SIRUI Saturn 35mm T2.9 1.6x Carbon Fiber Anamorphic L-mount... half price. Any good?

[Andrew - EOSHD]

Those last 3 shots, very nice.

[Ninpo33]

On 12/6/2025 at 2:49 AM, Andrew - EOSHD said:It has come down from 1399 euro to 600.

 

I got mine for 180 euros... Aperture blades were broke, so I removed them. Plan to put a DIY oval aperture in it.

The look is good, in terms of sharpness and bokeh.

 

An option some people have been doing is to double down on these and put the 1.25x adapter from Sirui on the front to give you a 1.7x stretch. They are pretty cheap now at $275 and give you a bit more anamorphic mojo. I’m looking for one myself right now because they also make for a really cheap front VD if you remove some of the optics. There are some 3D printed mods floating around the interwebs. 

 

[Ninpo33]

 

[J S H]

Combining the adapter with the 1.6x lenses could be an interesting strategy if it can deliver decent results. It might provide just enough funkiness to make things sing. I believe the combination would actually result in a 2X final squeeze, at least on paper. 

[Ninpo33]

18 hours ago, J S H said:

Combining the adapter with the 1.6x lenses could be an interesting strategy if it can deliver decent results. It might provide just enough funkiness to make things sing. I believe the combination would actually result in a 2X final squeeze, at least on paper. 

Yes you’re right about the 2x. I was doing quick math and then it was too late to edit once i realized my mistake. If you watch the video link above Ed shows the results of the Saturn + adapter combo. It kind of accentuates the pin cushion distortion a bit unfortunately and creates some funky edges but it’s all very personal about what is character and what is a flaw. I think for the size, weight, close focus and ease of use the Blazar Nero is still my choice of low budget semi DIY. Still will pick up a Sirui 1.25x whenever i find one cheap enough though. The rear 82mm threads work better for larger lenses while the Nero 52mm threads are the perfect fit for older vintage taking lenses like my Kowa R’s and Topcon glass.

The Sirui Nightwalker lenses are going for $180 each on ebay right now and they fit really well with the 1.25x adapter. I think that’s a super good deal for a tight little S35 kit for a mild anamorphic look. Sony shooters still have no open gate so a great kit for the fx30 etc… 

I’ll probably pick up a set now that the shilltubers have moved on to the newest releases and these are old news.