Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 75mm Full-Frame Anamorphic Review

The Sirui Astra 75mm delivers Hollywood-style anamorphic looks for indie budgets. Its optics are top-tier (95th percentile), but AF is just okay and there's no stabilization. Worth it if you need that 2.4:1 cinematic squeeze and blue flares.

The Sirui Astra 75mm is a full-frame anamorphic lens that wants to give you that cinematic look without the Hollywood price tag. It's a 1.33x squeeze lens, so you get that classic widescreen 2.4:1 aspect ratio right out of the camera, no cropping needed. It's built for Nikon Z cameras, offers both manual and autofocus, and is known for producing those signature blue streak flares.

At 680g, it's not exactly a featherweight, but it's manageable for a lens with this much glass inside. The optical performance is its main event, scoring in the top 5% of lenses in our database. Everything else, from build quality to autofocus, is a bit more of a mixed bag.

The optics are where this lens truly shines, landing in the 95th percentile. That means it's sharp, it's clean, and it delivers that anamorphic look with authority. The blue flares are a specific, stylized effect that you'll either love or plan to avoid. The autofocus, however, is just okay, sitting in the 45th percentile. It gets the job done but don't expect lightning-fast, silent performance. And with no image stabilization, you'll want to pair it with a camera body that has IBIS or plan to use it on a rig.

At $849, the Sirui Astra 75mm sits in a weird spot. It's not cheap, but for a full-frame anamorphic lens with autofocus, it's arguably a bargain. You're paying for those top-tier optics and the unique anamorphic look. Just know that you're also paying for some compromises in AF, stabilization, and close-focusing ability. If the cinematic aesthetic is non-negotiable for your work, the value is there. If you just want a sharp 75mm prime, there are better values.

This isn't really competing with standard primes like the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S or Viltrox lenses. Its real competition is other anamorphic options. Compared to fully manual cine anamorphics, the Sirui's autofocus is a huge plus for solo shooters or run-and-gun work. Compared to more expensive anamorphics from brands like Atlas or Cooke, you're getting 90% of the look for maybe 20% of the price, but you lose out on build quality, consistent focus gears, and that 'perfect' optical character. The Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro is a closer rival, but it's a spherical lens, so it doesn't give you the anamorphic squeeze or flares.

Skip this lens if you're primarily a photographer, a travel shooter, or someone who needs a versatile, do-everything prime. Its low travel and versatility scores tell the story: it's a specialized video tool. If you don't specifically want the anamorphic look with oval bokeh and stretched backgrounds, a standard spherical lens will be cheaper and easier to use.

Buy this if you're a filmmaker or serious video shooter on a Nikon Z system who craves the anamorphic look but can't justify a $5,000+ lens. It's a fantastic gateway into anamorphic cinematography. The autofocus makes it more accessible than fully manual options, and the optical quality is genuinely impressive for the price. Just be ready to work around its limitations.