Sirui Astra AST-3S-EN

Sirui's 3-lens anamorphic kit brings autofocus and that cinematic stretch to L-mount cameras without the usual vintage hassle. Optics are above average and neutral flares look great, but build quality and lack of stabilization hold it back. At around $2549 if you hunt for a deal, it's a fair price for a specialized creative tool.

Sirui packed three anamorphic primes into one kit, and you get 50, 75, and 100mm L-mount lenses that each open to T1.8. The promise here is that vintage widescreen look without spending a fortune or dealing with massive rigs. They're light, they autofocus, and you can switch between auto and manual focus right on the barrel.

But there's a catch: build quality sits below average for the price, and there's zero weather sealing or stabilization. If you're dreaming of dramatic oval bokeh and neutral streak flares for a narrative project, this kit does deliver. Just don't expect it to feel like a tank or handle a downpour.

Optically, these lenses are solid, landing near the top third of our database for a natural, flattering image. The T1.8 aperture is bright enough for low light, though its ranking is underwhelming compared to modern photo lenses because anamorphic designs always trade some speed for that stretched character. Autofocus is middle-of-the-pack, sometimes hunting in lower contrast, and the close focusing distance of 500mm means you won't nail tight detail shots. Bokeh is soft and oval-shaped, but falls a bit behind the best we've seen in this category. Without stabilization, you'll want a tripod or a very steady hand for video.

Pricing is all over the place, from $2549 up to $3492 across vendors, so you definitely want to shop around for the best deal. Even at the low end, it's a serious investment, and the build and sealing omissions sting a bit. But if you're shooting narrative or music video work and want that CinemaScope aesthetic without ancient, heavy glass, the cost is actually reasonable. For three dedicated anamorphic primes with autofocus, this sits in a sweet spot for independent filmmakers who can protect them from the elements.

Stacked against general-purpose zooms like Nikon's Z 18-140mm or Canon's RF-S 18-150mm, this kit is a completely different animal. Those lenses are versatile for run-and-gun photography, while Sirui's trio is all about cinematic character and a fixed wideness. Compared to other affordable anamorphic options, the autofocus here is a genuine differentiator, but Viltrox or Sigma f/2.8 primes will beat it in sheer light gathering and build quality. You're buying into a specific look, not general usefulness.

Skip this if you need a lens that can handle rain, dust, or rough handling. Videographers who rely on handheld work or need close-up macro capability will find the lack of stabilization and long minimum focus distance frustrating. If you're just dipping your toes into video and don't care about the de-squeezed aspect ratio, a fast standard zoom will serve you better for far less money.

This kit is for L-mount videographers who've been itching to shoot true widescreen without breaking out a reference monitor for de-squeeze. The autofocus makes it more approachable for solo operators, and the flare character is intentionally clean. If you're building a personal cinema kit and can forgive the flimsy exterior, it's a compelling budget entry into anamorphic primes. Just don't expect it to replace a rugged all-rounder.