Anamorphic lenses have, until recently, been pie-in-the-sky equipment, with the only offerings coming from ARRI or Cooke for primes and Angenieux for zooms. While the used market offered some interesting solutions, filmmakers had to contend with quality and usability issues.
But in the past half-decade, companies like Vazen and SIRUI have made anamorphic more affordable.
With lenses that initially covered MFT sensors and now full-frame mirrorless, the anamorphic world has opened its doors to budget filmmakers searching for that cinematic look.
Today, SIRUI makes another push toward affordability by expanding its full-frame anamorphic line with the 75mm T2.9 1.6x, a companion to the already released 50mm T2.9 1.6X.
75mm & 50mm SetCredit: SIRUI
The SIRUI 75mm T2.9 1.6x
The new lens joins the 50mm T2.9 1.6x anamorphic to create a usable pair for most narrative productions.
Featuring a rugged full-metal body and lens mount, as well as an 82mm filter thread and a 1/4"-20 threaded hole at the bottom, the new addition from SIRUI is production-ready out of the box. The focus and iris rings are also standardized for increased efficiency when swapping lenses on set.
Lens SupportCredit: SIRUI
With its narrower field of view, the 75mm T2.9 1.6x maintains the same anamorphic look but allows creatives to capture more flattering portraits and close-ups. Faces are rendered with a more natural perspective that provides better elongated anamorphic bokeh than the 1.33x MFT version.
SIRUI states that this new lens is specifically designed for 8K image capture, which cements the new milestone as the next goalpost to be standardized.
Lens Characteristics
SIRUI’s 75mm T2.9 1.6x behaves like a 46mm horizontally but retains the vertical field of view of a spherical 75mm lens. The 1.6x squeeze factor is a perfect addition for 3.2 sensors, giving filmmakers the much desired 2.4:1 aspect ratio when de-squeezed. While not many monitors support the 1.6x format, it is quickly gaining popularity.
On 16:9 sensors, creatives will get a significantly wider 2.8:1 aspect ratio. This may not be desirable in most circumstances but can lead to some interesting creative compositions when you crop in and pan in post.
Sample FootageCredit: SIRUI
Mount Options
SIRUI is focusing on modern mirrorless camera systems and will include mounts for Canon RF, Leica L, Sony E, and Nikon Z.
This opens up loads of camera options such as the new Canon EOS R5 C, the Nikon Z9, and anything from Sony and Panasonic’s modern line. The Panasonic BS1H, which was recently Netflix-approved, now gives filmmakers some solid budget anamorphic options.
E-Mount VersionCredit: SIRUI
Should You Buy It?
In short, most likely yes.
If you shoot on full-frame mirrorless bodies and can’t afford more expensive anamorphic lenses, the SIRUI 75mm T2.9 1.6x is a must-have in your lens, especially if you already own the 50mm from the same line.
The SIRUI 75mm T2.9 1.6x retails at $1,499 and is currently available for pre-sale on INDIEGOGO for $1,199. We have you covered if you don’t have the 50mm T2.9 1.6x.
Sirui 50mm T2.9 FF 1.6x Anamorphic
- Covers Full-Frame Sensor
- Aperture Range: T2.9 to T16
- 2.4:1 & 2.8:1 De-Squeezed
- Blue Streak Effects
- 10-Blade Iris, Elliptical Bokeh
- Horizontal FOV of 31mm Spherical Lens
- Front Filter Diameter: 82mm
- Focus Scales in Feet & Meters
While there were some issues with SIRUI's MFT anamorphic line, mostly with them not matching perfectly, it is astonishing that you can achieve anamorphic images for under $2,000 per lens.
Budget filmmakers no longer need to rely on cumbersome anamorphic adapters to get that cinematic look.
