If you're looking for an affordable full-frame anamorphic lens, SIRUI has always been an option to consider. The company has been developing affordable anamorphic lens options for a while now, starting with MFT (Micro Four-Thirds) and APS-C options. Now that SIRUI has introduced anamorphic lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras, its glass has become an affordable go-to lens for filmmakers, cinematographers, and creatives.
Oh, and they support 8K resolution, as well.
Adding to the full-frame offering, SIRUI has introduced two additional anamorphic lenses—a 35mm and 100mm T2.9 with 1.6x squeeze factor. They join the 75mm 1.6x T2.9 FF lens and the nifty fifty option.
A Bit Wider, a Bit Tighter
The 35mm and 100mm T2.9 1.6x lenses join the 50mm and 75mm T2.9 1.6x FF anamorphic lenses, offering a very nice prime lens kit at an attractive price point of $5,996. With the launch of the 35mm and 100mm, there is a sale on the kit, bringing the cost down to $4,797.
If you would have told me these prices 10 years ago, I would have died from laughter.
The SIRUI 35mm T2.9 1.6x anamorphic full-frame lensCredit: SIRUI
All four lenses have the options of RF Mount, L Mount, E Mount, and Z Mount. Thankfully, the price of the lens won't change depending on the mount you choose. There's a very nice oval bokeh that contributes to the sought-after anamorphic look and the addition of blue lens flare gives some character.
If you're hoping for a bit more squeeze, especially if you're shooting on 3:2 sensors, SIRUI is also releasing an optional 1.25x adapter with a constant 2x squeeze ratio, priced at $499 ($429 pre-sale).
SIRUI 35mm and 100mm Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens Features
The SIRUI 35mm features a 1.6x squeeze, max aperture of T2.9, a minimum focus of 0.9m, an 82mm filter diameter, a length of 4.63 in. (117.7mm), and a weight of 32.7 oz. (929g).
The 100mm is similar with the same 1.6x squeeze and max aperture of T2.9, but with a minimum focus of 0.93m. It has an 82mm filter diameter, a length of 6.45 in. (164mm), and a weight of 52 oz. (1477g), making it a bit heftier than its 35mm sibling.
The SIRUI 100mm T2.9 1.6x anamorphic full-frame lensCredit: SIRUI
16:9 Is So 2004
With the SIRUI 35mm and 100mm FF anamorphic lenses, you'll be able to shoot in two cinematic aspect ratios—2.4:1 (shooting in 3:2) and 2.81 (shooting in 16:9). There is nothing more cinematic than filming in widescreen anamorphic. You'll finally be able to film that western epic you've been dreaming of.
And don't forget, the new lenses support up to 8K resolution, which seems to be the new baseline these days.
Pricing
SIRUI launched the lenses and adapter for pre-order as a campaign on Indiegogo, as they usually do, and surpassed their initial goal of $10,000 pretty quickly. As of this writing, they’re at nearly $900,000 with just over 3 weeks to go, which is nearly 9000% over their goal.
The campaign includes packages or buying each lens separately, with special discounts dependent on how many have been sold. While SIRUI has had some problems with matching its lenses and consistent spacing for its mounts, the company has proven itself with the budget filmmaker. It's no surprise they’ve pre-sold as many units in this campaign and garnered Indiegogo's special "Trust Team Proven" banner.
Our Thoughts
As mentioned above, SIRUI has a proven track record with affordable cine lenses, and at this price, there isn't really a reason not to consider purchasing one or all four of their anamorphic full-frame lenses. Especially if you're a budget-minded creative.
Sure, you might have to overcome some sacrifices that are needed when making anamorphic lenses at such a price point, but you'd be hard-pressed to find other full-frame anamorphic lenses at this price point. You can get all four lenses, with a free hard case, warranty, and more for under $6,000.
The full SIRUI T2.9 1.6x anamorphic full-frame lens set, including 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mmCredit: SIRUI
One very slight downside for some creatives could be the speed of the lenses at T2.9. There are some cine prime lenses that are faster and more affordable, but they aren't anamorphic. One of these super-fast primes from another manufacturer could cost $3,500 to $5,000, which is basically what SIRUI is selling all four anamorphic primes for. Also, some of the higher-end anamorphic lenses are the same price as a Tesla Model Y. Each.
If you need a full-frame anamorphic without refinancing your house, there is still time to check out details, pricing, and purchasing options at Indiegogo. You can also purchase on their site here.
What do you think? Will you consider the new SIRUI 1.6x anamorphic FF lenses? Let us know in the comments!
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