Samyang Optics announces its new Premium XEEN lens line-up: XEEN Anamorphic X2 (50mm T2.3) and XEEN Meister (35mm T1.3, 50mm T1.3, and 85mm T1.3). Both the primes and the anamorphic look awesome, physically (from a design perspective). Read the ‘dry’ details below:

New premium XEEN lens line-up

The XEEN brand of cine primes was the first range of specialty video & cinema lenses released by Samyang Optics back in 2015. The XEEN glass allowed filmmakers to use cinema lenses without breaking the bank. The XEEN was one of the first affordable cinema lenses. Although the XEEN Primes were (and still are) considered as rehoused still versions, they produced very nice images, and their cine-build was utilized very well by independent filmmakers. Fast forward 6 years, after “In-depth research and communication with customers, Samyang is now meeting the demands of more cinematographers” by launching its new premium XEEN lens line-up. This includes the XEEN Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 X2 (which is the first anamorphic glass by Samyang), and XEEN Meister 35mm T1.3, 50mm T1.3, and 85mm T1.3 models.

Full-Frame glass for “High-end digital cinematography”

Samyang claims that these new premium XEEN lenses which cover full-frame sensors are designed for high-end digital cinematography. XEEN Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 will be available for PL mount only, and the Meister 35mm T1.3, 50mm T1.3, and 85mm T1.3 will be available in three different mounts: PL, Sony E, and Canon EF mount. More details are below: 

XEEN Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 2x

The XEEN Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 is the first anamorphic lenses announced by Samyang. The lens covers full-frame sensors and is available in an interchangeable PL-mount. The newly developed iris with 15 aperture blades, creates perfectly oval and evenly illuminated out-of-focus highlights. Samyang promises that this design ensures a pleasing bokeh that filmmakers will enjoy manipulating creatively. After being de-squeezed, the XEEN Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 lens covers a 2,55:1 original cinematic cope ratio in a 35mm full-frame sensor.

Made of Carbon fiber

The XEEN Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 features a Ø114mm, non-rotating front diameter, which is ideal for use with a 4×5 Matte Box. Also, the front barrel design made of Carbon fiber material not only adds to the rigidity of the lens but also adds a sense of luxury. Samyang states that by applying carbon fiber, which is lighter than metal but solid and beautiful, to the lens body tube, it remains lightweight while maintaining durability. In addition, the ultra-bright luminous font allows for convenient use in dark environments.

Explore the side below with the XEEN anamorphic specifications:

XEEN Meister T1.3 Primes: 8K & i Technology

As stated by Samyang: “XEEN Meister lenses enable cinematographers to create beautiful, consistent, and controlled flare in the image, whilst maintaining contrast and avoiding transmission loss”. The XEEN Meister lineup supports 8K capturing and owns a unique X-coating technology, which internal light reflections can be effectively controlled to create a distinctive look, with flare and ghosting for dramatic effects. The Meister primes support /i Technology protocol (PL mount only), which enables cameras to automatically record the accurate lens metadata.

Very fast glass

XEEN Meister lenses are color-matched across the full range and feature super-bright T-stops of T1.3. The 13 aperture blades produce excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh. PL-mount versions also include the /i Technology protocol, whereby users with compatible cameras can see and record lens metadata such as focal length, aperture, and focus distance.

300° of focus rotation and made of titanium

Each lens has 300° of focus rotation, and the focus scales themselves are angled to make it easier to confirm settings, even when viewing the lens from the side. The lenses are characterized by a robust design and built using titanium. Indeed, according to the pictures, the lenses reflect luxury through future-oriented design. the design is pretty unique, and beautiful.

Explore the side below with the XEEN Meister Primes specifications:

Initial thoughts

On paper, these lenses look amazing! The XEEN Anamorphic 2X will be offered at an affordable price tag, and so are the Meister primes. Unfortunately, there’s no info regarding the price, so it’s just our assumption. Also, there is no sample footage, so all we got is this press release from Samyang. If we take the XEEN primes as a reference, we should expect decent imagery that can be enough for most filmmaking applications. The titanium design of the Meister primes seems absolutely stunning. However, the XEEN Anamorphic 50mm T2.3 2X caught our eyes even more. We’re eager to see some footage of it. But again, that’s all we got for now. Once we get more info (prices and footage) we’ll keep you posted. Stay tuned!