Remus 50mm T2.0 1.5x (B-Set)

The Blazar Remus 50mm T2.0 1.5x delivers a distinctive character, showcasing a 1.5x look. However, due to the bokeh at the edges, it often appears closer to a 1.8x look, particularly because of the cutting and cat's eye effect present along the outer borders. While the bokeh in the center is notably soft and smooth, the edges exhibit overcorrection with a defined outline, providing a quality that is somewhat reminiscent of the Mercuries but at a more accessible price point.

Flare Character

The silver-flared version, in particular, produces a notable horizontal streak. These streaks can be described as artificial; akin to placing a fishing line vertically in front of the lens to achieve an illusion of streaked flares. While such horizontal streaks are not a requisite feature for an anamorphic lens to appear anamorphic, they offer a striking effect ideal for specific projects. The preference for such streaking ultimately depends on individual artistic vision.

Bokeh Quality

The bokeh characteristics showcase the 1.5x look predominantly in the center, yet tend to appear more elongated near the edges, enhancing the overall illusion. It is crucial to consider your sensor size and intended output format, as most 16x9 sensors will crop this unless adjustments are made to preserve information at the frame’s edges. However, any such alterations may result in increased distortion. By around T4, the distinct anamorphic 1.5x appearance begins to diminish significantly in the middle of the frame. Our test data illustrates that, at this T-stop, you might not easily identify it as a 1.5x anamorphic lens.

In comparison to the Mantis, which features a 1.8x to 2x oval iris, the 50mm Mantis from Blazar maintains a more pronounced oval and anamorphic iris look even at T4. Notably, the bokeh at the frame’s edges does not substantially improve when stopping down, which is quite unique. Transitioning from T2 to T8, the texture around the edges remains distinctly present at T2.8, only beginning to smooth out the edge distortion and warping of the bokeh character around T4.