Zeiss 85mm CP.2 T2.1 and Rokinon Xeen 85mm T1.5 lenses teardown

All images © Roger Cicala/LensRentals and used with permission.

LensRentals’ Roger Cicala published pics and text of the latest teardown he performed in his lab. The Zeiss 85mm CP.2 T2.1 and the brand new Samyang/Rokinon Xeen 85mm T1.5, two Cine lenses, are the victims.

Since the XEEN 85mm sells for much less than the Zeiss ($2,500 vs $4,000), we are particularly interested to learn about the XEEN’s build quality. Says Roger Cicala:

So what’s the verdict on build quality? Overall, it’s very good, especially given that it’s selling for about half of what other cinema lenses sell for. I do have some very real concerns about how the focus system will hold up over time and with hard use, but the compromises made seem very reasonable overall. Put another way, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one based on what I saw today, but I’d be make sure my focus puller was gentle and didn’t ‘slam’ focus. Over time hard use, especially hard focusing use, will take a toll on this lens I think.

LensRentals’ teardown comes with tons of images, and exhaustive description. Samyang/Rokinon announced three XEEN lenses a few days ago.

Samyang/Rokinon XEEN 85mm T1.5 Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo