Rokinon Cine 35mm T1.5 AS UMC II (DS) Manual Lens for MFT Micro Four Thirds Review

The Rokinon Cine 35mm T1.5 AS UMC II (DS) is a manual cinema lens designed for Micro Four Thirds mount cameras, offering a 70mm equivalent field of view on MFT sensors. Part of Rokinon's DS (Declicked, Dampened) cinema lineup, it features a de-clicked aperture ring for smooth, silent iris pulls and geared focus and aperture rings for follow-focus compatibility. The fast T1.5 aperture and multi-coated optics make it a budget-friendly option for indie filmmakers and content creators working with MFT cameras like the Panasonic GH series or Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera.

At $169 MSRP, this lens occupies the entry-level cinema lens tier, delivering build quality and cinema-specific features at a fraction of the cost of higher-end cine glass. The all-manual operation requires familiarity with focus pulling and exposure control, but that's standard for this category. The 77mm filter thread is larger than typical for MFT lenses, which can add bulk and filter cost. It's a straightforward choice for shooters who need cinema features without the cinema price tag, though those prioritizing autofocus or compact size should look elsewhere.