Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 100mm Full-Frame Anamorphic 100mm

A full-frame 100mm anamorphic lens with autofocus and a 1:2.4 macro mode is almost unheard of. The AF is slow, ranking in the 13th percentile, so treat it as a handy bonus, not a primary feature. The real win here is getting that cinematic 2.4:1 widescreen look with neutral flares and no cropping, all in a relatively compact 1.6 lb package.

The image out of this lens has a lot of character without going overboard. You get those classic anamorphic traits, oval bokeh and a 2.4:1 aspect ratio with no cropping, but the neutral flares keep things from feeling like a J.J. Abrams tribute act. Sharpness is good across the full-frame image circle, and the 18-element design does a respectable job keeping aberrations in check. The bokeh itself sits in the 38th percentile, which sounds low, but for an anamorphic lens, the stretched, oval out-of-focus areas are more about the unique look than clinical perfection. The 13-blade diaphragm helps keep those highlights smooth when you stop down a bit.

The autofocus is the big talking point, and it's a mixed bag. It's selectable between manual and AF, which is fantastic to have on a cine-focused lens, but its AF performance ranks in the 13th percentile. It's there when you need it for a quick setup or a gimbal shot, but don't expect it to keep up with fast-paced action. For critical pulls, you'll still be living on the manual focus ring. The close focus of 2.3 feet is a standout feature, letting you get surprisingly tight for a 100mm anamorphic.

Stacking this against the competition is tricky because it doesn't have any direct rivals that do everything it does. The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 and Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 are zoom lenses built for speed and versatility, they'll run circles around the Sirui for autofocus and general use, but they can't touch the anamorphic look. The Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is a fantastic wide zoom, but again, no anamorphic squeeze. You're really choosing between a specialized cinematic tool and a general-purpose workhorse. If you need that 2.4:1 widescreen look in-camera with the option for AF, the Sirui is in a class of one. If you just need a sharp, fast lens that can do everything, any of those zooms are a safer, more practical bet.

Pricing on this lens is all over the map, with a spread of $3,520 across different vendors. That's a massive gap, so shopping around is not optional, it's mandatory. At the lower end of that range, you're getting a very unique set of features for the money. A full-frame anamorphic with AF and macro chops is a niche within a niche, and the value proposition is strong if you can snag it at a good price. At the high end, you're creeping into territory where you could start looking at used professional cine glass, which makes the value a lot harder to justify.

The Sirui Astra 100mm T1.8 is a bit of an oddball, and we mean that in the best way. It's a full-frame anamorphic lens with autofocus, which is still a rare combo, and it pulls off a genuinely useful 1:2.4 macro magnification. That means you can shoot those sweeping, widescreen portraits and then swoop in for a tight detail shot without swapping glass. The optical score lands in the 73rd percentile in our database, which is solid, but the real story here is the specific set of tricks this lens can pull off that almost nothing else at this price can.

Run-and-gun documentary shooters and wildlife photographers should look elsewhere. The autofocus is simply too slow for unpredictable subjects, and the lack of optical stabilization makes handheld work at 100mm a shaky proposition. The lens also falls short for traditional sports shooting, where fast, accurate AF and a zoom range are non-negotiable. If you need a lens that can keep up with fast action, this isn't it.

The Sirui Astra 100mm T1.8 is a purpose-built tool that nails its specific job. It's for filmmakers and hybrid shooters who want the anamorphic look without the full manual-only, multi-thousand-dollar cine lens workflow. The macro capability is a brilliant bonus that opens up creative shots you just can't get with other anamorphics. Just know what you're signing up for. The autofocus is a convenience feature, not a performance one, and the lack of stabilization means you'll want a solid rig or a tripod. If those trade-offs fit your style, this lens is a blast to shoot with.