Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 75mm Full-Frame Anamorphic Review
The Sirui Astra 75mm brings the coveted anamorphic look to filmmakers on a budget. We found its optics are stunning, but its autofocus is merely average.
The 30-Second Version
A shockingly good anamorphic lens for the money. Buy it for the beautiful 2.4:1 widescreen look and sharp optics, but keep your expectations low for the autofocus.
Overview
The Sirui Astra 75mm T1.8 is a one-trick pony, but it's a fantastic trick. If you're looking for an affordable, full-frame anamorphic lens to get that classic widescreen look with neutral flares and oval bokeh, this is your best bet under a grand. Forget about using it for stills or run-and-gun video though. It's a dedicated tool for filmmakers who want to add cinematic character without breaking the bank.
Performance
The optical performance is the star here, landing in the 95th percentile in our database. That means it's sharp where it counts, with minimal distortion and those clean, neutral flares Sirui promises. The autofocus, however, is a bit of a letdown, sitting in the 45th percentile. It's fine for controlled, slower-paced shots, but don't expect it to keep up with fast action. The 2-foot minimum focus distance is also a bit limiting for tight shots.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning, sharp optics that deliver a true anamorphic look. 94th
- Incredible value for a full-frame anamorphic lens.
- Clean, neutral flares that are more versatile than blue ones.
- Solid build quality that feels professional for the price.
Cons
- Autofocus is just okay, not great for fast-moving subjects. 30th
- The 75mm focal length is a bit niche and not very versatile.
- No image stabilization, so you'll need a gimbal or tripod.
- That 2-foot minimum focus distance feels restrictive.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 75 |
| Focal Length Max | 75 |
| Elements | 18 |
| Groups | 13 |
Aperture
| Diaphragm Blades | 13 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | Full-Frame (44 mm Image Circle) |
| Weight | 0.7 kg / 1.5 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 600 |
Value & Pricing
At $849, this lens is a steal. Full-frame anamorphic lenses from major brands can cost five to ten times as much. You're getting 95th percentile optical quality for a fraction of the price. The trade-offs in autofocus and versatility are more than worth it for the look you're buying.
vs Competition
This lens doesn't really have direct competitors. The Meike 55mm F1.8 or Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S are fantastic lenses, but they're spherical primes for stills and video. They won't give you the 2.4:1 aspect ratio, oval bokeh, or anamorphic flares. The Viltrox 35mm F1.7 is another great value prime, but again, it's for a different job. If you want the anamorphic look, the Sirui Astra is in a class of its own at this price.
| Spec | Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 75mm Full-Frame Anamorphic | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Viltrox Air VILTROX 35mm F1.7 f/1.7 Air AF Lens for Fuji X | Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Canon RF Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Fujifilm VILTROX 56mm F1.4 STM APS-C Frame Auto Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 75mm | 55mm | 35mm | 17-70mm | 24mm | - |
| Max Aperture | - | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-Mount, Sony E-M | Canon RF | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 680 | 281 | 400 | 544 | 272 | 320 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | - | - | - | Wide-Angle Zoom | Wide-Angle | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 75mm Full-Frame Anamorphic | 46.4 | 60.9 | 55.2 | 53.4 | 94 | 29.7 | 37.5 | 37.9 |
| Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF STM Compare | 95.6 | 81.8 | 81.2 | 89.1 | 67.5 | 88.1 | 37.5 | 87.7 |
| Viltrox Air 35mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Compare | 95.6 | 73.6 | 63.5 | 93.2 | 74 | 80.6 | 37.5 | 87.7 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 -A VC RXD Compare | 46.4 | 59.2 | 64.4 | 77.4 | 90.8 | 54.6 | 92.5 | 87.7 |
| Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Compare | 46.4 | 81.8 | 87.7 | 81 | 82.5 | 75.8 | 37.5 | 99.9 |
| Fujifilm VILTROX 56mm F1.4 STM APS-C Frame Auto Focus Standard Prime Compare | 95.6 | 81.8 | 88.9 | 85.2 | 34.6 | 88.1 | 37.5 | 87.7 |
Common Questions
Q: Can I use this lens for photography?
Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Your photos will come out squeezed and distorted, requiring software to 'de-squeeze' them. It's a huge hassle. This is a video-first lens.
Q: Do I need a special camera to use an anamorphic lens?
You need a camera that can record video, preferably one that lets you monitor a de-squeezed image in the viewfinder or on the screen. Most modern mirrorless cameras from Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, and Fujifilm have this setting.
Q: Is the autofocus reliable for video?
It's reliable for slow, deliberate focus pulls or static shots. For anything involving fast movement or tracking a subject, you're better off using manual focus. Think of the AF as a helpful assistant, not the star of the show.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a photographer or a hybrid shooter who needs a lens for both photos and video, skip this. Go get a standard prime like the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S instead. Also, if you need a versatile travel lens, this 75mm anamorphic is the opposite of that.
Verdict
If you're a filmmaker or content creator who's been dreaming of the anamorphic look but couldn't justify the cost of a Cooke or ARRI lens, buy the Sirui Astra 75mm. It's a purpose-built tool that delivers the goods optically. Just pair it with a good stabilization setup and accept that its autofocus is merely a convenience feature. For everyone else shooting regular photos or video, a standard spherical prime will be a better, more versatile choice.