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Pros & Cons
PROs
Revolutionary Autofocus: It is the first 1.5x anamorphic that allows you to use Sony's Eye-AF and Tracking. This eliminates the need for a focus puller and allows for smooth solo recordings. Weight and Size: At only 664g, it is incredibly light for a Full Frame cinema lens. You don't need heavy gimbals to operate it. Internal Focus: By not physically extending, the balance remains perfect on the stabilizers, greatly facilitating the workflow on set. Real Cinematic Aesthetics: The 1.5x factor offers an excellent balance between the panoramic look and controlled distortion, with a very aesthetic oval bokeh thanks to its 16 diaphragm blades. Competitive Price: At $1,299 USD, it offers technology that previously cost thousands of dollars more (especially for the AF). Accessory Compatibility: Having 0.8 MOD gears and a 77mm thread, it is compatible with almost all Matte Boxes and Follow Focus systems on the market.
CONs
Lack of "Open Gate" on Sony: Most Sony cameras (such as the FX3 or A7SIII) do not record in 4:3 or Open Gate mode. This means you'll be wasting resolution by cropping the sensor to get to the final look. Single Focal (For now): Being a 50mm fixed, you are limited in framing. For a full production, you will need to wait for Blazar to release the rest of the set (such as a 35mm or 85mm) to maintain visual consistency. Focus by Wire: Although it has cinema gears, the focus is motor-assisted electronic. This may not feel as tactile or precise for purist manual focusers compared to a fully mechanical cine lens. Edge Distortion: Like almost all budget anamorphics, it can suffer from loss of sharpness or chromatic aberrations in the corners when used at T2.1. Specific 1.5x Factor: For some film purists, the 1.5x factor falls short of the classic 2x look, although it is much more practical for 16:9 sensors.
