Rokinon

Rokinon DS35M-NEX Cine DS 35mm T1.5 Sony E Lens Refurbished

5.0 (1 reviews)

Shoot cinematic wide-angle sequences at T1.5 on Sony E-mount without the manual-focus compromises that cheaper cine glass forces on you.

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Overview

The Rokinon Cine DS 35mm T1.5 is a purpose-designed cinema lens for Sony E-mount, built specifically for video and film production rather than adapted from a photo lens. The T1.5 aperture is the headline number — it provides enough light-gathering capability to shoot in available-light interiors, candlelit environments, and dusk exteriors without compromising shutter angle or pushing ISO into noisy territory. At 35mm on a full-frame sensor, the field of view is slightly wider than the human eye's natural perspective, making it a natural choice for establishing shots, environmental portraiture, and wide dramatic compositions. The DS designation means de-clicked aperture: the aperture ring rotates smoothly and silently, allowing a camera operator or AC to pull exposure during a take without the mechanical click that would register in dialogue-scene audio.

This lens is built for indie narrative filmmakers, documentary shooters, and corporate video DPs who want cinema-grade mechanics — geared focus at 0.8 mod pitch, consistent T-stop marking, smooth focus throw — without investing in a full cinema lens set from Cooke or Leica. The certified refurbished condition means the optical elements and mechanical components have been verified functional, which is the most important factor for a lens that will spend hours on a rig. Build quality is solid for the price tier — the metal barrel handles daily production use credibly, though it lacks the weather sealing and premium tolerances of broadcast cinema glass. Paired with a Sony a7S III, FX3, or similar low-light-capable body, this 35mm T1.5 is a legitimate production tool.

Key Features

Wide-angle prime lens is well-suited to use in a broad variety of shooting situations

The elements reduce chromatic aberrations in order to produce greater sharpness and clarity

UMC coating improves light transmission

Geared aperture and focus rings are compatible with standard follow focuses for greater control over

De-clicked aperture ring facilitates smooth, quiet exposure adjustments during recording

Specifications

Brand
Rokinon
Model
DS35M-NEX
Focal Length
35mm
Maximum Aperture
T1.5
Mount
Sony E-mount
Format Coverage
Full Frame
Lens Type
Cine Wide Angle
Aperture Ring
De-clicked (DS series)
Focus Gear Pitch
0.8 mod (industry standard)
Condition
Certified Refurbished

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • T1.5 maximum aperture allows shooting in genuinely dim environments without pushing ISO to noise-inducing levels
  • De-clicked aperture ring enables smooth in-shot exposure adjustments without audible clicks in the audio track
  • Industry-standard 0.8 mod focus gear pitch ensures compatibility with professional follow focus rigs
  • Full-frame coverage means the lens works across Sony's entire E-mount lineup without crop factor concerns
  • Refurbished pricing delivers a purpose-built cine lens at significantly below the cost of new, with professional inspection backing

👎 Cons

  • Fully manual focus — no autofocus at all, which adds complexity and operator requirement for run-and-gun or single-operator shooting
  • Rokinon's optical rendering, while functional, lacks the micro-contrast and color consistency of premium cinema glass from Zeiss or Leica at this focal length
  • No image stabilization, which at T1.5 on a wide lens is less critical but becomes relevant when shooting handheld on longer configurations
  • Refurbished units may show cosmetic wear on the barrel finish, gear teeth, or focus ring markings
  • No weather sealing — unsuitable for outdoor shoots in rain or dusty environments without additional protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The DS35M-NEX is specified as a full-frame lens, so it covers the 35mm image circle required by Sony a7, a7R, a7S, and FX3/FX6 series cameras without vignetting. It will also work on APS-C E-mount bodies, where the 35mm focal length becomes an effective ~52mm — a natural field of view for documentary-style shooting.
T-stops are transmission-measured apertures rather than calculated apertures. T1.5 accounts for light lost to internal lens elements, meaning actual light transmission is what the T-number states. In practice, T1.5 is the spec that matters for exposure consistency across a lens set — it means what you set on the barrel is what hits the sensor, which is critical when cutting between lenses in post.
The Rokinon DS (De-Clicked) Cine series is specifically designed with de-clicked aperture rings, allowing smooth, stepless aperture adjustments during a take without audible or tactile clicks. This is the key distinguishing feature of the DS line over Rokinon's standard cine lenses.
Rokinon Cine DS lenses have a long, cinema-standard focus throw (approximately 180 degrees on the 35mm) for precise manual focus pulls. The gear teeth on the focus ring are sized to the industry-standard 0.8 mod pitch, making it compatible with follow focus systems from Arri, Bright Tangerine, and most third-party brands.
Certified refurbished means the lens has been inspected and tested to confirm optical and mechanical function — focus ring operation, aperture movement, and element clarity. Expect it to perform within original specifications. Cosmetic marks on the barrel are possible. Confirm the seller's return policy in case of optical anomalies.