Vazen has launched its new 50mm T2.1 1.8X Anamorphic Lens for full frame cameras. The lens is available in an interchangeable PL and EF mount.
The lens is designed to cover large format cinema cameras like the RED Monstro, ARRI ALEXA LF, Kinefinity Mavo LF, and the Z-CAM E2-F8.
Vazen will also be introducing a 135mm lens in the next few months to complete the set. I have previously reviewed the 85mm T2.1 1.8X Anamorphic on the site. You can see that review here.
The 50mm features a compact and lightweight design and it weighs in at 1.55kg / 3.42lb. It is 5.24” / 13.3cm long, which according to Vazen, makes it one of the world’s smallest 1.8x anamorphic lenses for full frame cameras.
The 50mm has the same focus and aperture positions, and 86mm front filter diameter as the 85mm lens. The front diameter is a standard 95mm for matte box mounting.
The lens casing is made from aluminum and the independent aperture and focus rings feature industry standard 0.8 mod cine gears. The lens is available in an interchangeable PL and EF mount. Both mounts and shims can be found with the lens in a Vazen hard case.
The 50mm features an ultra-wide 65° horizontal field of view (similar to a 28mm spherical lens) and a close focusing distance of just 3.6” from sensor.
Vazen chose to adopt a 1.8x squeeze design to balance the anamorphic characters as well as the resolution of the image. The 1.8x squeeze can produce a cinematic widescreen 2.39:1 aspect when paired up with 4:3 sensors. When paired up with 16:9 sensors, much less data (than 2X anamorphic lens) is needed to be cropped away to create the desired 2.39:1 ratio.
Price & Availability
The lens is available to pre-order from authorized resellers and from Vazen website. It is expected to start shipping in late August. Vazen is offering Free Priority shipping.
The retail price is $8,000 USD. If you purchase both the 50mmm and the 85mm together Vazen is also offering a $2,000 USD discount.
Specifications
Focal Length: 50mm
Min. Focus Distance: 3.6 Ft (1.1m)
Weight: 3.42 lbs (1.55 kg)
Length: 5.24″ (13.3 cm)
Front Diameter: 95mm
Filter Thread: 86mm
Mount: PL / EF (User interchangeable)
Coverage: Arri Alexa LF open gate, 8k
