Blazar’s Talon 1.5X AF anamorphic lens series is the first autofocus-equipped 1.5× anamorphic optics designed for full-frame mirrorless systems.
Blazar describes the new Talon lenses as ultra-compact and lightweight, with each lens weighing under 690 g (about 1.52 lb). This will make them much easier to balance on handheld rigs and stabilizers compared with heavier cine-style anamorphics.
The lenses feature a 1.5× squeeze that Blazar says produces a visual result closer in feel to an 1.8× anamorphic look, including enhanced widescreen composition, rich depth and distinctive oval bokeh.
The initial Talon lineup includes three focal lengths — 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm — and cover a full-frame 36 × 24 mm image circle, though it is the 50mm (confirmed as T2.1 with a 16-blade iris) that looks to be first out of the gate with the other lengths billed as ‘coming soon’. Close-focus distances range roughly from 0.37 m (1.2 ft) on the 35mm up to around 0.73 m (2.4 ft) on the 75mm model. All lenses use an 80 mm front diameter with 77mm filter threads. Focus rotation is a full 360° for fine manual control.
Autofocus is, of course, a key part of the Talon’s pitch to prospective buyers. Blazar says the lenses deliver fast, precise AF with real-time subject tracking and advanced eye-tracking for confident focus during dynamic shooting. Physical AF/MF switches on the lenses allow for a quick change back to manual mode.
At launch the Talon series will be available in Sony E-mount only, which is an interesting choice given the paucity of the open gate options associated with anamorphic shooting across Sony’s mirrorless line. As you might expect, additional mounts are expected later.
Pre-orders open February 3 at 04:00 AM PDT, with an introductory price of $999 per lens, which will rise to $1099 after the pre-order window closes.