Sirui SIRUI 20mm T1.8 1.33X Anamorphic Lens, S35 Review

So you're looking at anamorphic lenses for your Super 35 or APS-C camera, and the Sirui 20mm T1.8 has probably popped up. It's a wide-angle anamorphic prime with a 1.33x squeeze, which gives you that classic widescreen 2.35:1 look when you're shooting in a standard 16:9 mode. The big sell here is that you get that cinematic flare and oval bokeh without having to crop your sensor, which is a huge plus for video shooters. It's built for Nikon Z mount with autofocus, which is pretty rare for anamorphic glass at this price point, and it comes in at just over a kilogram. For around $599, it's positioned as an accessible entry into the anamorphic world.

Let's talk about what it does well. The autofocus is a standout, landing in the 97th percentile. The STM motor is smooth and quiet for video, and having eye-tracking on an anamorphic lens is a genuine luxury. Its close-focusing ability is also top-tier, scoring in the 98th percentile for macro-like work, which is great for creative shots. The built-in stabilization is solid too, at the 89th percentile, helping you keep handheld shots steady. Now, the trade-off. That 'ultra-fast' T1.8 aperture? It's actually in the 28th percentile for its class, meaning it's not as exceptional as it sounds. The overall optical quality and bokeh scores are in the 30th percentile range, so don't expect clinical sharpness or dreamy, creamy backgrounds. It gets the anamorphic look, but with some optical compromises.

At $599, the Sirui 20mm T1.8 is one of the most affordable ways to get a true autofocus anamorphic lens. You're paying for the unique anamorphic character and AF convenience, not for flawless optics or a tank-like build. If your main goal is cinematic video with that widescreen look on a budget, it's a compelling option. If pristine image quality is your top priority, a standard spherical prime at this price will likely outperform it.

This lens exists in a niche, but let's compare it to some alternatives. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 for Z mount is a standard spherical prime. It'll be sharper, have better bokeh, and cost less, but you lose the entire anamorphic look and feel. The Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro is a full-frame AF lens known for its build and optical quality for photography, but again, it's not anamorphic. For a more direct anamorphic comparison, you'd have to look at manual-only options from brands like SLR Magic or older used lenses, which sacrifice autofocus and stabilization. The Sirui's main draw is bundling AF and the anamorphic format into one package you can actually buy new.

Should you buy the Sirui 20mm T1.8 anamorphic? It's a solid 'yes' for a specific filmmaker. If you're a solo shooter or run-and-gun videographer using a Nikon Z camera with a Super 35 sensor, and you want to add authentic anamorphic character to your projects without breaking the bank or losing autofocus, this lens is made for you. The AF and stabilization are genuine workflow helpers. Just know what you're getting into: the build feels cheap, and the image isn't the sharpest. It's a tool for creating a specific vibe, not for pixel-peeping perfection. If you need a sharp, all-purpose lens for photography or hybrid use, look at one of the standard primes from Nikon, Viltrox, or Sigma instead.