Blazar has launched a new range of anamorphic prime lenses for full-frame cameras. The company says that the Blazar Cato 2X are the lightest 2x full-frame anamorphic lenses on the market.
Focal lengths
There are four prime lenses in the Cato 2X anamorphic range. The focal lengths are 40 mm, 55 mm, 85 mm and 125 mm. All of the lenses cover a full frame sensor, and you can also choose between a PL or an EF lens mount.
Lightweight
Blazar’s new Cato 2X anamorphic prime lenses feature a compact and lightweight design. The 55 mm lens is the lightest at 1.97 pounds (898 g) while the 40 mm option is the heaviest at 2.24 pounds (1,020 g). Completing the set, the 85 mm and 125 mm lenses weigh 2.04 pounds (927 g) and 2.07 pounds (940 g), respectively.
Compact
The 125 mm prime lens is the largest in the Cato 2X range, measuring just over 6 inches (154.6 mm) in length including the mount. At 5.8 inches (148.4 mm) the 40 mm lens is a little shorter. In addition, the 55 mm prime lens measures 4.9 inches (124 mm) and the 85 mm option is 5.5 inches (138.9 mm) long. All of the lenses also feature a front diameter of 85 mm and a filter thread of 82 mm.
Anamorphic squeeze factor
As the name suggests, Blazar’s new Cato 2X anamorphic prime lenses have a squeeze factor of 2x. Shooting with a 4:3 sensor, you will get a final aspect ratio of 2.66:1 once the image is desqueezed. This aspect ratio is called CinemaScope. It’s wider than the more common 2.39:1 aspect used for widescreen films today. However, it will give enhanced anamorphic effects such as oval bokeh. In addition, the Cato 2X prime lenses deliver neutral silver lens flares.
Wide maximum aperture
The 40 mm and 55 mm lenses have a wide maximum aperture of T2.0. However, the 85 mm and 125 mm options are a little slower at T2.8 and T4.0 respectively. The lenses are entirely manual, with geared aperture and focus rings. All of the lenses also feature apertures with 16 iris blades.
Focus throw
The Cato 2X anamorphic prime lenses feature a long focus throw of 150 degrees. This means it will be easy to achieve fine and accurate focusing. The 40 mm lens can focus as close as 1.8 feet (0.55 meters). However, the other three lenses have slightly longer minimum focus distances. For the 85 mm lens, it’s 2.52 feet (0.77 meters), while the 55 mm and 125 mm lenses can only focus to 2.59 feet (0.79 meters).
What we think
The Blazar Cato 2X anamorphic prime lenses aren’t cheap, but they are relatively inexpensive for anamorphic lenses. If you use the full image from a 16:9 sensor, you will end up with a super wide 3.55:1 aspect ratio video. However, you can crop into your image to effectively use a 4:3 sensor for a CinemaScope 2:66:1 result. In addition, the lens flare and oval bokeh anamorphic effects which are so desirable will be even more enhanced by the 2x squeeze factor. It’s also refreshing to see support for older EF cameras with the mount options. If you are considering a move to anamorphic filmmaking, the Blazar Caro 2X prime lenses are a tempting prospect.
Pricing and availability
You can buy the Blazar Cato 2X anamorphic prime lenses with PL mounts as a set of all four lenses in a bespoke case for $4599. Individually, the 55 mm, 85 mm and 125 mm lenses cost $1,299. However, the 40 mm lens is more expensive at $1,499. In addition, the EF mount retails at $99 if you want to adapt from a PL mount.
Currently, Blazar is running a pre-order offer on its website. This saves you $600 on the set of four lenses. There is also $100 off individual lenses and the EF mount is available at half price.
Blazar says that the 5 mm, 85 mm and 125 mm lenses will start shipping in November. However, you will have to wait until February 2025 for the 40 mm lens if you want the full set.
