A new anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras has been introduced by Vazen. The 85mm T2.8 1.8X for PL/EF mounts is another affordable anamorphic glass that will allow you to catch those flares without breaking your bank account. Read on.
Vazen 85mm T2.8 1.8X for large sensors
The Vazen 85mm T2.8 is a new LF line-up released by Vazen and is designed to cover large format cinema cameras like Red Monstro, ALEXA LF, and Mini LF(Open-Gate), Kinefinity Mavo LF and Z-CAM E2-F8 fully and with no vignetting. The lens also features an ultra-wide 50° horizontal field of view and the closest focusing distance is 3.8” from the sensor. A 55mm and 105mm lens is also in works to complete a 3-lens set (in phase 1). According to Vazen, these 2 focal lengths are due to ship in late 2020.
The world’s lightest and smallest 1.8x anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras.
Vazen
“One of the lightest & sharpest 1.8x anamorphic lens”
The new 85mm features a compact and lightweight design and weighs about 3.28 pounds (1.49kg) and 6.89” long (17.5cm). Vazen claims that its 85mm T2.8 1.8X is currently “The world’s lightest and smallest 1.8x anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras, and its compactness allows it to be balanced on gimbals and rigs very easily”. The lens is designed with an 86mm front filter thread for easy installation of ND filters or diopters. The front diameter is a standard 95mm for matte box mounting. The entire lens is built up of aluminum and the independent aperture and focus rings are incorporated with 0.8 mod cine gears. According to Vazen, these parameters are expected to be consistent with the rest of the focal lengths for easy lens switching on set. The lens is available in an interchangeable PL and EF mount. Both mounts can be found with the lens in a Vazen hard case.
Cinematic look and texture
As stated by Vazen: “All the Vazen 1.8x anamorphic lenses feature a front anamorphic design. It delivers a buttery smooth oval bokeh, signature blue, but not oversaturated, horizontal flare and the widescreen cinematic look”. Furthermore, Vazen claims that the lens delivered outstanding sharpness, even at wide open, which is unparalleled by other PL/EF anamorphic lenses with a similar squeeze ratio. The lens also features an ultra-wide 50° horizontal field of view and the closest focusing distance is 3.8” from the sensor.
Highlights
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Min. Focus Distance: 3.8 Ft (1.15m)
- Weight: 3.28 lbs (1.49 kg)
- Length: 6.89″ (17.5 cm)
- Front Diameter: 95mm
- Filter Thread: 86mm
- Mount: PL / EF (User interchangeable)
- Coverage: Red Monstro open gate / Arri Alexa LF open gate
- Package includes: Vazen 85mm T2.8 1.8X Anamorphic Lens in PL mount, EF mount bayonet, Front and Rear Caps, Shims
Check out the test shot below. Shot on the RED Gemini 5K paired with Vazen FF 85mm T2.8 1.8x Anamorphic:
The lens delivers a buttery smooth oval bokeh, signature blue, but not oversaturated, horizontal flare and the widescreen cinematic look.
Vazen
Also, check out another test shot, this time with Sony FX9:
Pricing & Availability
The lens is currently available to order from authorized resellers and from the Vazen website. It is available to ship in late August. Free Priority shipping provided. The retail price in the US is USD 8,000/pc. Purchase discounts for 85mm owners will be available when the other 2 focal lengths are released.
Competition
The main competitors for this new Vazen FF 85mm T2.8 1.8x Anamorphic, are Atlas Orion, and Xelmus APOLLO Anamorphic Primes. Although the Orion series is not designed for full-frame, you can fix this by attaching the Atlas 1.6X LF Extender to cover larger sensors than Super 35. Furthermore, the prices of the Orion and APOLLO are steeper (see the slide below), however, you are getting much better build quality, and also a fancier name regarding the brand.
What anamorphic cinema glass would you prefer? Would you go with the brand new Vazen or invest a bit more and buy the APOLLO or Orion?
