Sirui Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 50mm Full-Frame Review
The Sirui Astra 50mm T1.8 delivers Hollywood-style anamorphic video on a budget, but it demands you work around its limitations.
The 30-Second Version
A sharp, affordable anamorphic lens for cinematic video. Its optical quality is top-tier, but it lacks stabilization and has average autofocus. Worth it only if you're chasing that specific widescreen movie look.
Overview
The Sirui Astra 50mm T1.8 is a specialist lens built for one thing: cinematic video. It's an anamorphic lens, which means it squeezes a wide 2.4:1 aspect ratio image onto your sensor, giving you those classic widescreen movies with oval bokeh and blue streak flares. It's not a general-purpose lens, but for filmmakers on a budget who want that Hollywood look without the Hollywood price tag, it's a compelling option.
Performance
Optically, this thing is sharp. It scores in the 95th percentile for optical quality in our database, so the image is clean and detailed. The T1.8 aperture is decent for low light, though it's not class-leading. The autofocus is just okay, landing in the 45th percentile, and there's no stabilization at all. The minimum focus distance is a bit long, so don't expect to get super close to your subject.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning optical sharpness for the price. 95th
- Delivers authentic 2.4:1 anamorphic widescreen without cropping.
- Produces distinctive blue streak flares and oval bokeh.
- Offers both autofocus and manual focus modes.
Cons
- No image stabilization, so you'll need a gimbal or tripod. 30th
- Autofocus performance is merely average.
- Minimum focus distance is too long for tight shots.
- It's a heavy, single-purpose tool, scoring low for versatility.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 50 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
| Elements | 18 |
| Groups | 13 |
Aperture
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 |
Build
| Mount | L-Mount |
| Format | Full-Frame (44 mm Image Circle) |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 500 |
| Max Magnification | 1:7.2 |
Value & Pricing
At $849, it's one of the most affordable ways to get a true full-frame anamorphic lens with autofocus. You're paying for that specific cinematic look, not for versatility or cutting-edge tech. If you're a video shooter who needs that look, it's a great deal. If you're a hybrid shooter or photographer, it's a very expensive paperweight.
Price History
vs Competition
It doesn't really compete with standard primes like the Meike 55mm or Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S. Those are general-purpose lenses. The Sirui is for a different job. The real comparison is against other anamorphic options, which often cost thousands more and are manual focus only. The Sirui's main trade-off is giving you AF and a lower price, but you accept the weight, lack of stabilization, and that long minimum focus distance.
| Spec | Sirui Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 50mm Full-Frame | Meike Meike 50mm F1.8 Full Frame AF STM Lens Standard | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Sigma Sigma Contemporary Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary Lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 50mm | 24-70mm | 24mm | 17-70mm | 16-300mm |
| Max Aperture | - | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | L-Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Sony E Mount | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 635 | 301 | 676 | 269 | 544 | 615 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Common Questions
Q: Do I need a special camera or settings to use this anamorphic lens?
You need a camera that can record video and, ideally, one that can desqueeze the 2.4:1 image in-camera or in post-production. It works with any L-mount camera.
Q: Can I use this for photography?
Technically yes, but it's not designed for it. The anamorphic squeeze will distort still images unless you desqueeze them in editing software, which is a hassle.
Q: How does the T1.8 aperture compare to an f/1.8 lens?
T-stops (like T1.8) measure actual light transmission, while f-stops are a theoretical maximum. In practice, T1.8 is very close to f/1.8, so it's good for low light and shallow depth of field.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this lens if you're primarily a photographer, a travel vlogger, or anyone who needs a versatile, lightweight, all-in-one lens. Its scores for travel and versatility are in the basement. Also, if you need close-up shots, look elsewhere because the 1.6' minimum focus distance is a real limitation.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a filmmaker or serious video creator using L-mount cameras and you specifically want the anamorphic look without breaking the bank. It's a tool for a job, and it does that job well for the money.