The world of anamorphic lenses — long associated with Hollywood-style widescreen visuals — just got a major update with the Blazar Talon 1.5× AF series, which promises to bring cinematic character to shooters in a compact, autofocus-enabled package designed for modern mirrorless cameras.
Traditionally, anamorphic lenses that produce that classic widescreen look, rich oval bokeh, and distinctive flare were heavy, manual-focus cinema glass — often requiring dedicated crews, follow-focus systems, and beefy support rigs. The Talon series aims to change that by combining a 1.5× squeeze factor with built-in autofocus, full-frame coverage, and ergonomics tailored to solo creators and small crews.
What Makes the Talon Series Special
1. First of Its Kind with Autofocus
The defining feature of the Talon lineup is its autofocus anamorphic optics with a 1.5× squeeze — a combination not previously offered in full-frame lenses. While recent anamorphic lenses have adopted autofocus and lighter form factors, the Talon series is among the first to bring these together with a higher squeeze ratio that still feels cinematic and natural, especially for narrative and documentary productions.
This autofocus system isn’t just basic focus-by-wire — Blazar says it includes fast, precise subject tracking and eye-tracking capabilities, making it significantly easier to keep subjects sharp in dynamic shooting scenarios — a big advantage for solo operators or run-and-gun productions.
2. Cinematic Look Without the Bulk
Despite their anamorphic credentials, the Talon lenses are lightweight and compact, with each weighing under ~690 g (about 1.5 lb). This makes them easier to balance on handheld gimbals, stabilizers, or even lightweight rigs — a stark contrast to heavier cine-style anamorphics that can dominate a camera setup.
The 1.5× squeeze delivers a visual output closer to a traditional 1.8× anamorphic aesthetic, meaning rich cinematic depth, widescreen composition, and signature oval bokeh — all qualities cinematographers and directors of photography prize for narrative storytelling.
Lineup and Specs
At launch, Blazar is offering the Talon series in three focal lengths:
- 35 mm — T2.1 aperture (close focus ~0.37 m / 1.2 ft)
- 50 mm — T2.1 aperture and the first released lens
- 75 mm — similar performance with a ~0.73 m (~2.4 ft) close-focus distance
All three lenses cover a full-frame 36 × 24 mm image circle and use an 80 mm front diameter with 77 mm filter threads — a consistent form factor that makes accessory use simpler across the set.
The inclusion of a physical AF/MF switch allows shooters to quickly toggle between autofocus and manual focus modes depending on creative needs, blending convenience with traditional control.
Mount and Compatibility
Initially, the Talon series will be available in Sony E-mount — a choice that reflects the popularity of Sony mirrorless cameras among hybrid photo-video shooters. However, Sony’s lack of open-gate anamorphic support has generated discussion in the community, with some operators pointing out that other systems (like Panasonic’s Lumix with anamorphic-friendly modes) might be better optimized.
Blazar has hinted that additional mounts will roll out in the future, potentially opening the lenses up to even more camera systems and workflows.
Pricing and Availability
Blazar’s Talon 1.5× AF lenses are opening for pre-order on February 3, 2026, with an introductory price of about $999 USD per lens. Once the pre-order window closes, the price is expected to rise to around $1,099 USD.
This price point places the Talon series well below many traditional anamorphic cinema lenses, offering a compelling entry point for creators seeking a cinematic look without breaking the bank.
Why It Matters to Creators
For filmmakers, videographers, and hybrid shooters who want cinematic visuals with modern flexibility, the Blazar Talon series represents a meaningful step forward. It bridges the gap between classic anamorphic aesthetics and the practical demands of today’s content production — from narrative shorts and branded videos to documentary and indie film work — where speed, autofocus, and portability matter just as much as optical character.
As anamorphic lenses become more accessible and easier to use, tools like the Talon series are helping democratize cinematic visuals, putting expressive widescreen looks into the hands of more creators than ever before.
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