Sirui Astra Series AST-50-ZN 50mm

An anamorphic 50mm with working autofocus is a unicorn, and Sirui made it real. If you're a video-first shooter, grab it at the $389 price point and don't look back.

I was expecting the autofocus to be a gimmick, but it's genuinely usable for slower, controlled shots. It's not instant like a high-end stills lens, and you'll hear the motor if you're recording internal audio, but for video work where you're pulling focus or letting the camera track a subject, it holds up. Wide open at T1.8 you get that dreamy shallow depth and oval bokeh, though it's not the sharpest anamorphic we've tested—stop down to T2.8 and things crisp up nicely. The lack of stabilization is a bummer if you're handheld, so a gimbal or tripod is pretty much mandatory.

You won't find another Nikon Z anamorphic with AF in this range, so direct rivals are scarce. If you're willing to sacrifice the cinematic squeeze, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is sharper, smaller, and a better all-rounder for stills and video. For something wider, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 gives you a fast, stabilized optic at a similar price. But honestly, if the widescreen look is your goal, none of these conventional lenses scratch the same itch.

Pricing is all over the map—you can snag one for as low as $389 from some sellers, while others list it at nearly $1,200. At under $400, it's a stupidly good deal for an anamorphic prime with autofocus. Even at the mid-$700 range, it's competitive. Just do yourself a favor and shop around before clicking buy.

An anamorphic lens that actually nails autofocus? Sirui pulled it off with the Astra 50mm T1.8, and it's a blast for anyone chasing that cinematic widescreen look without a full manual pull. The 1.33x squeeze and neutral flares deliver that big-budget vibe right out of the camera, and the build feels way nicer than you'd expect at the low end of its price range. This isn't a do-everything lens, but if you're shooting narrative, music videos, or stylized content on a Nikon Z body, it's a seriously fun tool that punches above its weight.

If you're a hybrid shooter who needs one lens for stills and video, keep walking. The anamorphic workflow is video-only, and the lens isn't sharp enough for high-res stills. Grab a NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S for less hassle and better versatility.

The Sirui Astra 50mm T1.8 is a specialty lens that delivers exactly what it promises: anamorphic character with the convenience of autofocus. It's not for casual shooters or hybrid stills work, but for dedicated video creators who want that cinematic ratio without a $5,000 cine lens budget, it's a brilliant buy at the right price. Grab one while the cheap listings are still around.