Getting a Shallow Depth of Field for Vlogs With a Cinema Lens

Our Verdict and How We Chose

A high-quality cinema glass allows you to achieve professional oval bokeh and horizontal sci-fi reflections that standard lenses cannot replicate on a budget. These optical effects create a distinct film look by squeezing the horizontal field of view and softening the background.

The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M delivers these signature effects while maintaining a fast f/1. 8 aperture for low-light performance. You should choose the SIRUI 50mm F1.8 1.33X SR-MEK7E if you require a 1.33X squeeze factor for your Sony setup, or the SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X for a wider angle.

We selected these three options after screening 51 cinema lenses and comparing 13 options here at Review Expo. These selections cover a budget range from $267 to $286, while the median price of the 13 products in our comparison is $326.66.

Consult the buying guide to understand the core criteria for choosing the right glass.

View the audience checklist to see which lens best matches your specific vlogging style.

Compare all models side-by-side in the comparison table to see technical differences.

Full Comparison Table of Cinema Lenses

Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding. “Not stated” means the manufacturer listing does not give that figure – we do not estimate it.

The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M fits this topic best because it provides a wide f/1.8 aperture for shallow depth of field on the MFT mount.

Each Cine Lens We Picked, Reviewed in Detail

The 3 picks below are reviewed in the same order as the cards above.

SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M

The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M makes this list because it provides a wide f/1.8 aperture and a 50 mm focal length for cinematic portraiture while remaining well under the $400 budget.

What we like: This cinema glass uses Germany-made Schott glass elements to produce oval bokeh and horizontal sci-fi reflections, which are optical effects that create the distinct anamorphic look. The f/1.8 aperture is wide enough to capture shallow depth of field for vlogs and provides sufficient light for low-light indie scenes. It also features a 67 mm filter thread for easy protection or filtration.

Keep in mind: This lens is designed for M4/3 mounts, which rules out users with Sony E-mount or Canon EF-M systems.

SIRUI 50mm F1.8 1.33X SR-MEK7E Anamorphic Lens

The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 1.33X SR-MEK7E Anamorphic Lens is selected for its wide f/1.8 aperture and specific 1.33X squeeze factor, offering a high-quality manual focus build for vlogging.

What we like: This lens includes a 1.33X squeeze factor, which determines the ratio of the horizontal field of view to the vertical field of view to create a 2.4:1 aspect ratio. It features blue flare and is built with Schott glass elements to produce the characteristic oval bokeh. At the $286 mark, it provides a versatile 50 mm focal length for capturing blurry backgrounds.

Keep in mind: Because this model is for E-mount, it is not compatible with Micro Four Thirds or EF-M camera bodies.

SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X

The SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X appears here because it offers a wide 24mm field of view and anamorphic effects for vlogging at a budget-friendly price point.

What we like: The 24mm focal length provides a wider angle of view than the 50 mm options, making it suitable for recording vlogs in smaller rooms. It features a 1.33x squeeze factor for a 2.4:1 rectangular look and includes an aluminum alloy housing for durability. The copper focus and aperture rings provide a tactile interface for manual adjustments.

Keep in mind: The f/2.8 aperture is narrower than the other picks, meaning it is less effective for low-light scenes where a wider opening is needed.

When you need to choose between a prime lens and a zoom lens for vlogging at this price, prime lenses like these offer a wider maximum aperture for the cost, while zooms provide more flexibility for changing your framing.

For a detailed breakdown of the optics, see how the Meike 50mm T2.1 performs.

If you are on a budget, explore the alternatives to a cinema lens for similar results.

The Specs That Decide a Cinema Glass

How a 1.33x squeeze factor creates a cinematic 2.4:1 aspect ratio

Prioritize a squeeze factor of 1.33x to achieve the 2.4:1 aspect ratio that defines the cinematic look for your vlogs. This ratio determines the final cinematic look by narrowing the horizontal field of view, much like a funnel narrows a stream of water to a specific point. The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 1.33X SR-MEK7E Anamorphic Lens and the SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X both state a 1.33x squeeze, while the SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M does not state a specific squeeze factor. While high-end glass like the Arri Master Prime is known for its industry-standard color science and rendering, these budget options provide the specific anamorphic squeeze needed to emulate that professional look.

Why an f/1.8 maximum aperture creates a shallow depth of field

You can get a maximum aperture of f/1.8 for under $400, which is the primary technical factor for achieving a shallow depth of field. The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M and the SIRUI 50mm F1.8 1.33X SR-MEK7E Anamorphic Lens both offer f/1.8, providing enough light and blur for low-light indie scenes and portraits. The SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X states an F2.8 aperture, which is sufficient for wide-angle vlogs in small rooms but limits its performance in dim environments. Because these are manual focus lenses, you will need to pull focus yourself as there is no autofocus to track subjects automatically.

How minimum focus distance affects vlogging proximity for cinema lenses

Check the minimum focus distance to ensure you can get close enough to your subject for vlogging. The SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X states a minimum focusing distance of 0.6m, allowing for tighter shots than the SIRUI 50mm models, which both state a distance of 0.85m. These distances determine how close you can physically stand to a subject while keeping it in sharp focus. If a specific distance is not stated in our comparison, it is unknown for that product.

