FYI, here's a deal on that expires in the next two (2) days. The Rokinon 24mm T/1.5, 35mm T/1.5, and 85mm T/1.5 Cine lenses are bundled for an extra savings or $250 dollars. Available in Canon, Nikon, and Sony E/A mounts, but they can easily be adapted to fit M4/3 cameras as well. As far as Rokinon Cine Lenses go, these are probably the most popular and the deal ends March 2nd. Check it out via B&H (found here)
Rokinon Cine Lens Bundle Deal 24mm, 35mm, 85mm T/1.5
Here's a side by side video test showing samples from a Panasonic GH3 with and without the new Lens Turbo Focal Reducer. We used a newer Rokinon 85mm T/1.5 Cine Lens [Nikon Mount] + and old Nikon 50mm Pancake. With the Lens Turbo adapter we were able to achieve a wider field of view and an increase in exposure.
Obviously YouTube has added compression to the video, but if you want to be a pixel peeper, you can download a better version of this edited video from my Vimeo Channel (here).
I think the image quality achieved from this (Speedbooster alternative) adapter delivered decent results for the price. The Metabones Speedbooster will run about $489 dollars (here), versus this Lens Turbo which can now be found under $139 US (here).
Of course we're just using a consumer grade Rokinon Cine Lens, and an old $50 dollar lens from eBay. There's no doubt this adapter won't match up to the quality of the Metabones products. Anyone using serious glass worth thousands of dollars might as well pony up the extra cash for the Metabones MFT M43 Speedbooster (found here).
Metabones SpeedBooster Nikon to M43 MFT
If you're a casual video shooter looking to get a wider field of view and increased light through your common glass, I think you'll be happy with the Lens Turbo. I'll probably go out and take a bunch of high resolution still images on the next outing, but for now let's hear a few comments about these first video test results. What did you guys think so far? [Comment]
For more info, you can find the Lens Turbo MFT Focal Reducer adapter available now via eBay (click here).
Lens Turbo Focal Reducer Nikon to MFT Micro Four Thirds Adapter
You've probably heard the news and seen the images, but here's a closer video look at putting together the new Shape Cage for the BlackMagic Pocket Camera. The BMPC simply drops into the Shape Cage and is locked in place by a rear sliding metal cover. So even if your system is completely rigged up, the camera can be removed from the cage.
Access to all buttons, menus, battery door / SD card, and ports are easily accessible. A very solid cold shoe above the Shape BMPC Cage can be used to mount heavy accessories (monitors, evf, audio) or to add a Shape Candy Handle. The SHAPE Cage for Blackmagic Pocket Camera can be purchased with or without the bottom 15mm rail adapter.
For more information about Shape products, check out their website at https://ShapeWLB.com, or follow the links below for information about these specific products.
Shape Cage (only) for BlackMagic Pocket Camera
Shape Cage for BlackMagic Pocket Camera + Top Handle + 15mm Rail Base
Since the Rokinon 24mm F/1.4 had been released, i've kept a close eye on it. I haven't decided to pick it up just yet mainly because I was working with the Full Frame cameras. Now that i've been using the BlackMagic Design Cinema camera and Micro Four Thirds GH3, i'm finding this focal length is much needed.
Typically ranging $600+ dollars, today there is a discount for the Samyang branded version for just $499. That's a pretty decent price for this lens. Sale is for the next couple of weeks, and you can check it out via B&H (click here).
Samyang 24mm F/1.4 Discount Price
Here's a recent video from Vimeo member Jason Shelton put together with the BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera. He had the opportunity to shoot with the new BMCC for a week and used the following lenses: Tamron 18mm-270mm, Rokinon 24mm 1.4, Rokinon 35mm 1.4, Rokinon 85mm 1.4, and Canon 200mm 2.8.
The BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera was announced in April 2012 (last year) and is still on backorder with every retail store. There are quite a few consistently listed to auction via eBay, but just be prepared to pay a bit more than the $2995 suggested retail price. Check out the listings via eBay (click here).
BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera In Stock
Anyone thinking about investing in a set of Rokinon Cine Lenses could save a few bucks if purchased in one of the Rokinon Cine Lens Bundled Deals. Also a nice way to save with an organized group buy. Available bundles include variations of the Rokinon 85mm T/1.5, 35mm T/1.5, 24mm T/1.5, and 14mm T/3.1. Check out the three different offerings via eBay (click here).
Rokinon Cine Lens Kits - Bundled Deals
Rokinon Cine Lenses - via eBay Right Now
The Rokinon 24mm F/1.4 sells for $615-$650 dollars (seen here), but for a limited time an authorized reseller is offering the new 24mm F/1.4 for $499 + FREE SHIPPING (all camera mounts). This is and easier lens to work with on a cropped sensor Canon, or even micro four thirds camera like the new GH3 as it would be closer to a 50mm (equivalent). If you've had your eye on this lens, check out the limited time sale via eBay (click here).
Rokinon 24mm F/1.4 Canon Nikon Olympus Pentax Sony
The older Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 lenses are still a great value and produce great quality, but here's an unboxing of the latest Rokinon 85mm T/1.5 Cine Lens in the new Black w/ Red Accent design which not only looks better, but offers a bit more quirky features for budget video shooters. (BTW I made a mistake, and I don't need the M43 adapter for the version of the Black Magic Cinema Camera currently, just the Nikon to EF shim).
At just $350 dollars (found here), I feel it's not very much to ask for a solid 85mm video lens with a wide aperture, smooth manual focus, de-clicked aperture, and built in lens gears. Keep in mind that on cameras like the GH3 the focal distance will be hard to manage with hand held shooting. There is no image stabilization on this lens. For tripod mounted shots, it will produce that beautiful portrait style look and provide smooth focusing between subjects. The Rokinon 85mm T/1.5 Cine Lens is available now via B&H or Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony E & A mounts (click here).
Rokinon 85mm T/1.5 Cine Lens
The Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 is a popular lens among DSLR video shooters. The focal range and aperture combination make for a solid portrait lens or capable when shooting in low lighting conditions. Not the craziest deal i've seen, but If you were already planning on such a lens, it's currently discounted at $50 dollars off (for all camera mounts) and sale ends next week. Check it out via B&H (click here).
Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 Manual Aperture Manual Focus Lens
