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We lately acquired the brand new BLAZAR Mantis 1.33x 35mm full-frame anamorphic lens to check, and we wished to pair it with the brand new yet-to-be-released Sony FX2. We’ve already reviewed the brand new Sony, however with the BLAZER APEX 1.33x, which is an APS-C autofocus lens. To finish our testing, we requested Sony Japan to ship us the FX2 once more and put it by way of its paces.
This isn’t a “scientific” assessment of the BLAZAR Mantis lens. The above video and write-up are extra of a “hands-on” expertise, giving an impression of working with each the digicam and lens collectively. I wished to supply a “feel-good” piece, as all of us deserve a short respite from this fast-paced world. So sit again, take pleasure in, and as at all times, suggestions and criticism are at all times welcome!
Katsuo-ji Temple (from the timeline). Credit score: CineD
Filming location: Katsuo-ji Temple
Spending the summer time in Japan opens limitless potentialities to seize stunning sights and sounds (you cicada/semi/セミ, we’ve got an open account 🙂 ). This time, I headed in direction of Katsuo-ji Temple, situated on the northern outskirts of Osaka. This Buddhist temple is legendary for its 1000’s of Daruma dolls that signify luck and granted needs, incomes its popularity as a “temple of winner’s luck.” Legend has it that Bodhidharma meditated so lengthy that his limbs atrophied, therefore the dolls’ round-bottomed form and their potential to return upright after being knocked over. Now, discover me a greater location to movie, meditate, and want for luck suddenly…
Sizzling, sunny day on the temple with the Sony FX2. Credit score: CineD
Sony FX2
I’ve already lined the Sony FX2 and had a agency conclusion. To me, that is at the moment essentially the most fascinating compact digicam in Sony’s FX line merely due to its built-in EVF. Sure, I’m absolutely conscious of what individuals are saying about it, and sure, I want it might file 50/60p in full body (subsequent to 120p in 4K), however relating to usability, particularly throughout run&gun on a full sunny day, this digicam is a winner. If technically attainable, I hope that Sony will contemplate “upgrading” it by introducing new firmware, or higher but, introduce a brand new compact FX mannequin that has the lacking options however has a built-in EVF.
Additionally added to my “wish-list” is to ask Sony to take anamorphic filmmaking extra “severely” by permitting their compact FX line of cameras to do greater than at the moment attainable. (Anamorphic de-squeeze whereas retaining some form of stabilization is one thing that I undoubtedly want to see.)
On this specific filming day, the digicam sustained temperatures of 34°C (93.2°F) simply, though I didn’t movie very lengthy takes.
Daruma dolls at Katsuo-ji Temple (From the timeline). Credit score: CineD
BLAZAR Mantis 35mm 1.33x T2.0 full-frame anamorphic lens
BLAZER, as an organization, has been “killing it” recently. For instance, I do know A LOT of people who find themselves very pleased with their Remus 1.5x line of lenses. Apparently, the price-to-performance ratio is nearly unmatched. Now, my private expertise working with their lenses is proscribed to testing the APEX APS-C autofocus anamorphic lenses (assessment right here), and now the Mantis 35mm. And I’ve to say that I’m impressed (once more).
BLAZAR didn’t have the Sony E-mount lens prepared, so that they despatched us the PL model of it, which, after all, just isn’t a difficulty you probably have the PL/E mount adapter for it. Alternatively, the mount might be person swappable from native PL/ E Mount to all different Mounts with out restriction. For this filming event, I used the SIRUI adapter, and it labored flawlessly. As this isn’t a “scientific” lens assessment however slightly an impression of working with it, I can report again that it was actually pleasant. Its dimension is compact. The lens weight is simply 790g (.74lbs), and in contrast to lenses in its class from different producers, the filter thread dimension is a standard 77mm, making it very simple to work with a variable ND filter. For such a lens, the shut focus distance can be wonderful (0.48m/1.57ft). By the way in which, utilizing the Sony FX2 with its native twin ISO function (800/4000) proved to be nice additionally in lowlight conditions, retaining the picture clear because the lens itself might be opened to T2.0.
Now, subsequent to its robustness, in the event you ask me what I like most about this lens, it’s the potential to work outdoor large open at T2.0. Possibly by placing it on a decision chart, the lens will show to be mushy, however in actuality, the middle of it appears to be like sharp, producing very good photos. Talking of which, throughout filming, I used to be not chasing (amber) mild strikes, as I’m of a bokeh junkie.
BLAZAR Mantis 1.33 T.2 full-frame anamorphic lens. Credit score: CineD
2x aesthetics on a 1.33x lens?
BLAZAR is promising a 2x aesthetic anamorphic look when working with these 1.33x lenses. Did it reside as much as this declare? Nicely, understanding that everybody has a little bit of a unique opinion, I’ll allow you to guys determine, however for me personally, the image aesthetic could be very pleasing to the purpose that I might not hesitate to apply it to extra demanding (look-wise) productions.
Sony FX2, SIRUI PL/E adapter and BLAZAR Mantis 35mm anamorphic lens. Credit score: CineD
Closing ideas
At instances after we are so busy making an attempt to maintain up with business adjustments (AI, anyone?), tariffs, and different unrelated international craziness, my remedy is to exit filming. I nonetheless very a lot love the power to create a small visible story with the minimal attainable gear. Give me a small tripod, a mini slider, a digicam, and ideally, an anamorphic lens, and I’m glad to the purpose of forgetting the second. Modifying the above brief piece was additionally a pleasure, and in case you might be questioning about grading, I used to be utilizing fylm ai to my support. Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com.
Suggestions, remarks, ideas, and something in between are welcome within the remark part under
