Sirui Sirui IronStar 35mm T1.9 Anamorphic 1.5x Lens Review

The Sirui IronStar 35mm T1.9 is a budget-friendly, full-frame anamorphic lens that delivers a genuine cinematic widescreen look. It's sharp, has a fast aperture for low light, and includes both PL and EF mounts. Just know it's manual focus only and built specifically for video, not photography.

If you're hunting for that cinematic widescreen look without dropping five figures on a Cooke, the Sirui IronStar 35mm T1.9 Anamorphic lens is a serious contender. It's a full-frame prime lens designed specifically for video, with a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze that gives you those classic oval bokeh and horizontal lens flares. For around $999, you get a fast T1.9 aperture for low light and shallow depth of field, plus an interchangeable mount system that comes with both ARRI PL and Canon EF adapters right in the box. This isn't your everyday photography lens; it's a tool built for filmmakers and content creators who want to add a distinct, professional look to their projects.

This lens is all about the image character, not autofocus speed. Our optical analysis puts it in the 97th percentile for its category, which means the glass is sharp and well-corrected where it counts. The T1.9 aperture is fast, landing in the 30th percentile, which is decent but not class-leading. The real story is the anamorphic look: the 1.5x squeeze gives you a wider aspect ratio without cropping your sensor, and the 16-blade aperture creates smooth, oval-shaped bokeh that's a dead giveaway of the anamorphic style. The neutral flares are subtle and controlled, not the blue-streaked Hollywood kind, which some shooters prefer for a more modern look.

At $999, the IronStar 35mm sits in a sweet spot. It's significantly more affordable than dedicated anamorphic lenses from companies like Atlas or Vazen, while offering a more authentic anamorphic look than cheaper 'anamorphic-style' filters or lenses. You're paying for the optical design and the interchangeable mount system. If your main goal is to get the anamorphic squeeze and character, this lens delivers that for a reasonable sum. If you just want a fast 35mm prime for general use, there are far better and cheaper options.

This lens doesn't really compete with standard photo lenses like the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S or the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7. Those are autofocus lenses for run-and-gun shooting and photography. The IronStar's real competition is other budget anamorphic options. Compared to the Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro, the Sirui offers a faster aperture (T1.9 vs F1.8), a wider focal length, and a dedicated 1.5x anamorphic design versus Meike's more hybrid approach. The Sirui is heavier and more specialized. Against something like the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8, there's no contest for versatility—the zoom wins. But for that specific anamorphic 'look,' the Sirui is in a league of its own at this price.

Skip this lens if you need autofocus for vlogging or run-and-gun documentary work. Also, pass if you primarily shoot still photography—get a standard autofocus prime instead. If you need macro capabilities or extremely close focusing, the 26-inch minimum distance will be a deal-breaker. For travelers or anyone prioritizing a lightweight kit, the 2.2-pound weight and lack of versatility make it a poor choice. Look at a compact zoom or a standard 35mm f/1.8 instead.

So, should you buy it? If you're a filmmaker, YouTuber, or wedding videographer who's been wanting to experiment with or commit to an anamorphic look, this lens is a fantastic and relatively low-risk entry point. The image quality is there, and the included dual mounts are a huge perk. But if you need autofocus, shoot mostly photos, or need to get super close to your subject, this lens will frustrate you. It's a specialized tool that excels at one very specific job: making your video look like a movie.