Sirui Sirui IronStar 35mm T1.9 Anamorphic 1.5x Lens Review
The Sirui IronStar 35mm delivers a true anamorphic look for filmmakers on a budget, but its heavy build and niche design make it a terrible choice for everyone else.
The 30-Second Version
A fantastic budget anamorphic lens for filmmakers chasing the cinematic look. For literally anything else, it's the wrong tool for the job.
Overview
The Sirui IronStar 35mm T1.9 is a one-trick pony, but it's a really good trick. If you want that classic, widescreen anamorphic look with blue flares and oval bokeh on a budget, this is your lens. Just know you're buying a dedicated cinema tool, not a versatile stills lens. It's built for one thing: making your footage look like a movie.
Performance
The optical performance is the star here, landing in the 97th percentile. That means it's sharp and clean, which is impressive for an anamorphic lens at this price. The surprise is how much it gives up for that specialty. It's heavy, it's manual focus only, and it has a minimum focus distance of over two feet, which is pretty limiting for anything close-up.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Delivers a genuine, cinematic anamorphic look with beautiful blue flares. 97th
- Interchangeable PL and EF mounts are a huge plus for adapting to different rigs. 72th
- Optical quality is excellent for the price, punching way above its weight.
- The 0.8 MOD gearing and 270° focus rotation make it a proper cinema lens for follow focus systems.
Cons
- It's a brick. At 1000g, it's heavy and not exactly nimble. 18th
- That 92mm filter thread is a pain. Good luck finding affordable variable NDs. 30th
- Minimum focus distance is over two feet, so forget about any intimate shots.
- Build quality feels a bit utilitarian. It lands in the 20th percentile for build, so it's functional, not luxurious.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 35 |
| Focal Length Max | 35 |
| Elements | 20 |
| Groups | 16 |
Aperture
| Diaphragm Blades | 16 |
Build
| Mount | Interchangeable Mount with Included ARRI PL/Canon EF |
| Format | Full-Frame (46 mm Image Circle) |
| Weight | 1.0 kg / 2.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 92 |
AF & Stabilization
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 650 |
| Max Magnification | 1:23.26 |
Value & Pricing
At just under a grand, it's a steal for the anamorphic look. You'd be paying three to four times this for a comparable look from bigger brands. The value is entirely in the unique visual character it provides.
vs Competition
Don't compare this to the Viltrox 35mm F1.7 or the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S. Those are autofocus stills lenses. This is a different beast. The real question is whether you need anamorphic. If you don't, a standard fast prime like the Meike 55mm F1.8 will give you better low-light performance (T1.9 vs F1.8 is a noticeable difference) and be far more versatile for photography. This lens only makes sense if you're chasing that specific cinematic squeeze.
| Spec | Sirui Sirui IronStar 35mm T1.9 Anamorphic 1.5x Lens | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35mm F1.7 Z-Mount for | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Sony YONGNUO Upgraded YN50MM F1.8S DA DSM II Lens, for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm | 35mm | 17-70mm | 55mm | 24mm | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | — | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Mount | Interchangeable Mount with Included ARRI PL/Canon EF | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Sony A, Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 1000 | 179 | 544 | 281 | 269 | 198 |
| AF Type | — | STM | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | — | — | Zoom | — | Zoom | — |
Common Questions
Q: Is the 92mm filter thread a deal-breaker?
It's annoying, but not a deal-breaker if you're using it like a cinema lens. Most cinema lenses use matte boxes, not screw-on filters. If you rely on a single VND filter for all your lenses, this will force you into a new, expensive system.
Q: Can I use this for photography?
Technically, yes. Practically, no. It's manual focus only, heavy, and you'll have to de-squeeze the image in post. It's a video lens first, last, and only.
Q: How's the low-light performance at T1.9?
It's good, but T1.9 isn't as fast as an F1.4 or even F1.8 stills lens. Our data puts its aperture performance in the 30th percentile. It'll get the job done, but don't expect magic in a dark room.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a hybrid shooter, a photographer, or someone who just wants a sharp 35mm prime, skip this immediately. Go get the Viltrox 35mm F1.7 instead—it's cheaper, lighter, has autofocus, and is actually designed for you.
Verdict
We recommend the Sirui IronStar 35mm if you're a filmmaker or serious videographer who wants to add anamorphic character to your kit without a massive loan. It's a purpose-built tool that does its one job exceptionally well. For everyone else—travel shooters, hybrid creators, or photographers—this lens will just be a heavy, expensive paperweight.