Comparing 'New' Budget Anamorphic Lenses: Sirui, Great Joy, Laowa

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In the last few years we've had the inception of various budget anamorphic lenses. Sirui, Great Joy, Laowa, among others, all brought forward lenses that you and I can afford. How does each of these options compare to one another and which one might be the best fit for you? What are they missing?

[loudspider]

It's amazing that over the last 6-7 years we've gone from one current anamorphic adapter manufacturer to a renaissance in affordable anamorphic lenses. You should feel proud that this channel and the increased visibility you've brought to the lenses helped make that happen. Nice job.

[NYCMDP]

This is exactly how I’m feeling. We need more anamorphic character in these non atlas lenses

[bunkertons]

I just wanted to say thank you! You answered a lot of questions I had about anamorphic lenses.

[CyclopsJoeVideos]

The lense you are using looks incredible

[frajerKOlovrat]

LAOWA - great squeeze factor which doesn’t change on different focus distances, affordable price and low weight

[John-epx]

Great video, clear info, historic, and a ton of B roll and images of lenses.

[GMTNeil]

My introduction was with the Sirui 35 and 50mm APC lenses, I fell in love (I have always loved the anamorphic look since I was empire strikes back as a child, even though I didn't understand what it was) I recently picked up the Sirui anamorphic adapter as way to get more squeeze and love the results as i use that as the focus ring, though it does make it heavier and not an every day rig, its great fun to see the results I have truly fell down the rabbit hole... And have major gas for things I cannot afford.

[DethronerX]

I guess its subjective and each person chooses what look they want based on each scene, as long as any of the characteristics don't become a distraction. To me, the idea of at least watching a movie is to stay focused in the scene, where the look subconsciously connects and not when the look pops out too much or too less. Personally, I love the look when you combine an old Helios lens with a 2x anamorphic and how rotating it rotates the image, that you can use for a certain scene to add those distortions, especially when you pan, it looks dreamy. But when you want a simpler, more clinically perfect scene, you can use a simpler lens.
As for size, weight, complexity, it really depends how much you are willing to accept, as long as you're getting what you want from the scene, so I wouldn't try to sacrifice the scene by considering weight and size issues and get an easy to manage set up for my comfort. I'll try to make it work and stabilize and handle it better. The scene is important, not my comfort and after you nail it, it pays off. But that's still a choice of the filmmaker and people can really choose if they want things easy to work with or do what you can to achieve the desired look that the scene demands.

[gearienoxcuses]

I love the look of the Sirui full frames 35mm & 100mm but am also loving the laowa nanomorphs with reduce streaks and nutral colored flairs. My favorites thus far.

[O.W_Films]

Thinking about pulling the trigger for one of those Sirui 50mm mft 🤔 for a panny gh6. Been a fan of anamorphic look since 2018 using Ulanzi IPhone adapters.

[ayyyyyyyyyyde]

I adapt an old projector lens onto a film lens and it’s a nightmare to use but when it’s aligned and focused right the image is ✨g o r g e o u s✨ As a student it’s also the only option within my budget.

[kingpossie]

Sticking with my Isco 36MC and Iscomorphot
16/2X - good to see there are more options now than 10 years ago..

[EgillBjarki]

Again, very balanced and insightful take on these newer additions. I still think adapters have their place, but they do complicate things a bit, when it comes to setup. I personally entered the world of anamorphic through Great Joy this year, and am now getting into adapters, opposite to your journey. As pretty as the Great Joy price and image is, I am looking for a more unique look, T2.9 is lacking separation a bit I feel.

Thanks allot for your work Tito, it is very much appreciated :)

i invested in the blazar nero and this is it for me. Sharp, easy to use, lightweight, ... i love it

[alanbesedin]

The real question is what did you use for your on camera bit? Swirly heaven! 😊

[robertwatkins]

I've been using the Sirui Mars set on my BMPCC4K since that set came out. I love these lenses!

[saiyan_princestudios]

Any recommendations for Fujifilm? I’m currently looking at the moment adapter but it’s $1, 000. Any thoughts on the fuji xh2S I saw in an interview the open gate format of the S version helped with anamorphics but I don’t know enough about that

Edit: nm I think you already answered my question at 4:35 with the loawa lenses.

[robertm]

A lot of great crop sensor cameras came out this year.
I can see demand rising for APS-C and Super 35 lenses.
At the same time, I could understand people wanting to use focal reducers on those cameras.

[andystav]

Gracias tito por compartir tus conocimientos y tus magnificos mods!.
Eres el mayor referente en yt en anamorfico para todos los publicos.
Enhorabuena y un fuerte abrazo

[RyanORourkeArtist]

I found your channel this evening and have loved binging the content. Wildly informative! Quick question, which camera and lens/adapter did you use for the shots of you speaking outside. It’s gorgeous