Since SIRUI introduced they’re making a 20mm anamorphic AF lens, I wished to place my fingers on one. I imply, I like anamorphic lenses (see my evaluation of the SIRUI Saturn set right here). If you’re simply on the lookout for the TL;DR, then run and again the marketing campaign, when you can nonetheless get the early chicken low cost. In order for you extra data, learn on.
And including autofocus capabilities to anamorpic lenses has kinda been my dream. Sadly, in case you are not utilizing an exterior Lidar, there isn’t a technique to have each anamorphic and autofocus, however that is altering, and I’ll speak extra about it in a bit.
Particularly, Sirui is including a 20mm T1.8 to its S35 anamorphic line which already features a 40mm AF anamorphic. For those who’re already conversant in their 40mm, this new addition brings a a lot wider subject of view whereas conserving the identical 1.33x squeeze issue. The consequence? A significantly cinematic look with an immersive sense of depth and house.
The Sirui 20mm Anamorphic has a de-squeeze ratio of x1.33. On an FX30, which is 16:9, you’d get a few 21.28:9 ratio (or 2.364:1), which is ideal in case you are aiming for Cinemascope. On an open gate 4:3, you’d get about 5.32:3 (or 1.77:1), which is fairly shut to plain motion pictures.
Why anamorphic with autofocus is a gamechanger
Autofocus and anamorphic often don’t combine. Most anamorphic lenses are guide focus solely, forcing cinematographers to rack focus by hand. That’s high quality for managed units however fairly a ache for fast-moving shoots, documentaries, or solo creators. Particularly, in case you are taking pictures with a gimbal, it’s virtually inconceivable to regulate an anamorphic lens. Between de-squeeze assist, guide focus, and the sheer weight of most anamorphics, this was merely not an choice. Let me dive in and see if the bang is definitely worth the buck.
In case your digicam has a very good face or eye detection, then you definately’d actually see how the autofocus shines. You may see this in your self within the samples beneath. (I’m exhibiting bot the 20mm and 40mm).
Dimension and weight: Anamorphic for a one-man present
In comparison with SIRUI’s Venus line, the 20mm S35 anamorphic is impressively small and light-weight. About half a kilo. It is a huge deal as a result of conventional anamorphic lenses are sometimes cumbersome and front-heavy. The lighter weight makes it doable to make use of on gimbals, handheld rigs, and even drones.
Additionally it is fairly compact. If I needed to guess, I’d say it attracts its optical design from the Saturn “nano” line with an extra motor, however my guess is pretty much as good as yours.
Autofocus efficiency: Examined on the Sony FX3
We examined the lens on the Sony FX3, and the autofocus was surprisingly stable, even in low mild. Sony additionally helps a x1.3 de-squeeze. It’s not exactly x1.33, however it’s shut sufficient for understanding your shot. (in case you are questioning, on the FX3, you want the most recent firmware, then you’ll be able to undergo these menus: Setup -> show choices -> De-squeeze -> 1.3).
Nonetheless, there’s a small catch—for those who use Sony’s anamorphic preview mode, autofocus gained’t work. The workaround? Use an exterior monitor to maintain every part sharp whereas nonetheless getting a correct anamorphic preview.
The Autofocus is fairly quick—the lens holds an STM motor—however it’s not “instant” like with some sooner lenses. Additionally it is as quiet as you’d anticipate.
Optical traits: Bokeh and flare
At T1.8, you get a little bit of a hexagonal bokeh, however as you cease right down to about T2.4, you get the acquainted anamorphic oval bokeh.
You get a alternative between blue and impartial flares (we’ve the 20mm on impartial and the 40mm on blue, so you’ll be able to examine). The blue choice is that signature anamorphic sci-fi streak, whereas impartial is extra refined for a pure look.
Particular options
Clicked or de-clicked aperture: SIRUI provides you management over the way you modify publicity. Maintain it clicked for exact f-stop management, or de-click it for easy aperture pulls.
Handbook or camera-controlled aperture: you’ll be able to set the aperture to be guide with an aperture ring, or let the camertq management the aperture for those who set the ring to “A”.
A part of a rising set
With the 40mm and now the 20mm, it’s protected to imagine that SIRUI is constructing a full set. You get the identical “look,” the identical gear location, and the identical 77mm filter. That is how the lens rolls with Smallrig’s magic fiz observe focus, and it’s easy.
I actually hope to see extra of this line coming into the market. I believe SIRUI are onto one thing right here, and I’d like to see the road rising, not solely in focal size choices but in addition into full body. If their “Saturn” line is any indication, we would see extra focal lengths added quickly.
Worth and availability
The SIRUI 20mm T1.8 1.33x S35 AF Anamorphic is launching with a tremendous early chicken worth of $679 on Indiegogo (15% off). It’s accessible in Sony E, Nikon Z, Fuji X, Leica L, and MFT mounts.
Remaining ideas
I like this lens! I don’t do plenty of gimbal work and I’m nonetheless blown away. Having correct autofocus together with face (and eye) detection on an anamorphic simply makes my life 100 instances simpler. and for sub $700, that is actually not one thing to suppose twice about.
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