Chinese lens manufacturer Vazen has unveiled the 50mm T2.1 1.8X anamorphic lens, adding an ultra-wide-angle option to its full-frame EF/PL 1.8x anamorphic lens line-up.

The new Vazen 50mm T2.1 is designed to cover large format cinema cameras like Red Monstro, Alexa LF, Kinefinity Mavo LF, and Z-CAM E2-F8 fully. A 135mm lens is expected to be ready to ship in 1-2 months to complete a 3-lens set (50 – 85 – 135) in phase 1.

The new 50mm features a super compact and lightweight design. Weighing merely 1.55kg and 13.3cm long, it is one of the world’s smallest 1.8x anamorphic lens for full-frame cameras. Its compactness allows it to be balanced on gimbals and rigs very easily. The 50mm has the same focus and aperture position as the 85mm for easy lens switching on set. And a consistent 86mm front filter thread is handy for ND filters or diopters installation. The front diameter is a standard 95mm for matte box mounting. The entire lens is built up of aluminum and the independent aperture and focus rings are incorporated with 0.8 mod cine gears. The lens is available in an interchangeable PL and EF mount. Both mounts and shims can be found with the lens in a Vazen hard case.

All Vazen 1.8x anamorphic lenses feature a front anamorphic design. It delivers a buttery smooth oval bokeh, signature blue, but not oversaturated, horizontal flare, and the widescreen cinematic look. The lens also features an ultra-wide 65° horizontal field of view (similar to a 28mm spherical lens) and the closest focusing distance is 3.6” from the sensor.

The lens delivered outstanding sharpness, even at wide open, which is unparalleled by other PL/EF anamorphic lenses with a similar squeeze ratio.
Vazen chose to adopt a 1.8x squeeze design to balance the anamorphic characters as well as the resolution of the image. The 1.8x squeeze can produce a cinematic widescreen 2.39:1 aspect when paired up with 4:3 sensors. When paired up with 16:9 sensors, much less data (than 2X anamorphic lens) is needed to be cropped away to create the desired 2.39:1 ratio.
Scheduled to ship in August 2021 the Vazen 50mm T2.1 1.8x anamorphic lens will cost $8000, though you can save $2000 if you buy the $8000 85mm at the same time.

More info on Vazen’s website.