SIRUI unveils a 20mm T1.8 1.33x auto focus anamorphic lens

Sirui just rocked the boat again with a new anamorphic lens, and this time, it’s a 20mm anamorphic for S35 (crop) format.

While SIRUI has its share of anamorphic lenses, this is its second autofocus anamorphic lens, and it’s nice to see anamorphic lenses are getting some autofocus attention.

SIRUI’s new 20mm T1.8 1.33x autofocus anamorphic lens brings wide-angle cinematic magic

SIRUI is doubling down on autofocus anamorphic lenses, and this time, they’re going wider. A few months back, they made the first anamorphic autofocus lens, the 40mm T1.8 1.33x. Now, they’re back with a 20mm version that promises to have the same signature anamorphic look but at a wider angle.

Autofocus that actually works for anamorphic

We have talked a lot about anamorphic lenses here. While I love the look, pulling focus manually is quite demanding, especially if you are a solo operator and going for a fast-paced shot. That’s where SIRUI’s 20mm T1.8 1.33x comes in. Not only is it an autofocus lens, but it uses an STM stepping motor for fast, smooth, and precise autofocus.

To make things even easier, if you are using a camera that supports eye-tracking autofocus, the lens will play nicely with it. This means if you’re shooting an interview, a close-up, or a portrait, the lens locks onto your subject’s eyes—no more soft shots ruining your best takes.

Ultra-wide anamorphic goodness

The 40mm T1.8 1.33x gives you a horizontal field of view similar to a 22mm full-frame lens, which means you get those epic, sweeping shots without distortion. Whether you’re capturing vast landscapes, tight interiors, or even astrophotography, the 20mm focal length keeps everything immersive. It’s also a perfect match for gimbal work, adding cinematic depth without the weight.

Low-light ready with creamy bokeh

The 40mm T1.8 1.33x has a fast T1.8 aperture and an 11-blade diaphragm. This makes the lens a good fit for low-light scenes. (If I had to guess this is SIRUI’s Nighwalker tech with an anamorphic optical design). So for most shots, this means that you can shoot wide open, at lower ISO settings. This will get your noise under control plus a beautiful, soft background separation. The minimum focus distance is 0.4m, so close-ups feel intimate while maintaining that anamorphic compression and depth.

Autofocus or manual? You decide

Some filmmakers love the convenience of autofocus, while others want full control. The lens caters to both. There is a switch that lets you move between auto and manual focus.

From the photos, the 20mm lens will have the same clicked/de-clicked aperture control switch as the 40mm lens.

Flare game: blue or neutral?

Anamorphic lenses are known for their flares, and SIRUI is giving you options. You can go with the classic blue flare for that sci-fi, cinematic feel or a neutral flare for a more natural look. Whether you’re shooting a music video or a commercial, you can tailor the lens to your style. Sadly, you would need to get separate lenses for each look.

Compact, lightweight, and built for real-world shooting

Despite its wide-angle optics, the lens is impressively compact. It weighs just 510g and measures 96mm in length, making it perfect for handheld shooting, drone work, or gimbal setups. If you’re a travel filmmaker or a solo shooter, this is a huge plus.

Built for consistency

SIRUI designed this lens as part of a set, ensuring consistency in gear positioning, filter size (77mm thread), and color rendering. That means you can swap lenses quickly without having to readjust accessories—a big deal when time is tight on set.

Pricing and availability

The SIRUI 20mm T1.8 1.33x anamorphic lens goes up for pre-order on March 3rd via Indiegogo. The first backers can snag it with a 15% discount, so if you’ve been waiting for an affordable, wide-angle anamorphic with autofocus, this might be your best shot.

Are you excited about this new addition to the SIRUI lineup? Let us know how you’d use it!

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