Lens Weight for Handheld Use

Weigh the weight of the cinema glass against your ability to hold it steady for long vlogs. The SIRUI 50mm models both state a weight of approx. 560g, while the SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X states a weight of 2.6 pounds (approx. 1,179g). Because the 24mm is significantly heavier, you may prefer the 50mm options if you are filming without a stabilizer. These weights represent the physical mass you must support, unlike the PL Mount which is the native professional standard that dictates the heavier build quality of high-end cinema glass.

How anamorphic effects and optical distortion shape the final image

Look for lenses that specify anamorphic effects to manage how the glass shapes your image. The SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X states it includes a 2.4:1 rectangular look and blue light streaks, while the 50mm models state they produce horizontal sci-fi reflections and oval bokeh. These effects are the intended “distortion” of anamorphic glass, creating the wide look that standard lenses cannot produce. Our comparison shows that none of these picks state a figure for focus breathing, which is the shift of the focal plane during racking.

If you are filming in a tight area, see how to get wide angle shots for small spaces.

You can explore our full review of the Meike Mini Prime 8mm for more details.

What Each Job Takes, Worked Out for These Picks

Each row is a job this page’s buyers ask about, worked out from each pick’s listed maximum aperture and a typical need for the job.

What each job takes is a typical figure, not a manufacturer claim, and every result is worked out from the pick’s listed specifications. Check your own job against them before you order.

Who Buys Cinema Lenses, and What It Really Costs

Review the scope to see exactly which cinema lenses are included in this guide.

Explore the detailed reviews for an in-depth look at each lens’s performance.

Check the setup and warranty notes for technical requirements and manufacturer support details.

Before purchasing, make sure to view the cinema lens warranty requirements.

What These Cinema Glasses Need, and What to Check on Arrival

Sensor size and mount compatibility for various cinema glass models

You can use these cinema lenses on cameras with M4/3, EF-M, or E-mount systems depending on the specific model’s mount type. Each lens supports a different sensor size or coverage: the SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M covers up to APS-C sensors, the SIRUI 50mm F1.8 1.33X SR-MEK7E covers up to APS-C sensors, and the SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X is designed for the EF-M mount.

Mounting Requirements Before Use

All three cinema lenses require a camera body with a matching physical mount to connect the glass to the sensor.

• The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M requires a Micro Four Third Mount (MFT, m4/3).
• The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 1.33X SR-MEK7E requires an E-mount (Sony NEX and Alpha).
• The SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X requires an EF-M Mount.

Verifying Your Cinema Glass on Arrival

Warranty coverage varies by seller and country. Confirm these details before the return window closes to ensure the glass meets your production needs.

• Verify the focus ring rotation and diameter to ensure your hands can comfortably operate the manual focus.
• Check the front element for any coating defects or scratches, as the Schott glass elements are difficult to repair.
• Confirm the mount type matches your camera body, as these lenses are not interchangeable without adapters.
• Inspect the housing for any structural cracks in the aluminum alloy or metal construction.

Mount the lens to your camera and perform a manual focus check to confirm the rotation feels smooth before you begin filming.

Find answers to common technical questions in the FAQ section.

Identify your must-have specs in the requirements list before making a purchase.

See our final recommendations in the top picks for a quick overview.

Buying Questions About Cinema Lenses, Answered

Which cinema lens should I buy for a wide-angle vlog?

The cinema lens that suits a wide-angle vlog in a small room is the SIRUI 24mm Anamorphic Lens F2.8 1.33X, which provides a 2.8 f-stop aperture. This lens costs around $267 and offers a 1.33 times squeeze factor to create a wide 2.4:1 aspect ratio.

Are there any hidden costs like filters or adapters I need to buy?

Hidden costs for these cinema lenses depend on your camera’s native mount, as each pick requires a specific connection. The SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M uses an M4/3 Mount, while the 1.33X SR-MEK7E uses an E-mount, and the 24mm version uses an EF-M Mount.

How do I view the footage correctly with an anamorphic lens?

Viewing the footage correctly requires a desqueeze, which is a process that stretches the squeezed horizontal image back to its intended proportions. Most editing software allows you to set a 2.4:1 aspect ratio to display the footage without the horizontal squeeze.

Which lens is best for a cinematic portrait with a blurry background?

The cinema lens that is best for a cinematic portrait with a blurry background is either of the 50mm SIRUI options, as both provide a wide f/1.8 aperture. These lenses allow for a shallow depth of field, which is the range of focus that separates a sharp subject from a blurred background.

Beginners should first learn how a cinema lens works and functions.

Who Should Skip These Cine Lenses

A cinema lens that suffers from focus breathing will ruin the continuity of a professional shot by shifting the focal plane during racking. To avoid this, you should check the product’s focus breathing specifications, though none of the three selections we evaluated state a specific figure for this. Additionally, poor glass can cause chromatic aberration, which creates color fringing on high-contrast edges that cannot be fixed in post-production. You should verify that the glass elements, such as the Germany made Schott glass in the SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic MEK7M, are rated for high-contrast edge correction.

If your work requires the extreme color science and rendering of the industry standard Arri Master Prime and Cooke S4, these budget-friendly options may not provide the same level of image fidelity. These picks are designed for entry-level film production and vlogging rather than high-end commercial cinema.

For professional productions requiring high-end glass, you should look into full-frame cinema glass from established manufacturers. If you are looking for specific setups, you might find more tailored options in best budget anamorphic lens for indie film production.