Sirui Astra Astra T1.8 1.33x AF Anamorphic Review

The Sirui Astra T1.8 1.33x AF 3-Cine Lens Kit is a gateway to anamorphic filmmaking for Sony mirrorless users. It bundles three sharp primes (50, 75, 100mm) that deliver classic oval bokeh and neutral flares in a 2.4:1 aspect ratio. The included autofocus is a rare convenience at this price, though stabilization is missing.

If you're a Sony shooter looking to get into anamorphic video without selling a kidney, the Sirui Astra T1.8 1.33x AF 3-Cine Lens Kit is probably on your radar. This bundle gives you three prime lenses—50mm, 75mm, and 100mm—all with that signature widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio, oval bokeh, and those classic neutral streak flares. At around $2,550 for the set, it's positioned as a gateway into the anamorphic world for indie filmmakers, YouTubers, and content creators who want a cinematic look without the complexity of manual-only cinema lenses. The key feature here is the autofocus, which is a rare find in anamorphic lenses at this price point, making it a lot more approachable for solo operators or run-and-gun shooters.

Our database puts the optical performance in the 96th percentile, which is impressive. In practice, that means these lenses are sharp, even wide open at T1.8, with minimal chromatic aberration. The anamorphic characteristics—the oval bokeh and vertical stretch of out-of-focus backgrounds—are pronounced and look great. The autofocus system lands in the 45th percentile, which tells you it's functional but not class-leading. It's fine for controlled shots or slower-paced work, but you wouldn't rely on it for fast-paced documentary shooting. The lack of stabilization (35th percentile) means you'll need a gimbal or steady hands, especially on the longer 100mm lens.

At $2,550 for three dedicated anamorphic lenses with autofocus, the value proposition is strong if you're specifically chasing that look. The closest alternatives are manual anamorphic adapters or single manual lenses from brands like SLR Magic, which often cost nearly as much for one focal length without AF. You're paying for the convenience of a matched set and autofocus. For pure image quality, a set of three excellent spherical Sony GM primes would cost more, but they wouldn't give you the anamorphic look. This kit sits in a sweet spot for budget-conscious creators who want the aesthetic without the full cine workflow hassle.

The most direct competitor is really other anamorphic options. A single Sirui 50mm anamorphic lens is cheaper, but the three-lens kit offers more versatility. Compared to using an anamorphic adapter on a spherical lens, the Sirui kit is more integrated and likely sharper. If you're considering spherical lenses like the Meike 55mm F1.8 or Viltrox primes mentioned in our data, know that you're comparing apples and oranges—those are great photo/video hybrids, but they won't give you the 2.4:1 squeeze, oval bokeh, or flares. For filmmakers, the choice is between the Sirui's accessible anamorphic look or the potentially better autofocus and stabilization of a standard lens.

Skip this kit if you primarily shoot still photography, need weather sealing for outdoor shoots, or require blisteringly fast and accurate autofocus for sports or wildlife. Also, if you shoot mostly handheld vlogs without a gimbal, the lack of stabilization will be a deal-breaker. In those cases, look at a stabilized zoom like the Tamron 28-75mm G2 or a set of fast AF primes from Sony or Sigma.

So, should you buy the Sirui Astra 3-Cine Lens Kit? If you're a video-focused Sony shooter who's been dreaming of anamorphic footage and you work in controlled environments (or with a gimbal), this is a compelling and relatively affordable way in. The autofocus, while not perfect, lowers the barrier to entry significantly. But if you need rock-solid autofocus for unpredictable action, or if you shoot a lot of handheld without stabilization, this kit will frustrate you. It's a purpose-built tool for a specific cinematic look, and it executes that very well for the money.