The BLAZAR APEX line of anamorphic prime lenses with autofocus was the surprise announcement at IBC 2024. The first two lenses showcased were a 35mm T1.8 and a 50mm T1.8 1.33x S35. The lenses earned BLAZAR the CineD Award for Best Lens Innovation at IBC 2024. And now, the 50mm T1.8 is available for preorder at just $899.
50mm T1.8 APEX 1.33x Anamorphic AF Lens (E-Mount)
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
BLAZAR says the APEX anamorphic lenses are the world’s first to feature autofocus and come in Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, and L mounts. The company was previously known as Great Joy and has released different lines of lenses. These include the Cato and also the Remus line of anamorphic full-frame prime lenses. The Remus line debuted in late 2023 and added more focal lengths this year.
BLAZAR APEX Anamorphic AF lenses – features
The BLAZAR APEX 1.33x Anamorphic AF lenses are compact, making them easy to carry and use. The lenses will cover the S35 APS-C sensor and feature advanced eye-tracking technology for fast autofocus. BLAZAR also promises a cinematic 1.5x look when it comes to the APEX’s 1.33x anamorphic squeeze. (For a true 1.5x anamorphic look, please check the company’s Remus line).
Using anamorphic lenses is a mix of art and science and usually requires specialized rigging to focus the lenses manually. As my colleague Omri Keren Lapidot said, it’s not for the faint-hearted. With the BLAZAR APEX 1.33x Anamorphic AF lenses, the autofocus is fast and precise, although the new primes can be switched to manual focus mode.
Anamorphic Cookbook
The Anamorphic Cookbook is the ultimate course about the history of anamorphic lenses. Educator Tito Ferradans has created a fast-paced and entertaining guide, including how to put together your own rig.
The full feature list includes:
- 1.33x anamorphic squeeze with a cinematic 1.5x look.
- 35mm and 50mm at T1.8.
- Covers S35 sensors while supporting APS-C (no open-gate).
- Fast autofocus with real-time and accurate tracking and advanced eye-tracking.
- 0.8 focus ring.
- 180° focus rotation.
- 73.5° aperture rotation.
- 16 IRIS blades.
- Close focus of 2.1 ft (0.65 m)
- AF/MF focus switch.
- Nearly zero lens breathing (<0.9%).
- Natural and subtle silver lens flare.
- Vintage look with barrel distortion.
- 80mm front diameter.
- 77mm*0.75 filter thread.
- Weighs 717 g (1.58 lbs), making it easy to use and carry.
- E, Z, RF, and L mounts are supported.
Please be sure to check out my colleague Johnnie Behiri’s review of the BLAZAR APEX 35mm and 50mm T1.8 1.33x Anamorphic AF lenses. He had the opportunity to use both lenses with a Sony FX30 while at the Sony Kando event in the Austrian Alps.
Price and availability
The BLAZAR APEX 50mm T1.8 1.33x Anamorphic AF lens (E-Mount) is now available for preorder at an affordable $899. ($799 during the preorder period). Considering anamorphic lenses can retail for thousands of dollars each, the $899 price for an anamorphic prime featuring autofocus is very good. Learn more on BLAZAR’s APEX website.
What are your thoughts on the BLAZAR APEX 50mm T1.8 1.33x Anamorphic AF lens featuring autofocus? Will you be preordering the 50mm? Let us know in the comments below!
