Sirui 75mm f/1.8 1.33x Anamorphic Lens (Micro Four Thirds) Review

Sirui continues its successful campaign to democratize anamorphic filmmaking with the 75mm f/1.8 1.33x lens. This addition was a necessary and welcome one, providing Micro Four Thirds shooters with a much-needed telephoto option to round out their kits. The lens delivers a beautifully compressed perspective that is ideal for portraiture, interviews, and isolating subjects from their background, effectively completing the focal range started by its wider siblings. Its accessibility does not come at the expense of the core anamorphic character that filmmakers crave.

The image quality is defined by its personality, not by clinical perfection. It capably produces the signature elements of the anamorphic look, including the widescreen aspect ratio after de-squeezing, striking horizontal blue lens flares, and pleasingly oval bokeh thanks to a 13-blade iris. While it can exhibit some softness when shot wide open at f/1.8, this is often part of the desired aesthetic. Stopping down yields very usable sharpness, and the all-metal construction gives it a substantial, reliable feel in the hand that belies its budget-friendly price point.

Of course, there are practical trade-offs. This is a fully manual lens, which demands a more deliberate shooting process. The minimum focusing distance of 1.2 meters is also a notable limitation, making tight close-ups a challenge and requiring some forethought when blocking scenes. However, these are manageable quirks rather than critical flaws. For the price, you simply cannot find an easier or more affordable entry point into the world of true telephoto anamorphic shooting. It is an exceptional tool for creators looking to elevate their visual storytelling.