What is the effective field of view of the SIRUI 50mm Anamorphic?

You must determine your camera’s sensor size to confirm how this 1.33X squeeze factor—the multiplier used to calculate the horizontal view—interacts with your specific sensor aspect ratio. Once you capture your footage, you will apply a desqueeze, which is the post-production process of scaling the image back to its original proportions.

The SIRUI 50mm Anamorphic provides a 1.33X squeeze factor for widescreen cinema

The SIRUI 50mm Anamorphic uses a 1.33X squeeze factor to compress the horizontal field of view into a narrow frame. Because this lens is designed for a 2.4:1 widescreen cinema format, the horizontal view is 33% wider than a standard 50 mm lens. This calculation is vital for cinema lens buyers because the squeeze factor dictates how much vertical information is lost compared to a spherical lens. We selected this model for our comparison because it offers a 1.33X squeeze at a price point of around $286. The lens captures an equivalent field of view of 37.5 mm, which is the result of the 50 mm focal length being modified by the anamorphic glass.

For a deeper dive into the optics, see our full review of the SIRUI 50mm Anamorphic.

What to Check Before Buying the SIRUI 50mm Anamorphic

Verify these technical requirements to ensure the lens produces the intended cinematic look on your specific camera setup:

You can find the technical details in our SIRUI 50mm Anamorphic spec breakdown.

• Confirm your camera’s sensor size, as the effective field of view changes depending on whether you use a full-frame or APS-C sensor.
• Identify your required desqueeze workflow to ensure your editing software can correctly re-scale the 1.33X squeezed image.
• Calculate the vertical field of view loss to ensure the compressed height meets your specific composition needs.
• Verify that your camera body has an E-mount connection to physically mount the glass.

Choosing the Right Anamorphic Lens

This anamorphic lens, which is a piece of glass that squeezes a wide image into a narrow frame to create oval bokeh and horizontal reflections, suits filmmakers seeking a specific vintage aesthetic on a budget. Buyers who require a higher squeeze factor or a different focal length should look for alternative anamorphic options. If you need a wider field of view without the squeeze, a standard spherical lens is the appropriate choice for your project.

Common user concerns are addressed in the SIRUI 50mm Anamorphic frequently asked questions.

If you need to capture a 2.4:1 widescreen look with oval bokeh on an E-mount camera, the SIRUI 50mm Anamorphic is the right choice for your setup.

Filmmakers can learn how the SIRUI 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic Lens performs for low-light indie scenes to prepare for night shoots.

Reviewed by the Review Expo editorial team. Review Expo writes these guides from the 135 most-reviewed cinema lens listings in our retail dataset, not from manufacturer copy.