SIRUI has unveiled the Astra Sequence. These 1.33x full-frame autofocus anamorphic lenses signify the world’s first to mix a continuing 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 incorporates 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 evaluation right here), SIRUI is pushing the boundaries additional with full-frame protection. The Astra Sequence 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 usually obtainable at this worth level.
SIRUI Astra 50mm. Credit score: SIRUI
What about that T1.8 aperture?
The fixed T1.8 aperture throughout all three focal lengths is noteworthy, significantly given the compact kind issue. Conventional full-frame anamorphic lenses at this pace are typically significantly bigger and heavier. At 600-700g per lens, the Astra Sequence is considerably lighter than comparable guide cinema anamorphics, which frequently exceed 1,500-2,000g.
This aperture supplies stable low-light efficiency and permits for terribly shallow depth of discipline when wanted. The flexibility to separate topics from backgrounds whereas sustaining the anamorphic character might show beneficial for all the pieces from narrative work to business manufacturing. In fact, working broad open on anamorphic glass at all times requires cautious focus method, which brings us to the autofocus system.
SIRUI Astra with AF/MF possibility. Credit score: SIRUI
Autofocus and guide management
SIRUI has refined its autofocus system for the Astra lenses, constructing on its earlier Tremendous 35 AF anamorphic work. The corporate claims quick, exact, and clean autofocus efficiency, which ought to deal with each run-and-gun eventualities and extra managed taking pictures environments.
Importantly, customers can swap freely between AF and MF modes. The guide focus ring contains exact focus distance scales and maintains compatibility with comply with focus methods and LiDAR models. This flexibility addresses a typical concern with AF lenses: the necessity to combine into conventional cinema workflows the place guide management stays important.
How nicely the autofocus performs in real-world taking pictures circumstances, significantly with transferring topics or in difficult lighting, would require hands-on testing. Autofocus on anamorphic glass presents distinctive challenges as a result of optical traits of the squeeze ingredient.
SIRUI Astra 75mm. Credit score: SIRUI
Focal size choices and construct consistency
The Astra Sequence launches with three focal lengths: 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm. All three lenses share comparable bodily dimensions, the identical 67mm filter thread, and practically similar weight. This consistency is sensible for gimbal work and fast lens adjustments, because it eliminates the necessity for rebalancing between focal lengths.
The unified 67mm filter diameter additionally simplifies filter methods, although it’s price noting that utilizing conventional round polarizers or variable ND filters on anamorphic lenses can generally produce surprising outcomes as a result of optical design. Normal ND filters ought to work with out difficulty.
SIRUI hasn’t introduced wider focal lengths but (35mm or 40mm could be typical additions), however the present vary covers portraiture, medium pictures, and tighter framing eventualities successfully. (We hope to see SIRUI including an extra wider lens to this new household of lenses).
Mount choices and compatibility
The Astra Sequence will probably be obtainable in E-mount, Z-mount, and L-mount variations, overlaying Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic/Leica/SIGMA full-frame mirrorless methods. 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: SIRUI
Two flare types for various appears
Two distinct flare types will probably be obtainable: basic blue streaks and a extra impartial mild streak possibility. This offers cinematographers the flexibleness to match completely different visible narratives or shopper preferences. We’d must see each types in motion to know how dramatically they differ and whether or not one is just a decreased model of the opposite or a essentially completely different optical attribute.
Anamorphic flares are extremely subjective, with some preferring heavy, saturated blue streaks whereas others go for extra delicate traits. Having choices throughout the identical lens sequence might show beneficial for rental homes and owner-operators working throughout completely different undertaking sorts.
Guarantee protection
SIRUI backs the Astra Sequence with a 3-12 months Alternative coverage overlaying any non-user-induced points (with legitimate proof of buy), plus Lifetime Paid Restore service for unintentional harm. 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 unintentional harm means it’s not an entire no-questions-asked alternative program. Nonetheless, it’s extra complete than normal producer warranties.
SIRUI Astra specs. Credit score: SIRUI
Pricing and availability
SIRUI will probably be providing tremendous early-bird pricing for the Astra sequence, beginning at $799 per lens (as an alternative of $999) or $2,399 for a set of three lenses, together with a $99 exhausting case. Usually, this set will set you again $2,999..
For added info, 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 guide cinema glass? Don’t hesitate to tell us within the feedback under!
