Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens for Canon EF - Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens is a manual focus prime lens engineered for exceptional image quality. It is designed for use with Canon EF mount cameras, compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensors. This lens is particularly well-suited for portraiture, landscape, and astrophotography, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to its fast f/2.0 aperture. Its advanced optical design incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) element and Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) to minimize aberrations, flare, and ghosting, ensuring clear, high-contrast images.

Figure 1: Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens.

2. What's in the Box

Upon opening your Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens package, you should find the following items:

• Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens
• Removable Lens Hood
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Carrying Pouch
• User Manual (this document)

3. Key Features

• Focal Length: 135mm telephoto prime lens.
• Aperture: Fast f/2.0 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
• Optical Design: Features one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) element to reduce chromatic aberrations and Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) to minimize flare and ghosting.
• Manual Focus: Smooth, well-damped manual focus ring for precise control.
• Diaphragm Blades: 9 rounded diaphragm blades contribute to a pleasing bokeh quality.
• Compatibility: Full-frame compatible, also suitable for APS-C cameras (18.8° angle of view on full-frame, 12.4° on APS-C).
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.6 feet (0.8 meters).
• Lens Hood: Includes a removable lens hood to reduce lens flare and provide protection.

4. Setup and Installation

4.1 Attaching the Lens to Your Camera

1. Ensure your camera is powered off.
2. Remove the rear lens cap from the Rokinon 135mm lens and the body cap from your Canon EF mount camera.
3. Align the red dot on the lens barrel with the red dot on your camera's lens mount.
4. Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks securely into place.

4.2 Attaching the Lens Hood

The included lens hood helps to block stray light from entering the lens, reducing flare and ghosting. It also provides additional physical protection for the front element.

1. Align the white dot on the lens hood with the white dot on the front of the lens barrel.
2. Gently push the hood onto the lens and rotate it clockwise until it locks into position.
3. To remove, press the release button on the side of the hood (if present) and rotate counter-clockwise.

Figure 2: Lens with removable hood attached.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Manual Focus

This is a manual focus lens. To achieve sharp focus, rotate the large, ribbed focus ring on the lens barrel until your subject appears sharp in the viewfinder or on your camera's LCD screen. Many modern cameras offer focus peaking or magnification features to assist with precise manual focusing.

5.2 Aperture Control

The aperture is controlled directly on the lens via the aperture ring. Rotate the smaller, click-stopped ring to select your desired f-stop, ranging from f/2.0 (wide open) to f/22 (most closed). A wider aperture (smaller f-number) allows more light in and creates a shallower depth of field, ideal for isolating subjects. A narrower aperture (larger f-number) allows less light in and creates a greater depth of field, suitable for landscapes.

Figure 3: Detailed view of the lens's focus and aperture rings.

6. Maintenance and Care

Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Rokinon lens.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a specialized lens cleaning solution to clean the glass elements. Avoid touching the glass with your fingers. Use a blower brush to remove dust before wiping.
• Storage: Store the lens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use the provided lens caps and carrying pouch for protection.
• Handling: Always handle the lens by its barrel, not by the focus or aperture rings, to avoid accidental adjustments or damage.
• Moisture: Avoid exposing the lens to moisture or rain. This lens is not weather-sealed.

7. Troubleshooting

As a manual lens, most operational issues relate to user technique. Here are some common points to consider:

• Blurry Images: Ensure accurate manual focus. Utilize your camera's focus peaking or magnification features. Check your shutter speed to avoid camera shake, especially with a telephoto lens.
• Dark Corners (Vignetting): This is a common optical characteristic, especially at wider apertures (e.g., f/2.0). It can often be corrected in post-processing software.
• Color Fringing/Chromatic Aberration: While the ED element helps reduce this, some may still occur in high-contrast areas. This can also be corrected in post-processing.
• Lens Not Attaching: Ensure correct alignment of the red dots on the lens and camera body. Do not force the lens.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Rokinon website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For additional resources and product information, visit the Rokinon Store on Amazon.