Can cine lenses be used for still photography?
Asked 2/20/2017
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2 answers
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I’m looking at Samyang/Rokinon lenses that are marked or geared for cinema use. Can these lenses also be used for still photography, and are there any drawbacks compared with buying the regular photo version?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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Assuming it's in the right mount for your camera (or adaptable), you certainly can. However, be aware that:
- Cine lenses are going to be manual focus only. Maybe not a problem, maybe a deal breaker. (Probably not a problem if you're talking about a Samyang / Rokinon / all the other indentical brands as they're manual focus anyway).
- Cine lenses are either ridiculously expensive or not really cine lenses - just the same glass with follow focus gearing etc. They'll still have lots of focus breathing and all the other things that a true cine lens can't have.
Given that at least the Samyang cine lenses seem to be more expensive than the equivalent photo lens, I'd say you're better off just getting the photo lens if you're not going to be using the cine "features".
Originally by user11371. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11371
9y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—if the lens fits your camera mount, or can be adapted, you can use a cine lens for still photography.
The main tradeoff is usability: cine lenses are typically manual focus only. That may be fine for slower, deliberate shooting, but it can be a drawback if you rely on autofocus.
With some brands like Samyang/Rokinon, the cine version is often very similar optically to the photo version, but adds cinema-oriented features such as geared focus rings and cinema markings. If you don’t need those features, the regular photo version is usually the more practical choice.
Also, not every lens labeled “cine” is a fully purpose-built cinema lens. Some are essentially the same glass rehoused or modified for video handling, so they may still show traits like focus breathing that higher-end cine lenses try to minimize.
In short: yes, you can use a cine lens for stills, but unless you specifically want the cine controls, the standard photo lens is often the better buy.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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