SIRUI Astra Series Announced – World’s First T1.8 Full-Frame Autofocus Anamorphic Lenses

SIRUI has unveiled the Astra Collection. These 1.33x full-frame autofocus anamorphic lenses symbolize the world’s first to mix a relentless T1.8 aperture with quick autofocus throughout your complete vary. Accessible in three focal lengths (50mm, 75mm, 100mm), every lens weighs simply 600-700g and includes a unified 67mm filter thread, making them remarkably moveable for skilled anamorphic glass.Following final yr’s announcement of their 20mm and 40mm S35 autofocus anamorphic lenses (40mm overview right here), SIRUI is pushing the boundaries additional with full-frame protection. The Astra Collection targets impartial filmmakers and content material creators who want anamorphic aesthetics with out the normal weight, price, and manual-focus limitations of cinema glass.The 1.33x squeeze issue on a full-frame sensor delivers an immersive widescreen side ratio with the attribute horizontal lens flares and oval bokeh that outline the anamorphic look. We’ve seen SIRUI steadily develop its anamorphic lineup over latest years. Nonetheless, the mix of full-frame protection, T1.8 pace, and autofocus on this bundle represents a transparent departure from what’s sometimes obtainable at this worth level.SIRUI Astra 50mm. Credit score: SIRUIWhat about that T1.8 aperture?The fixed T1.8 aperture throughout all three focal lengths is noteworthy, significantly given the compact type issue. Conventional full-frame anamorphic lenses at this pace are typically significantly bigger and heavier. At 600-700g per lens, the Astra Collection is considerably lighter than comparable handbook cinema anamorphics, which regularly exceed 1,500-2,000g.This aperture gives stable low-light efficiency and permits for very shallow depth of discipline when wanted. The flexibility to separate topics from backgrounds whereas sustaining the anamorphic character might show invaluable for the whole lot from narrative work to business manufacturing. After all, working extensive open on anamorphic glass at all times requires cautious focus approach, which brings us to the autofocus system.SIRUI Astra with AF/MF choice. Credit score: SIRUIAutofocus and handbook controlSIRUI has refined its autofocus system for the Astra lenses, constructing on its earlier Tremendous 35 AF anamorphic work. The corporate claims quick, exact, and easy autofocus efficiency, which ought to deal with each run-and-gun situations and extra managed capturing environments.Importantly, customers can change freely between AF and MF modes. The handbook focus ring contains exact focus distance scales and maintains compatibility with comply with focus programs and LiDAR models. This flexibility addresses a typical concern with AF lenses: the necessity to combine into conventional cinema workflows the place handbook management stays important.How effectively the autofocus performs in real-world capturing circumstances, significantly with transferring topics or in difficult lighting, would require hands-on testing. Autofocus on anamorphic glass presents distinctive challenges because of the optical traits of the squeeze ingredient.SIRUI Astra 75mm. Credit score: SIRUIFocal size choices and construct consistencyThe Astra Collection launches with three focal lengths: 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm. All three lenses share related bodily dimensions, the identical 67mm filter thread, and practically an identical weight. This consistency is sensible for gimbal work and fast lens modifications, because it eliminates the necessity for rebalancing between focal lengths.The unified 67mm filter diameter additionally simplifies filter programs, although it’s price noting that utilizing conventional round polarizers or variable ND filters on anamorphic lenses can generally produce sudden outcomes because of the optical design. Customary ND filters ought to work with out challenge.SIRUI hasn’t introduced wider focal lengths but (35mm or 40mm can be typical additions), however the present vary covers portraiture, medium photographs, and tighter framing situations successfully. (We hope to see SIRUI including an extra wider lens to this new household of lenses).Mount choices and compatibilityThe Astra Collection will likely be obtainable in E-mount, Z-mount, and L-mount variations, masking Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic/Leica/SIGMA full-frame mirrorless programs. SIRUI’s inclusion within the Leica L-Mount Alliance and formal authorization to supply L-mount lenses provides credibility to their optical engineering capabilities.SIRUI Astra 100mm. Credit score: SIRUITwo flare kinds for various looksTwo distinct flare kinds will likely be obtainable: traditional blue streaks and a extra impartial gentle streak choice. This offers cinematographers the pliability to match totally different visible narratives or shopper preferences. We’d must see each kinds in motion to grasp how dramatically they differ and whether or not one is just a lowered model of the opposite or a basically totally different optical attribute.Anamorphic flares are extremely subjective, with some preferring heavy, saturated blue streaks whereas others go for extra refined traits. Having choices inside the similar lens sequence might show invaluable for rental homes and owner-operators working throughout totally different challenge varieties.Guarantee coverageSIRUI backs the Astra Collection with a 3-12 months Substitute coverage masking any non-user-induced points (with legitimate proof of buy), plus Lifetime Paid Restore service for unintended injury. Customers must register their lenses at sirui.com/registration to activate this protection.This guarantee construction suggests confidence within the construct high quality, although the “paid restore” side for unintended injury means it’s not an entire no-questions-asked alternative program. Nonetheless, it’s extra complete than commonplace producer warranties.SIRUI Astra specs. Credit score: SIRUIPricing and availabilitySIRUI will likely be providing tremendous early-bird pricing for the Astra sequence, beginning at $799 per lens (as a substitute of $999) or $2,399 for a set of three lenses, together with a $99 onerous case. Usually, this set will set you again $2,999.. For added data, please head to SIRUI’s web site right here. What’s your tackle autofocus anamorphic lenses – important evolution or pointless complication? Would T1.8 and 600g make you think about switching from handbook cinema glass? Don’t hesitate to tell us within the feedback under!