BLAZAR has introduced a new line of glass at IBC 2024 called APEX. What makes this unique, according to the company, is that they are the first anamorphic lenses to feature autofocus.
The new BLAZAR APEX 1.33x Anamorphic AF lenses are still in prototype and will work with cameras featuring S35 sensors. The company debuted the new line at IBC2024, and showcased a 35mm at T1.6 and a 50mm at T1.8 — very fast glass.
Mounts will include Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, FUJIFILM X, and L, so plenty of options for a variety of cameras with S35 sensors.
The 1.33x squeeze is due to the nature of an anamorphic lens and autofocus, and why we haven’t seen one before. BLAZAR says resulting images will be closer to 1.5x. A squeeze ratio of 1.33x isn’t very common, but it does allow flexibility with the autofocus component, per the company.
Feedback from the show floor is that the autofocus feature in the BLAZAR APEX 1.33x Anamorphic lens worked well on a Canon EOS C80. Interestingly, the focus ring doesn’t move in AF mode, but will when switching to manual.
The BLAZAR APEX 1.33x Anamorphic AF lenses have a compact design and a look similar to other BLAZAR lenses. The new series of lenses should be available by the end of 2024. Speculation is that pricing will be set around $1000, but nothing official has been announced.
On the whole a line of anamorphic lenses for S35 sensors and featuring autofocus is very intriguing. If the full line of BLAZAR APEX 1.33x Anamorphic AF lenses work well, come in around $1000 each, and include the supported mounts mentioned above, they could be a real big hit. The company says it will make an official announcement about the APEX once the designs are finalized. Stay tuned to BLAZAR’s website for more details and focal lengths. https://blazarlens.com/
The company does have a few lines of 1.5x anamorphic lenses called Remus which are very affordable, along with a 2x line called Cato and the 1.8x Great Joy.