SIRUI 20mm T1.8 Anamorphic Lens Review (2025)

The SIRUI 20mm T1.8 1.33X S35 AF Anamorphic Lens is an exciting addition to SIRUI’s growing lineup of anamorphic lenses, designed specifically for Super 35 sensors.

With autofocus capability and a fast T1.8 aperture, it aims to bring the cinematic anamorphic look to both independent filmmakers and content creators without breaking the bank.

In this review, we’ll explore its build quality, image performance, autofocus reliability, and overall usability to determine whether it’s a worthy investment.

Build Quality & Design

SIRUI has built a reputation for producing solid, high-quality anamorphic lenses, and this 20mm is no exception. The lens features a metal housing that feels robust and professional. It’s compact and lightweight compared to traditional anamorphic lenses, making it a great option for handheld or gimbal work.

The focus and aperture rings are smooth, with a tactile resistance that gives a premium feel. The lens markings are clearly engraved, ensuring visibility in various shooting conditions. The 1.33X squeeze factor provides that classic anamorphic aesthetic without requiring extreme de-squeezing in post.

Image Quality

Sharpness & Detail

For an anamorphic lens at this price point, the sharpness is impressive. Wide open at T1.8, the center remains relatively sharp, while the edges exhibit the expected softness characteristic of anamorphic glass. Stopping down to T2.8 noticeably improves sharpness across the frame without losing the organic cinematic feel.

Color Rendering

The color reproduction is natural and leans slightly toward a cooler tone, which can be adjusted in post. The lens handles skin tones well and produces a pleasing image straight out of the camera.

Bokeh & Depth of Field

Thanks to its T1.8 aperture, this lens delivers beautiful oval-shaped bokeh that anamorphic enthusiasts crave. The subject separation is strong, and the depth of field is shallow enough to create that immersive, cinematic look without being overly dramatic.

Anamorphic Characteristics

Lens Flares

One of the main attractions of an anamorphic lens is its lens flare characteristics. The SIRUI 20mm doesn’t disappoint—it produces stunning blue-streaked flares, reminiscent of classic Hollywood cinematography. The flares are well-controlled and don’t feel excessive, though they might be a bit strong for those preferring a more natural look.

Aspect Ratio & Squeeze Factor

With a 1.33X squeeze, the lens transforms a standard 16:9 image into a 2.4:1 widescreen frame, giving that stretched anamorphic look without excessive cropping. This is ideal for those who want the anamorphic feel while still maintaining a reasonable workflow in post-production.

Autofocus Performance

Autofocus is a relatively new feature in anamorphic lenses, and SIRUI’s execution is quite promising. It works well in controlled lighting conditions and with modern mirrorless cameras. However, it’s not as fast as native AF lenses, and hunting can occur in low light. For narrative work, where manual focus pulling is common, this isn’t a major issue, but those relying on autofocus for run-and-gun shooting might find it limiting.

Low-Light Performance

With its T1.8 aperture, this lens excels in low-light situations. You can achieve beautifully lit shots without pushing ISO too high. The lens does show some vignetting at wider apertures, but this is typical of anamorphic lenses and can add to the aesthetic.

Distortion & Chromatic Aberration

Being a 20mm lens, some barrel distortion is present, but it’s not extreme. It adds to the anamorphic character rather than being a distraction. Chromatic aberration is minimal, even in high-contrast situations, which is impressive for a lens at this price point.

Usability & Compatibility

This lens is available in various mounts, making it accessible to Sony, Canon, Nikon, and other mirrorless camera users. Its lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for handheld shooting, gimbal work, and drone cinematography. However, due to its wide focal length, careful composition is needed to avoid exaggerated perspectives.

Who Should Buy This Lens?

This lens is ideal for independent filmmakers, YouTubers, and content creators looking to achieve a cinematic anamorphic look without the high cost of traditional anamorphic glass. It’s especially useful for:

• Cinematic vlogging (if you can work with manual focus at times)
• Short films and music videos
• Travel videography
• Low-light shooting due to its T1.8 aperture

Pros & Cons

Pros: ✔️ Affordable for an anamorphic lens ✔️ Compact and lightweight ✔️ Autofocus capability (though not perfect) ✔️ Beautiful oval bokeh and blue flares ✔️ Fast T1.8 aperture for low-light shooting ✔️ Minimal chromatic aberration

Cons: ❌ Autofocus can struggle in low light ❌ Some edge softness at T1.8 ❌ Barrel distortion due to the wide focal length ❌ Flares may be too strong for some users

Conclusion

The SIRUI 20mm T1.8 1.33X S35 AF Anamorphic Lens is a fantastic option for filmmakers wanting to explore the anamorphic look without a hefty investment. It combines solid build quality, beautiful image characteristics, and the convenience of autofocus in a well-priced package. While it has some limitations—particularly in autofocus reliability—it remains an excellent choice for those willing to work around its quirks.

If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality anamorphic lens that delivers stunning visuals and enhances your storytelling, this lens is definitely worth considering.

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