SIRUI Sniper f/1.2 Autofocus Primes for APS-C Mirrorless Cameras Unveiled – Exclusive Interview

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 17^th, 2023

During IBC 2023, SIRUI gave us an exclusive sneak peek of their first-ever autofocus prime lenses, called Sniper. Upon launch, the SIRUI Sniper series will consist of three fast focal lengths (23, 33 and 56mm) designed for Sony E, FUJIFILM X, and Nikon Z APS-C mirrorless cameras. The new lenses should hit the shelves in November.

After gaining popularity with their budget anamorphic lenses, SIRUI ventured into all sorts of fields – from lighting to rigging accessories. But today, like a bolt from the blue, we get to know that SIRUI is launching its first AF lenses for mirrorless cameras. Please let me be honest with you: I didn’t see this coming!

Backstage at SIRUI’s booth during IBC 2023, my colleague Johnnie had the opportunity to preview these lenses. So let’s see what he learned while talking with Yu Wu from SIRUI!

SIRUI Sniper series – fast f/1.2 AF primes

Initially, SIRUI’s forthcoming Sniper series will include 3 lenses – 23, 33, and 56mm f/1.2 – with two additional focal lengths joining the family next year. The lenses are engineered for APS-C image sensors and come in three mount options: Sony E, FUJIFILM X, and Nikon Z. This means they are compatible with the Sony FX30, the FUJIFILM X-H2, X-H2S, and X-S20, as well as Nikon’s Z30, for example. According to Yu Wu, there’s currently no plan to add other mount options.

Developing an autofocus technology from scratch is a daunting task, so it will be interesting to see if the Sniper lenses can keep up with AF systems from well-established manufacturers of the likes of SIGMA and Tokina, for example. Meanwhile, make sure to watch the video above to check out a few sample shots that my college Johnnie took in the little time he had to play around with the lenses.

Each lens weighs around 400g/0.88lb and has a 58mm front filter thread. The lenses have decent close-focus capabilities. The minimum focus distance of the 23mm is around 30cm, while the 33 and 56mm can focus as close as 40 and 50cm respectively.

The Sniper lenses will be available in black or white finishes. The black version includes carbon fiber and metal gray parts, while the white lenses seem to have a glossy ceramic feel – which is quite unusual to see in a lens.

Price and availability

Although the company is still figuring out the final pricing for the Sniper series, each lens should cost around €350. The lenses will be available to purchase individually or as a set.

In typical SIRUI style, the company will run a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo before the official release, which should take place around November 2023.

What do you think of SIRUI entering the autofocus lens market segment? Do you think their AF can keep up with that of other well-established lens manufacturers? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!