The Blazar Remus 33mm anamorphic lens is part of the Remus series from Blazar Lens, designed to bring classic widescreen anamorphic aesthetics to modern filmmakers at an accessible price point. This lens is particularly notable for its wide 33mm focal length, fast T1.8 aperture, and compact, lightweight design, making it an intriguing option for various shooting scenarios, from handheld work to gimbal operation.

Key Features

• Focal Length: 33mm
• Aperture: T1.8 - T22
• Anamorphic Squeeze: 1.5x
• Format Coverage: Full-Frame (3:2)
• Mount: ARRI PL (available in other mounts via adapters)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.49m (1.6 feet)
• Front Diameter: 80mm
• Filter Thread: 77mm
• Focus Rotation: 150°
• Weight: Approximately 1.7 lbs (770-811g)
• Flare Options: Silver (standard), Blue, Amber, and Neutral

Image Quality

• Sharpness: The lens is reported to be impressively sharp even wide open at T1.8, which is unusual for anamorphic lenses, which often lose sharpness at wider apertures. While center sharpness is excellent at T1.8, the edges do soften at this aperture. Stepping down to T2.4 is said to restore edge sharpness and create a more balanced image across the frame.
• Distortion: As with many anamorphic lenses, distortion is present, particularly at the edges of the frame. However, for a wide anamorphic lens, the distortion is considered well-controlled and comparable to other lenses in the Remus series.  Some users find the distortion adds to the lens's character, while others may prefer cleaner lenses for certain shots.
• Chromatic Aberration: Chromatic aberration is present, especially when shooting wide open. While it might be a concern for pristine spherical lenses, some reviewers find it acceptable and even fitting with the "character" of an anamorphic lens like the Remus 33mm. Stopping down the aperture can help reduce chromatic aberration.
• Bokeh: The lens produces a pleasing oval bokeh, a hallmark of anamorphic lenses, enhancing the cinematic look and subject separation. The fast T1.8 aperture contributes to a shallow depth of field and more pronounced bokeh.

Anamorphic Character

• Flares: The Blazar Remus 33mm is designed to produce classic anamorphic silver flares.  A "neutral flare" option is also available, which allows flares to take on the color of the light source, offering more creative control. Flares are easily induced, and their appearance changes with aperture, becoming streak-like wide open and more fractured when stopped down.
• Aspect Ratio: With a 1.5x squeeze, the lens produces a widescreen 2.66:1 aspect ratio on a 3:2 sensor after de-squeezing, creating a distinctly cinematic and immersive visual experience.
• Cinematic Look:  Reviewers consistently describe the lens as having a distinct "cinematic magic" and "retro" look. The combination of anamorphic bokeh, flares, and widescreen aspect ratio contributes to footage that feels more like "a real movie."

Build and Handling

• Compact and Lightweight:  Weighing around 1.7 lbs, the Remus 33mm is remarkably compact and lightweight for an anamorphic lens. This makes it well-suited for handheld shooting, gimbal setups, and travel filmmaking.
• Build Quality: The lens is described as having a "cine-style" build with focus and aperture gears, suggesting it is designed for professional use.
• Focus Rotation: The 150° focus rotation allows for accurate and smooth focus pulls, essential for cinematic filmmaking.
• Filter Thread and Front Diameter: The 77mm filter thread is a standard size, and the 80mm front diameter is compatible with many matte boxes.

Performance

• Low Light Performance: The fast T1.8 aperture makes the lens suitable for low-light shooting, especially when paired with cameras with good low-light capabilities.
• Minimum Focus Distance: The short minimum focus distance of 0.49m is a standout feature, allowing for close-up shots with enhanced subject separation and unique perspectives, especially for a wide anamorphic lens.
• Infrared Performance: The lens reportedly performs exceptionally well in infrared, with no red spot issues or loss of sharpness, making it a viable option for anamorphic infrared filmmaking.

Pros

• Affordable Price: Compared to high-end anamorphic lenses, the Blazar Remus 33mm offers a significantly more accessible entry point into anamorphic filmmaking.
• Compact and Lightweight:  Easy to handle and ideal for various shooting situations.
• Fast T1.8 Aperture: Excellent for low light and shallow depth of field.
• Pleasing Anamorphic Character: Delivers classic anamorphic flares and bokeh.
• Good Sharpness: Sharp even wide open, especially in the center.
• Impressive Minimum Focus Distance: Allows for creative close-up work.
• Full-Frame Coverage:  Supports full-frame sensors.

Cons

• Distortion: Noticeable distortion, especially at the edges.
• Chromatic Aberration: Present, particularly at wider apertures.
• Edge Softness at T1.8: Edges are softer when shooting wide open.

Price and Value for Money

The Blazar Remus 33mm anamorphic lens is priced around $1,199 USD when purchased individually and is also available in lens sets at a reduced per-lens cost.  Considering its features, image quality, and anamorphic characteristics, it offers excellent value for filmmakers looking to explore the anamorphic format without a prohibitive budget.

Conclusion and Target Audience

The Blazar Remus 33mm anamorphic lens is a compelling option for filmmakers seeking to achieve a classic widescreen anamorphic look with a wide field of view. Its affordability, compact size, fast aperture, and pleasing anamorphic character make it suitable for a range of users, from independent filmmakers and content creators to those experimenting with anamorphic for the first time. While it exhibits some optical imperfections like distortion and chromatic aberration, these are often considered part of the charm and character of vintage-style anamorphic lenses, especially at this price point.  If you are looking for a wide, characterful, and budget-friendly anamorphic lens, the Blazar Remus 33mm is well worth considering.