Sirui Sirui IronStar Series 35, 45 & 60mm T1.9 Review

For $2999, you get three full-frame anamorphic primes with a signature blue flare. Optical quality is in the 97th percentile, but build quality is only in the 20th. It's a fantastic value for dedicated filmmakers, but a terrible choice for anyone needing autofocus or a versatile hybrid lens.

The Sirui IronStar 35, 45, and 60mm T1.9 set is a three-lens anamorphic kit priced at $2999. It's built for one thing: delivering a specific, cinematic look at a price point that undercuts most single anamorphic lenses. You're getting a full-frame image circle, an interchangeable PL/EF mount system, and a signature blue flare that's baked right into the design. This isn't a do-everything lens set. It's a tool for filmmakers who want that classic 2x squeeze anamorphic character without renting a $20,000 lens.

Optical performance is the star here, landing in the 97th percentile. That means these lenses are sharp where they need to be, with controlled aberrations, especially when you consider the complex anamorphic design. The 16-blade aperture helps create smooth, oval bokeh that ranks in the 72nd percentile. But the trade-offs are clear in the data. There's no autofocus (46th percentile), no stabilization (36th percentile), and the T1.9 max aperture is only in the 30th percentile. You're trading modern conveniences for pure optical character. The 1:23.26 max magnification and 650mm minimum focus distance also put it in the 44th percentile for macro work, so don't expect extreme close-ups.

At $2999 for three full-frame anamorphic primes, the value is undeniable if you need this specific look. You're essentially paying $1000 per lens. Compare that to renting a single high-end anamorphic lens for a shoot, and the math works out fast for owner-operators or small studios. The included circular polarizer and variable ND filter in the kit are nice touches that save you a few hundred bucks right off the bat.

This set exists in its own niche, but let's look at the context. The Meike 55mm F1.8 is a sharp, affordable stills lens with autofocus, but it's not anamorphic and not built for cinema. The Viltrox 35mm F1.7 is another stills-focused, budget option. The real competition is other cinema lenses. Compared to a single Cooke or Zeiss anamorphic, the IronStars are a fraction of the cost but lack the legendary build and micro-contrast. Compared to other budget anamorphics, Sirui's three-lens set offers focal length consistency and that deliberate blue flare as a selling point. You're choosing between a complete, matched anamorphic kit (Sirui) or a single, potentially higher-quality but vastly more expensive lens from a traditional brand.

Skip this set if you're a photographer, a solo run-and-gun videographer, or anyone who relies on autofocus. The AF percentile is 46, and stabilization is 36, so you'll be manually focusing on a rig. Also, if you need a fast aperture for very low light, look elsewhere—T1.9 is only in the 30th percentile. And if build quality is your top concern (20th percentile), these might feel a bit lightweight compared to cinema standards.

If you're a filmmaker or videographer who specifically wants the 2x anamorphic look with blue flares and you have a budget under $3k, this set is a no-brainer. The optical performance is excellent for the price. But if you need autofocus, image stabilization, or a lens for photography and casual video, look elsewhere. This is a specialized tool that excels at its one job.