Sirui 35mm F1.8 Anamorphic Lens
Jun 07, 2024I recently got my hands on the Sirui 35 anamorphic lens, and I must say, it's quite an interesting piece of equipment. Firstly, let's talk about the price. At around $459, it's definitely not the most expensive lens out there. However, one thing to note is that it doesn't come in Sony E-mount, at least not as of now. You'll need to buy an adapter ring and install it on the lens to make it E-mount capable.
If you've ever browsed B&H Photo for anamorphic lenses, you'll know how pricey they can be, which makes the Sirui 35 anamorphic lens a great budget-friendly option. But don't let the price fool you – it's a quality lens.
The Sirui 35 anamorphic lens was released around 2023, and I even made a video showcasing different shots with it familiar with anamorphic lenses, they essentially capture extra-wide footage, giving your videos a cinematic look.
What's cool about this is that it widens your image by 1.33 times, and unlike wide lenses, it doesn't give you a fisheye look on the sides and corners of the frame. As I mentioned, it's definitely a unique piece of gear that can add a different dimension to your videography.
One of the perks of using the Sony FX 30 with an anamorphic lens is the D squeeze function within the menu system. This feature allows you to monitor what your footage looks like, giving you a clear understanding of the final result. On the other hand, if you were to use an anamorphic lens on the ZV-E10 or the a6700, your image would appear super squished, making it difficult to visualize the final output until post-production.
It's important to note that the Sony FX 30 with an anamorphic lens has a minimum focus distance of 2'8", meaning it's not ideal for close-quarter shots. Additionally, the 35mm equivalent to 50mm full-frame restricts shooting in small rooms.
Like most anamorphic lenses, the Sony FX 30 is a manual lens, which may present challenges when filming oneself. The minimum focus distance makes it difficult to achieve headshots, requiring significant distance from the camera. Adjusting the focus becomes cumbersome, often necessitating frequent back-and-forth movements.
With an aperture range of f1.8 to F-16 and a 67mm filter thread, the Sony FX 30 offers versatility in different shooting conditions, allowing for the addition of filters to control light exposure.
It's essential to understand that this lens is not suitable for run-and-gun shooting. Instead, it is intended for specific and deliberate purposes. If you're looking to create a narrative film, the FX 30 with an anamorphic lens would be a valuable addition to your gear.
One hallmark feature of anamorphic lenses is the captivating light streaks produced when certain lights hit the lens. This effect is often seen in movies, and the Sony FX 30 anamorphic lens delivers a similar cinematic quality.
I hope you've found my experience with the Sirui 35mm F1.8 Anamorphic lens helpful! Happy filming, and peace!
