Sirui 50mm T2.9 1.6x Anamorphic Lens for Sony E, Leica L, Nikon Z, Canon R Cameras

With the 50mm T2.9 1.6x that has been launched on the market, Sirui is signaling another anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras. It is primarily aimed at filmmakers who shoot their videos with still cameras and want to take advantage of a wider format – at a price that slips into affordable orders of magnitude.

The Sirui 50mm T2.9 1.6x is relatively compact but weighs more than a kilogram. The cylindrical front line, which causes the compression effect, is typical for anamorphic lenses. It produces a CinemaScope image with an aspect ratio of 2.4:1, and 50mm focal length brings much more onto the image than with a normal lens of the same focal length. If you use the 16:1 sensor format, which is possible with the most suitable full-frame cameras, this even results in an IMAX-like widescreen with an aspect ratio of 2.8:1.

The new Sirui full-frame anamorphic lens has a solid aluminum frame, a fast aperture ring at the back, and a distance setting ring in the middle. Since the lens is designed for use in cine rigs, both adjustment rings are fitted with gear rims. Also, the scales cannot be read at the top, but on both sides, which is typical for cine lenses. Since the lens weighs more than a kilo, the tripod thread on the underside makes sense, which by the way can be unscrewed if it gets in the way when mounting it in the rig. The front socket has a filter thread with a diameter of 82mm. The use of a lens hood is not intended, which makes the lens highly sensitive to backlight.

With the initial aperture of T2.9, the lens is very bright and therefore, also suitable for use in low light. With a fully open aperture and relatively short distances, a beautiful bokeh results, which effectively separates the subject from the blurred background.

Price and availability

The Sirui 50mm T2.9 1.6x full-frame anamorphic lens comes with four mounts: Canon RF, Leica L, Sony E, or Nikon Z mount. It is the only full-frame lens of its kind to date, and at $1,499 on Bhphotovideo.com, Adorama.com, and Amazon.com, it is a cost-effective solution for an anamorphic optical system.

Sirui 50mm T2.9 1.6x specifications

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Lens Mount: Sony E, Leica L, Nikon Z, Canon R
• Format: Full Frame
• Maximum Aperture: T2.9
• Minimum Aperture: T16
• Minimum Focus Distance: From Unspecified Point in Lens: 0.75 m
• Optical Design: 16 Elements in 13 Grou
• Diaphragm Blades: 10
• Gear MOD & Pitch: Focus: 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch; Iris: 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch
• Front Diameter: 82 mm
• Filter Thread: 82 mm x 0.75
• Focus Scales: Metric, Imperial
• Focus Rotation: 95.5°
• Horizontal Squeeze (Anamorphic): 1.6x
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:20.42
• Image Stabilization: No
• Dimensions: 88 x 140mm (R), 88 x 141.3mm (E), 88 x 140mm (L), 88 x 142.9mm (Z)
• Weight: 1073g (R), 3030g (E), 1048g (L), 1073g (Z)