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Easy AF anamorphics Oval bokeh, cinematic flares and true widescreen images For experienced cinematographers accustomed to working with manual focus cinema lenses and dedicated focus pullers, he big challenge for filmmakers chasing the classic Hollywood Cinemascope look has always been finding an affordable set
no longer need a focus puller thanks to Sirui’s autofocus Astra series
affordable anamorphics have become increasingly attainable. But for content creators and solo operators shooting on mirrorless cameras, keeping the manual focus lenses sharp can be challenging. In an era dominated by sophisticated autofocus systems, particularly when shooting wide open, manual focus often presents a steep learning curve. Once again, Sirui has broken ground with the world’s first range of full-frame anamorphic lenses featuring autofocus. The Astra series is available individually or as a matched set of 50, 75 and 100mm lenses, all featuring a fast T1.8 maximum aperture. These are offered in Sony E, Leica L and Nikon Z mounts, with a choice of either neutral or blue flare characteristics. The complete three-lens kit costs £2639 ∕ $2549 and comes supplied in a dedicated carry case, although each optic can also be purchased separately. Consistent dimensions and ring placement make switching lenses quick and efficient. The Astra series lenses employ a 1.33x squeeze factor, which might not create
of full-frame anamorphic lenses. While you can mimic the ultra wide aspect ratio by cropping footage in post and even add flare effects with filters, there’s no real substitute for the distinctive oval bokeh, unique rendering and depth that genuine anamorphic optics provide. One of the brands that helped make anamorphic shooting accessible was Sirui. It first launched affordable anamorphic lenses for crop-sensor formats such as Micro Four Thirds and Super 35, using a 1.33x squeeze factor. While not extreme, it was enough to deliver the cinematic 2.4:1 aspect ratio many filmmakers crave. Sirui then pushed things further with full-frame anamorphic lenses, introducing the 50mm 1.6x and 75mm T2.9 models at a fraction of the cost of competing options such as Atlas Orion lenses. Since then, brands including Laowa and Viltrox have entered the full-frame anamorphic market, although premium glass from manufacturers such as Cooke and Zeiss can still cost well over 20 times as much.
Mixed bag With rings for manual iris and focus, as well as autofocus controls, the Sirui has it all
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July/August 2026
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