The passion
A reignited passion for shooting (with a camera) became an obsession and the dive to deeper waters started a few months back
Once I started to shoot videos, I felt the need for a wide angle lens of about 28mm (full frame). However I disliked the perspective of a wide angle lens digest the perspective of that focal length. Oh why not try anamorphic lenses? Well. There are a few options. 1. Lenses that cost from USD300000 to USD90000.00. 2. Save money (?) by going for the projector lens, dozens of adapters, dioptres and engaged for the rest of your life with fiddling with the unwieldy set up and go through the hazels of double focus. Still upward of USD 3000.00. And the additional cost of a taking lens of over 85mm focal length. Again the problem of the camera mounts. I needed the Leica L mount. And a lens that will cover the full frame sensor. 3. Factory made, affordable anamorphic lens.
The solution?
Got down to the Sirui 50mm full frame anamorphic lens priced at about USD1500 plus tax. Still cheaper than the nearest competitor by more than USD500.00. Finally took the plunge and placed my order. Right from the initial questions to the final delivery of the product, the team Sirui in India did a wonderful job. One of the most pleasant buying experiences in my life. The Sirui team assisted me by patiently answering and clarifying every question and doubt that I raised, and once I placed my order, they delivered the product in record time of two days. Five out of Five stars for the customer service. Thank you Team Sirui India
The lens.
Built like a tank. Rock solid. Bomb proof. Etc.etc. etc..... A solid build of a cine lens. Everything that one want in an anamorphic cine lens is here. Smooth “click less” aperture ring, buttery smooth focus ring, “t” stops.. Yes everything for a cine lens. The Sirui claimed horizontal angle of view equal to a 31mm regular lens is very close to the 28mm wide angle lens that I planned to buy but did not due to the perspective issues. Sirui has indeed done their homework well while designing this lens. From a few test clips I can honestly say that the lens is a keeper. I recommend this lens to anyone who is serious about anamorphic shooting and has a full frame camera.