Are you ready to revolutionize your filmmaking toolkit? SIRUI just dropped a game-changer with the Astra Series, the world’s first T1.8 full-frame autofocus anamorphic lenses. But here’s where it gets controversial: can these lenses truly bridge the gap between affordability, portability, and professional-grade performance? Let’s dive in.
SIRUI has unveiled the Astra Series, a groundbreaking lineup of 1.33x full-frame autofocus anamorphic lenses that combine a constant T1.8 aperture with lightning-fast autofocus across three focal lengths: 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm. Each lens weighs a mere 600-700g and features a unified 67mm filter thread, making them a dream for filmmakers seeking anamorphic aesthetics without the bulk. And this is the part most people miss: these lenses aren’t just lightweight; they’re designed to deliver the iconic widescreen look, complete with horizontal flares and oval bokeh, all while maintaining the precision of autofocus.
Following their successful launch of the 20mm and 40mm S35 autofocus anamorphic lenses last year, SIRUI is now targeting independent filmmakers and content creators who crave the anamorphic look but balk at the weight, cost, and manual focus challenges of traditional cinema glass. The Astra Series’ full-frame coverage, T1.8 speed, and autofocus capabilities mark a significant leap forward, especially at this price point.
Let’s talk about that T1.8 aperture. It’s not just a number—it’s a game-changer. Traditional full-frame anamorphic lenses with this speed are often bulky and heavy, but the Astra Series defies expectations. At 600-700g, these lenses are a fraction of the weight of their manual cinema counterparts, which can tip the scales at 1,500-2,000g. This aperture not only excels in low-light conditions but also allows for buttery-smooth bokeh, perfect for separating subjects from backgrounds in everything from indie films to high-end commercials.
But working wide open on anamorphic glass isn’t without its challenges. Here’s the catch: autofocus on anamorphic lenses is notoriously tricky due to their optical design. SIRUI claims their refined autofocus system is up to the task, offering fast, precise, and smooth performance. Plus, the seamless switch between autofocus and manual focus modes ensures compatibility with traditional cinema workflows. Still, real-world testing will be the ultimate judge of its reliability, especially in demanding shooting conditions.
The Astra Series also shines in its consistency. All three lenses share similar dimensions, filter threads, and weights, making lens swaps on gimbals a breeze. However, using circular polarizers or variable ND filters on anamorphic lenses can yield unpredictable results—stick to standard ND filters for best results.
Now, for the controversial bit: SIRUI offers two flare styles—classic blue streaks and neutral light streaks. While this flexibility is a win for cinematographers, it raises questions. Are these styles fundamentally different, or is one just a toned-down version of the other? Anamorphic flares are a matter of taste, and having options is great, but we’ll need to see them in action to judge their distinctiveness.
Mount-wise, the Astra Series covers E-mount, Z-mount, and L-mount, catering to Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic/Leica/SIGMA users. SIRUI’s membership in the Leica L-Mount Alliance adds a layer of credibility to their engineering prowess.
Warranty-wise, SIRUI offers a 3-Year Replacement policy for non-user-induced issues and a Lifetime Paid Repair service for accidental damage. While it’s not a no-questions-asked program, it’s a solid step up from standard warranties.
Pricing starts at $799 per lens (super early-bird) or $2,399 for the set of three, including a hard case. Normally priced at $2,999, this is a steal for what’s on offer. For more details, visit SIRUI’s website.
Here’s the big question: Are autofocus anamorphic lenses the future, or just a fancy gimmick? Would the T1.8 aperture and 600g weight make you ditch your manual cinema glass? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
