If you are shooting with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, Z CAM E2, or Panasonic GH5 and you are lusting over a budget anamorphic lens, then Vazen may have the answer. The Vazen 40mm T2 1.8x Anamorphic has been designed with the micro four thirds user in mind as it has been specifically tailored to for a 4:3 aspect ratio and priced accordingly for the MFT lens mount system.
We all know that Anamorphic lenses for film and cinema cameras cost an arm and a leg and are outside the reach of indie creators; such lenses are rented on a per project basis and have been designed for S35 or bigger sensors.
However, for those using more budget friendly cameras such as the BMPCC 4K or the Panasonic GH5 (which is still a hell of a camera in 2019) there are not any options out there. The Vazen budget anamorphic lens is characterized by its front anamorphic design, and has been designed to deliver real anamorphic characteristics such as a buttery smooth oval bokeh, signature blue horizontal flare and the widescreen cinematic look.
Images by Vazen
The lens has a 1.8x squeeze ratio, which produces a cinematic 2.39:1 aspect ratio image when capturing with 4:3 micro four thirds sensors like those in the Panasonic GH5 and Z-cam E2. The BMPCC 4K should also be a good candidate for this lens as the recent firmware update gave it an Anamorphic 4:3 mode.
The lens also comes with a fast T/2.0 maximum aperture and a respectable 2.7” minimum focus distance, which is impressive given that most anamorphic lenses struggle with close focus distance due to their inherent optical design. Vazen also say their 1.8x Anamorphic lens for Micro Four Thirds also has minimal focus breathing.
Images by Vazen
Despite the rugged design, the VZ anamorphic prime is relatively compact and lightweight at just under 2kgs. The lens also features a standard 95mm front diameter, which allows cinematographers to use standard matte boxes, while the focus and iris rings are equipped with 0.8 pitch gears for follow focus motors/units. The focus throw has been rated at 300 degrees giving your focus puller plenty of room to work with.
Images by Vazen
Vazen 40mm T2 Anamorphic 1.8x Specifications
- Focal Length: 40mm
- Min. Focus: 2.7’ (0.82m)
- T-stop range: T/2 – T/16
- Front Diameter: 95mm
- Weight: 3.97 lbs (1.8kg)
- Dimensions: 4.33”x6.89” (110 x 175mm)
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT)
Here is some sample footage shot with this lens:
Shot by: Matheusz Kanownik
ZCam E2 with Vazen 40mm and Helios 55mm.
Shot in Zlog2, partly with WDR turned on.
4K 120/50 fps, Prores HQ/H.265 downscaled to 1080p
The highest ISO used was 10,000 without any denoiser.
Graded in DaVinci Resolve
Music: Daniel Norgren – Like There Was A Door
At the moment the Vazen 40mm T2 1.8x Anamorphic lens for Micro Four Thirds is priced at $3,250 USD and can be ordered directly from Vazen here.
The company is also working on other focal lengths in the Vazen Anamorphic range including a 28mm and 65mm VZ 1.8x anamorphic primes for Micr Four Thirds, said to be launched in the near future.
What’s your stance on anamorphic? A bit too much overused these days maybe? Or the best thing ever? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
Claim your copy of DAVINCI RESOLVE - SIMPLIFIED COURSE. Get Instant Access!
