We talked with DP Michael Della Polla about an intriguing piece of glass, especially for GH5 and Z-cam E2 shooters: the Vazen 40mm t/2 1.8X Anamorphic Prime. Why is a 1.8x Anamrophic so interesting? Well, traditional Anamrophic lenses were all 2x, taking a 1.33 image and stretching it out to around 2.39 (once you accounted for some crop to avoid seeing negative splice). When 16x9 digital video took off, 1.5x anamorphics became popular for getting something similar to 2.39 out of the 1.78 aspect ratio of 16x9. MFT (Micro Four Thirds, sometimes called M43) is perfectly 1.33 (4x3 in video speak), so a full 2x anamorphic would give 2.66 which is too wide. But a 1.8 Anamorphic lens is perfect. 1.33x1.8=2.394. So you get the aspect ratio we are looking for, and use the whole sensor to boot. Use a full on 2x Anamorphic lens and you are wasting some of the edges of the frame.
According to VZ Lens, it's the "world's first 1.8X anamorphic prime designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras with 4:3 sensors." Aesthetically, you can expect smooth, oval bokeh, "well controlled" blue horizontal lens flares, and of course, the widescreen (2.39:1) look shooters look for when shooting anamorphic.
Tech Specs
- Focal Length: 40mm
- Min. Focus: 2.7’ (0.82m)
- T-stop range: T/2 – T/16
- Front Diameter: 110mm
- Weight: 3.97 lbs (1.8kg)
- Dimensions: 4.33”x6.89” (110 x 175mm)
- Mount: MFT
Vizen 40mm 1.8X Anamorphic Prime LensCredit: VZ Lens
Vizen 40mm 1.8X Anamorphic Prime LensCredit: VZ Lens
Vizen 40mm 1.8X Anamorphic Prime LensCredit: VZ Lens
Vizen 40mm 1.8X Anamorphic Prime LensCredit: VZ Lens
Price and Availability
This lens retails for $3250 and will begin shipping as of today.
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Source: VZ Lens
