Vazen launches the 50mm T2.1 1.8X anamorphic lens in PL/EF mount for full-frame cameras. The lens is compact and affordable ($8,000), and complements the 85mm T2.8 1.8X which was announced a year ago. Furthermore, a 135mm is expected to be ready in 1-2 months. Vazen defined the lens as “The world’s smallest 1.8x anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras”. Let’s have a look.

Vazen 50mm T2.1 1.8X FF Anamorphic

Vazen has unveiled the 50mm T2.1 1.8X anamorphic lens, which was designed to cover large format cinema cameras like RED Monstro, ALEXA LF, Kinefinity MAVO LF, and Z-CAM E2-F8. The new lens features a super compact and lightweight design (1.55kg and 13,3 cm long). According to Vazen, the 50mm T2.1 1.8X is one of the world’s smallest 1.8x anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras. Check out the image below which compares the Vazen 50mm T2.1 1.8X to the Sigma 18-35.

The 50mm T2.1 1.8X is one of the world’s smallest 1.8x anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras.

Vazen

Expanding the anamorphic FF set

The 50mm has the same focus and aperture position as the 85mm for facilitating the lens switch on the set. Furthermore, 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. The lens is available in an interchangeable PL and EF mount. Regarding the ‘anamorphic look’, Vazen says that the lens delivers a buttery smooth oval bokeh, blue streak, but not oversaturated, horizontal flare, and the widescreen cinematic imagery. The lens also features an ultra-wide 65° horizontal field of view (similar to a 28mm spherical lens) and the closest focusing distance is 3.6” from the sensor.

The 50mm T2.1 1.8X delivered outstanding sharpness, even at wide open, which is unparalleled by other PL/EF anamorphic lenses with the similar squeeze ratio.

Vazen

“Outstanding sharpness, even at wide-open”

Vazen states that: “The 50mm T2.1 1.8X delivered outstanding sharpness, even at wide open, which is unparalleled by other PL/EF anamorphic lenses with the similar squeeze ratio”. The 1.8x squeeze can produce a cinematic widescreen 2.39:1 aspect when paired up with 4:3 sensors. When paired up with 16:9 sensors, much less data (than 2X anamorphic lens) is needed to be cropped away to create the desired 2.39:1 ratio.

Check out the video below which demonstrates some of the capabilities and look of the 50mm T2.1 1.8X Anamorphic: 

Specifications

1. Focal Length: 50mm
2. T-stop: 2.1-16
3. Angle of view: Around 65° (Horizontal)
4. Min. Focus Distance: 3.6 Ft (1.1m)
5. Weight: 3.42 lbs (1.55 kg)
6. Length: 5.24″ (13.3 cm)
7. Front Diameter: 95mm
8. Filter Thread: 86mm
9. Mount: PL / EF (User interchangeable)
10. Coverage:  ARRI Alexa LF open gate, RED Monstro, Kinefinity MAVO LF (and Edge), Z-CAM E2-F8, Sony VENICE and etc

Package includes: Vazen 50mm T2.1 1.8X Anamorphic Lens in PL mount, EF mount bayonet, Front and Rear Caps, Shims

Pricing & Availability

The lens is currently available to order from authorized resellers and from the Vazen website. Also, you can preorder the lens on the B&H website. The is will be vailable to ship in late August. The retail price in the US is $8,000 per lens. A $2,000 discount will be offered for a 2-lens (50+ 85mm) purchase.

Initial thoughts

The Vazen 50mm T2.1 1.8X anamorphic lens constitutes a compact solution for full-frame cameras when the blue streak and the oval bokeh are needed to tell the story. By the way, a 135mm lens is expected in 1-2 months, and thus the anamorphic 1.8X set will be expanded to 50, 85, and 135mm, for phase 1, according to Vazen. That means, between the lines we can assume that there will be more anamorphic solutions presented by Vazen. 

Have you shot with Vazen anamorphic lenses before? What do you think about this affordable yet compact anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras? Let’s know your insights in the comments section below.