Ukrainian lens manufacturer, XELMUS, which specializes in high-end full-frame yet affordable (?) anamorphic glass with extraordinary waterfall flare and Panavision look & feel, has announced a new anamorphic series called AURA. Let’s dive in a bit.
After the successful presentation of new lenses on Camerimage this year, we are ready to reveal more information about our new 2x anamorphic S35 series.
Xelmus
Xelmus Anamorphic is booming
Gladly, more and more high-end productions utilize XELMUS anamorphic lenses (APOLLO in that case). We say ‘Gladly’ as we were the first to believe in this company. They are making a truly stunning piece of glass there.
They know what they are doing as top-notch DPs use the APOLLO on very demanding projects. As stated before: “Xelmus Anamorphic is not just a company — it’s a testament to resilience. Based in Kharkiv, Ukraine, a city that continues to endure daily rocket attacks during Russia’s full-scale invasion, this team remains committed to creating world-class lenses that bring stories to life on the big screen”. Devoting yourself to moviemaking under fire proves pure dedication.
Say hello to AURA
The new anamorphic lenses were introduced as an improved version of the APOLLO. “After the successful presentation of new lenses on Camerimage this year, we are ready to reveal more information about our new 2x anamorphic S35 series,” said Xelmus, and added that the first A set to be released contains 4 lenses: 30mm T2.2, 50mm T2.2, 75mm T2.2, and 135mm T2.5. Furthermore, AURA incorporates the same Astigmatizers focusing system as the first APOLLO series, but further upgraded, and more precise mechanics. Xelmus added that the look is characterized by beautiful waterfall bokeh, low barrel distortion, and low desaturated flare, with a modern contrasty look. The breathing will be controlled. Also, one of the key features of this series is the beautiful veiling glare that you find on Anamorphic lenses from the 60-70th era. The A set will start shipping on July 1st, 2025. Xelmus says that by the end of 2025, we start preorders for B set: 20mm T2.2, 40mm T2.2, 60mm MACRO (9.8 inch, 25cm) T2.2, and 100mm T2.2.
Inspired by Panavision
Although XELMUS doesn’t elaborate on this in front, we know that those lenses are inspired by the Panavision lenses. For instance, one of the main features of APOLLO is the anti-mump system created in 1954 by Mr. Gottschalk from Panavision. This feature allows only vertical breath when focusing from infinity to the close point, which means that the horizontal axis stays locked. Also, this feature can bring the focus point of the lens closer than 1 foot. Additionally, look at the AURA. From a distance, it looks like a T-series. And that’s a good thing.
One of the key features of this series is the beautiful veiling glare that you find on Anamorphic lenses from the 60-70th era. The A set will start shipping on July 1st, 2025. Xelmus says that by the end of 2025, we start preorders for B set: 20mm T2.2, 40mm T2.2, 60mm MACRO (9.8 inch, 25cm) T2.2, and 100mm T2.2.
Price & availability
As explained, preorders will start in 2025. Regarding the price, there’s no info. XELMUS started cheap but became fairly expensive. However the AURA glass just needs to cover Super 35 sensors, so we expect a lower price tag compared to APOLLO. As a final note, we just want to add that we are glad to see this company grow and add more glass to the arsenal. Kudos to Xelmus.
