced optical engineering, including optimized lens coatings and a sophisticated internal construction, ensures outstanding sharpness, minimal distortion, and beautiful bokeh, setting a new standard for cine primes in this price segment.This lens solves the critical problem of balancing affordability with professional-grade performance, offering features typically reserved for higher-end cinema optics. Its T1.5 maximum aperture and de-clicked iris ring provide filmmakers with the creative flexibility to shoot in challenging lighting while maintaining smooth exposure transitions, making it a go-to solution for narrative, documentary, and music video production. The MK2’s durable build, lightweight form factor, and consistent gear positions streamline on-set workflow, empowering DPs and camera operators to focus on storytelling without compromise.
Full-Frame Sensor Coverage
The Samyang 35mm T1.5 VDSLR MK2 is designed to cover full-frame sensors, delivering edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal vignetting even when shooting wide open at T1.5. This ensures compatibility with Canon EOS R series and other RF-mount full-frame cinema cameras, preserving image quality in both still and motion capture. This allows filmmakers to utilize the entire sensor for maximum resolution and cinematic depth of field.
Ultra-Fast T1.5 Maximum Aperture
With a T1.5 aperture, this lens excels in low light performance, enabling shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh for creative storytelling. The bright aperture is ideal for night shoots, interiors, and situations where natural light is limited, outperforming many competitors in its class. This empowers DPs to shoot in challenging lighting conditions without sacrificing image quality.
De-Clicked Aperture Ring
The de-clicked iris ring provides seamless, silent aperture adjustments, crucial for professional video production and real-time exposure changes. The ring is marked in precise T-stops for accurate, repeatable control, matching industry-standard cine lens operation. This ensures smooth transitions that do not distract viewers or disrupt the narrative flow.
Consistent Gear Positioning
MK2 lenses feature standardized gear positions for focus and aperture rings across the VDSLR lineup, simplifying lens swaps and follow focus setup on rigs and gimbals. This consistency minimizes downtime on set and supports efficient multi-lens workflows, a key differentiator from still-photo lenses. This allows camera assistants to swap lenses quickly without adjusting follow focus or matte box positions.
11-Blade Rounded Diaphragm
The lens incorporates an 11-blade rounded diaphragm, producing natural, circular bokeh and pleasing out-of-focus highlights, especially noticeable in portrait and narrative work. Compared to previous models with fewer blades, the MK2’s diaphragm enhances aesthetic quality in both foreground and background blur. This results in cinematic images with smooth, creamy bokeh that elevates production value.
Advanced UMC Multi-Coating
Samyang’s Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) technology minimizes flare, ghosting, and chromatic aberrations, ensuring high contrast and color fidelity even in backlit scenes. This advanced coating outperforms many entry-level cine primes, providing clean, artifact-free images for HDR and log workflows. This lets filmmakers shoot confidently in challenging lighting scenarios, preserving detail and color accuracy.
Manual Focus with Long Throw
The lens features a precise, dampened manual focus ring with a long 150° rotation, allowing for fine-tuned focus pulls and smooth rack focusing. This tactile control is critical for narrative and documentary filmmakers who require repeatable, accurate focus marks. This enables cinematographers to achieve complex focus transitions with confidence and precision.
Robust, Lightweight Build
Constructed from high-grade aluminum alloy, the MK2 balances durability with portability, weighing just 726g (1.6 lbs) for easy handheld or gimbal use. The weather-sealed mount and reinforced barrel provide reliability in demanding production environments, setting it apart from standard photo lenses. This gives crews the freedom to shoot on location or in studio without worrying about equipment failure.
Minimal Focus Breathing
Engineered for professional video, the lens exhibits minimal focus breathing, maintaining consistent framing during focus pulls—a key requirement for cinematic storytelling. This improvement over earlier models and many competing primes ensures a polished, professional look in both static and moving shots. This allows filmmakers to keep their shots visually consistent, even during dramatic focus changes.
Canon RF-Mount Native Design
Optimized for Canon’s RF-mount, the lens offers secure, direct mounting with full-frame coverage and no need for adapters, ensuring optimal optical alignment and mechanical stability. Compared to adapted lenses, the native design reduces play and maintains perfect flange distance, critical for high-resolution 4K and 6K workflows. This provides shooters with a plug-and-play solution that maximizes camera performance and reliability.
Summary
The Samyang 35mm T1.5 VDSLR MK2 (Canon RF) is an indispensable cine lens for professionals demanding uncompromising optical performance, robust manual control, and seamless integration with Canon RF-mount cinema cameras. Its combination of full-frame coverage, ultra-fast T1.5 aperture, advanced multi-coating, and consistent gear placement sets a new benchmark for affordable cinema primes, making it a top choice for narrative, documentary, and commercial filmmakers.Available now at ebphotovideo.com, the MK2’s refined optical design, durable construction, and thoughtful ergonomics empower creators to work faster and more creatively on set. Whether shooting 4K video, capturing cinematic stills, or building a versatile lens kit, this lens delivers the reliability, image quality, and workflow efficiency required by today’s demanding production environments.
