At NAB 2026, Ukrainian lens manufacturer Xelmus debuted a prototype for a new anamorphic lens with a 2X squeeze factor. The 16mm focal length makes it the world’s widest anamorphic lens, according to the company.
Aura 2X series
The new Aura series carries a 2X squeeze factor across the lineup. Xelmus says the lenses deliver a waterfall bokeh that creates a “dreamy, immersive depth,” along with muted white-blue flares and “retro-inspired veiling glare” meant to evoke the warmth of 1960s and ’70s cinema.
The Aura lenses also offer controlled focus breathing with minimal barrel distortion. They cover a Super 35 sensor, so you’ll need to crop if you want to shoot them on full frame.
Focal lengths
The current Aura lineup includes 30 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm and 135 mm options. All hit T2.2 except the 135mm, which lands at T2.3.
Weights run from 4.14 pounds (1.88 kg) on the 30 mm up to 5.4 pounds (2.45 kg) on the 135 mm. Close focus ranges from 2 feet (65 cm) to 3 feet (95 cm). Front diameters are a uniform 95 mm across the set, with one exception: the 30 mm steps up to 104 mm.
16 mm lens
The Aura 16mm previewed at NAB 2026 is the headline grabber. With a 2X squeeze, it captures the vertical field of view of a spherical 16 mm lens but the horizontal field of view of an 8 mm. Xelmus says the result is an “ultra-wide perspective with true cinematic compression” and a 150-degree field of view.
The company also points to an “enhanced Astigmatizers focusing system” on the Aura lineup, which it says delivers superior mechanical precision.
What we think
Xelmus calls the Aura series “a groundbreaking lens collection that masterfully blends vintage cinematic charm with cutting-edge optical innovation.” A 16 mm 2X anamorphic suggests they’re not just talking. That kind of wide-angle squeeze opens up perspectives most anamorphic shooters have never had access to, and pairing it with focal lengths up to 135 mm rounds out a serious working set.
Xelmus acknowledges it’s operating under “adversities” because of Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia. That makes the next 12 months an open question. If the company can hold its delivery schedule, the Aura series could be one of the more interesting anamorphic releases of the year.
Pricing and availability
Set A covers the 30 mm T2.2, 50 mm T2.2, 75 mm T2.2 and 135 mm T2.3. It costs $72,000 and ships now.
Set B is open for pre-order at the same $72,000 price. It includes 20 mm T2.2, 40 mm T2.2, 60 mm T2.2 (Macro) and 100 mm T2.2 focal lengths, with shipping scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The 16 mm lens runs $21,000 and is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2027. All Aura lenses are sold through the Xelmus website.
