Samyang 100mm T3 1 VDSLR ED UMC Macro Review | 54 Data compared

The Rokinon Cine DS T3.1 ED UMC Macro is a budget-friendly, manual-focus cinema lens offering 1:1 magnification and industry-standard 0.8 pitch gears for professional video workflows, according to PCMag. It provides excellent, sharp image quality with minimal distortion when stopped down, featuring a long focus throw for precise control. The review notes downsides including significant edge softness at wider apertures, the complete lack of autofocus or image stabilization, and the challenges of manual-only, handheld operation. Despite these limitations, the lens is lauded as a valuable, versatile tool for filmmakers using tripods or rigs.

The Rokinon Cine DS 100mm T3.1 ED UMC Full Frame Telephoto Macro is an affordable, close-focus manual prime lens designed specifically for videographers using follow-focus gear systems. Optically identical to the photographer-oriented Samyang 100mm F2.8, this lens achieves full 1:1 magnification at a 12-inch minimum focusing distance and features an internal focus design with a long 180-degree throw. Built with a high-quality plastic barrel, it includes a clickless physical aperture ring calibrated in T-stops with unified gear placement and markings on both sides of the barrel to streamline filmmaking workflows. Lab testing on a 36-megapixel Nikon D810 revealed that the lens delivers outstanding center sharpness exceeding 3,000 lines at f/2.8, with peak edge-to-edge resolution occurring between f/8 and f/11. The lens offers an attractive price point alongside prominent advantages, including excellent center sharpness when stopped down, a 9-blade iris for circular out-of-focus highlights, and complete 1:1 macro capabilities. However, it does possess several drawbacks, notably the lack of optical image stabilization and significant edge softness at wider apertures, with outer-third sharpness dropping down to 1,351 lines at f/2.8. Additionally, while...

The Samyang VDSLR II 100mm T3.1 ED UMC Macro is a highly capable, budget-friendly manual cinema prime lens designed specifically for video shooters using gear-based follow-focus systems. Optically identical to the photo-centric Rokinon 100mm F2.8, this lens delivers exceptional center sharpness exceeding 2,292 lines at T3.1 and reaches its peak performance at f/11 with a crisp 3,601 lines. Key advantages include its true 1:1 macro magnification at a close 12-inch focusing distance, a compact body, and an internal focus design that prevents physical extension during adjustments. Furthermore, it boasts an unclicked aperture ring measured in precise T-stops, dual-sided barrel markings for convenient monitoring, and wide compatibility across numerous SLR and mirrorless mounts. However, the lens does present several drawbacks that buyers should consider. It entirely omits optical image stabilization, which may frustrate those filming without a tripod or steadicam setup, especially given the inherently shallow depth of field in macro photography. The hard plastic, geared design of the focus ring is optimised for follow-focus systems but makes the lens uncomfortable to grip and hold for manual, handheld adjustments. Optically, it...

The Samyang VDSLR II 100mm T3.1 ED UMC Macro is a highly sharp, close-focus cinema lens designed specifically for video production, earning an "Excellent" 4.0 rating. Optically identical to the Rokinon 100mm F2.8 photo lens, it is available across multiple SLR and mirrorless camera systems, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm. The lens boasts full 1:1 life-size magnification at a 12-inch minimum focus distance, making it incredibly crisp for macro videography. It features an internal focus design, a 9-blade iris for circular out-of-focus highlights, dual-sided markings, a 180-degree long focus throw, and a clickless, geared aperture ring calibrated in T-stops for seamless use with follow-focus gear systems. In terms of performance, the lens delivers exceptional center sharpness exceeding 2,292 lines at T3.1 (f/2.8), and it peaks at f/11 with an average of 3,601 lines where edge-to-edge clarity becomes flawless. Notable pros include its highly competitive, attractive price point, robust sharpness when stopped down, and standard cinema gearing. However, the review highlights several cons: it lacks optical image stabilization, shows noticeable edge softness at wider apertures, and exhibits poor handheld ergonomics....