Sirui SIRUI 35mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens Review

So you're looking at the Sirui 35mm T2.9 1.6X anamorphic lens. If you're searching for a budget-friendly way to get that cinematic widescreen look on your full-frame Sony, Canon, or Nikon mirrorless camera, this is one of the main options. It's a hefty piece of glass at 1365g, and it's manual focus only, so it's built for filmmakers who want to pull focus themselves. It's not a lens you'd grab for a casual photo walk, but for video projects where you want to add some character and that classic 2.39:1 aspect ratio, it's a specific tool for a specific job. At around $899, it sits in an interesting spot—way cheaper than most cinema anamorphics, but you're giving up autofocus and weather sealing.

Let's talk about what this lens does well. Its macro performance is surprisingly strong, landing in the 94th percentile. That means you can get really close to your subject (0.35m minimum focus distance) and still capture sharp details, which is great for creative shots. The optical quality is decent, sitting around the 33rd percentile. You'll get the classic anamorphic traits: oval bokeh and horizontal lens flares. Just don't expect it to be razor-sharp corner-to-corner wide open. The T2.9 aperture is fine for controlled lighting, but it's not super fast, so you'll need good light or a well-lit scene. For run-and-gun video, the lack of stabilization means you'll want a gimbal or a rig.

At $899, the Sirui 35mm anamorphic is about value through specialization. You are not buying a do-it-all lens. You're buying a single, fairly affordable ticket to the anamorphic look. Compared to renting or buying professional cinema anamorphics that cost five figures, it's a steal. But you have to be okay with the trade-offs: manual everything, no sealing, and a weight that demands support. If you just want a sharp 35mm prime for photos, there are much better values. But if 'anamorphic' is the goal, this price is hard to beat new.

This lens exists in a niche, but let's compare it to some alternatives people might consider. The Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro is a full-frame autofocus lens that's also around $900. It's a photo lens first—sharp, fast, and versatile. If you need autofocus for photos or hybrid shooting, the Meike is a no-brainer over the Sirui. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is another AF option for Sony E-mount, and it's much cheaper. It'll give you a standard look with a fast aperture, but zero anamorphic character. The Sirui isn't really competing with those. Its real competition is other budget anamorphics, like used vintage lenses or other Sirui models. Against those, the 35mm focal length and 1.6X squeeze are its main specs to consider.

Should you buy the Sirui 35mm T2.9 anamorphic? Only if you know exactly what you're getting into. This is not a lens for beginners or photographers. It's a manual-focus cinema lens for filmmakers and videographers who want the anamorphic aesthetic on a budget. If you're shooting narrative shorts, music videos, or indie projects and you're ready to work with manual focus and heavy gear, it can add real production value. But if you need autofocus, shoot in bad weather, or just want a great all-around 35mm prime, look at the Meike 55mm or a used Sigma Art instead. For its specific purpose, it's a compelling tool. For anything else, it's the wrong tool.