Rokinon 12mm T3.1 ED AS IF NCS UMC Cine DS Fisheye Lens for Canon EF Mount
Ultra Wide-Angle Fisheye for Cinematic Creativity
The Rokinon 12mm T3.1 ED AS IF NCS UMC Cine DS Fisheye Lens for Canon EF Mount is a specialized cine lens crafted for filmmakers and videographers looking to incorporate the dramatic, immersive qualities of fisheye optics into their cinematic toolkit. Known for its ultra-wide 180-degree diagonal field of view paired with cinema-grade mechanics and advanced optical technologies, this lens enables bold visual storytelling with distinctive fisheye distortion, exceptional sharpness, and consistent color rendition—all critical elements for creative cinematic productions.
Ultra-Wide 180º Fisheye Perspective
At its core, the Rokinon 12mm Cine DS fisheye lens delivers an extreme 180-degree diagonal angle of view on full-frame Canon EF mount sensors. This sweeping field of view creates dynamic and exaggerated perspectives, bending straight lines and dramatically expanding spatial perception within the frame. Such a look is uniquely suited for architectural interiors, large group shots, immersive landscapes, music videos, experimental narratives, and virtual reality content where broad visual impact is desired.
The lens’s fisheye nature provides filmmakers a creative tool to distort reality intentionally, emphasizing movement, space, and expressive framing, which are invaluable in narrative storytelling and other artistic video projects.
Bright T3.1 Aperture — Flexible Lighting and Depth
Balancing optical complexity with usability, the fisheye lens offers a T3.1 maximum aperture, allowing for effective shooting in a variety of lighting environments. While not as bright as some cine primes, T3.1 is sufficient to perform in low light conditions while still allowing some control over depth of field, important for creative focus effects even in super-wide settings.
Although fisheye lenses inherently feature extensive depth of field at wide apertures, T3.1 provides filmmakers with enough luminosity to capture crisp, detailed images without excessive noise, making it practical for both indoor and outdoor production scenarios.
Advanced Optical Construction with ED and Aspherical Elements
The lens showcases a sophisticated design of 12 elements arranged in 8 groups, including three extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and two aspherical elements, which work together to minimize aberrations such as chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and coma. This meticulous design ensures the utmost sharpness and color accuracy in the extreme wide-angle fisheye perspective.
Further enhancing visual fidelity, Rokinon applies both Nano Crystal Coating (NCS) and Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) to the lens surfaces. These coatings drastically reduce ghosting, flare, and internal reflections, preserving high contrast and true-to-life color even when filming in backlit or complex lighting conditions.
Cinema-Grade Mechanical Features
This Rokinon Cine DS lens operates with manual focus and manual aperture rings fitted with standard 0.8 MOD cinema gearing, delivering seamless compatibility with follow focus systems and iris motors commonly used on professional cinema sets. The gears enable smooth, accurate adjustments without sacrificing tactile feedback—key for repeatable focus pulls and precise exposure control.
Focus, aperture, and depth of field distance markings are engraved on the lens barrel, situated clearly on the side for easy reading by camera assistants, and coated with glow-in-the-dark paint to facilitate quick adjustments during nighttime or blackout shoots.
Internal Focusing and Compact, Durable Design
Its internal focusing (IF) mechanism keeps the lens length constant during focusing, which ensures consistent balance on camera rigs and gimbals and minimizes focus breathing, preserving frame composition during focus pulls.
Constructed with a rugged all-metal body, the lens withstands the rigors of professional use while maintaining manageable size and weight (approximately 525 grams). The removable petal-shaped lens hood helps reduce lens flare and protects the front element without limiting the fisheye’s ultra-wide field of view.
Minimum Focusing Distance and Practical Application
The minimum focusing distance is approximately 0.2 meters (0.66 feet), allowing film professionals to place subjects close to the lens while still enjoying the expansive, distorted fisheye look. This feature supports compositional creativity, enabling foreground elements to pop dramatically against wide, sweeping backgrounds.
Use Cases and Creative Potential
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Architectural and Interior Videography: Capture entire rooms or large structures with compelling distorted perspectives.
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Documentary and Event Filmmaking: Shoot immersive crowd scenes, sports action, or complex environments.
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Narrative and Experimental Cinema: Exploit visual distortion to create surreal or dramatic effects that enhance storytelling.
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Music Videos and Visual Art: Harness extreme perspective shifts and dynamic compositions to create engaging visuals.
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Virtual Reality and 360-Degree Workflows: Use as a creative tool for immersive video content and digital environments.
Purchase and Service with MojoComputers
As an authorized dealer, MojoComputers offers authentic Rokinon Cine DS lenses with comprehensive manufacturer warranties and knowledgeable, professional customer support. Their secure and insured shipping service in the United States guarantees filmmakers prompt access to high-end cinema equipment, paired with confident after-sales assistance.
Conclusion
The Rokinon 12mm T3.1 ED AS IF NCS UMC Cine DS Fisheye Lens for Canon EF Mount combines an ultra-wide 180º fisheye perspective with cinema-grade engineering and advanced optical technology. Its intricate lens design, fast aperture, and manual cinema gearing empower filmmakers to craft visually stunning, immersive images that push the boundaries of traditional cinematography.
This lens stands as a powerful creative asset for productions seeking bold, expansive shots with character and technical excellence. It is an ideal choice for photographers and videographers aiming to convey unique spatial narratives while maintaining professional image quality and control.
