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Blazar has just officially introduced its upcoming full-frame anamorphic lens series, Viper. Offering a maximum aperture of T2.1 and a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze, the Viper lenses were designed as a more modern, lighter alternative to the companyβs popular Remus set. Letβs take a look!
Since rebranding from Great Joy to Blazar a little over two years ago, the company has rolled out one anamorphic lens series after another, starting with their successful Remus 1.5x full-frame set, and moving right along with the Cato 2x (full-frame) and Mantis 1.33x (full-frame) series. Meanwhile, they also introduced some of the first AF-enabled anamorphic lenses on the market, the Apex 1.33x (APS-C), which were recently followed by the full-frame Talon.
While each of these releases brought a unique twist to the table, the introduction of the Viper series might sound a bit more confusing, especially given the similarity between their specs and those of Remus. So letβs try to understand whatβs βnewβ here.
Initially, the Blazar Viper series will consist of three focal lengths: 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm. These are based on the same optical design as their Talon counterparts but are offered in a fully manual version with an interchangeable PL/EF mount rather than a mirrorless mount.
All lenses share the same maximum aperture of T2.1 (which is practically on par with the Remus series), and just like Remus, they offer full-frame coverage, a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze factor, 16 iris blades, silver flare only (as the Remus in blue and amber flares were discontinued), and an 80mm front diameter with a 77mm filter thread.
Despite these similarities, the biggest difference with the Remus lenses is in their look. Indeed, while the Remus results in vintage anamorphic visuals with a good amount of βcharacterβ, Blazar claims that the Viper lenses offer a sharper, more modern look.
This can actually be noticed in the sample footage above, where barrel distortion and focus breathing turn out to be particularly well controlled. Moreover, as with the Mantis series, the Viper lenses should deliver a stronger anamorphic look than the nominal 1.5x factor, closer to that of 1.8x anamorphic.
Finally, while the Viper lenses are slightly longer, they are lighter than Remus, and come with a longer focus throw (200Β° vs 150Β°) and improved close focus ability (0.37m/1.2ft, 0.65m/2.1ft, and 0.70m/2.35ft on the 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm, respectively).
The new Blazar Viper anamorphic lenses are now available to pre-order from B&H and CVP. The pre-order price for the 3-lens set is $2,499/β¬2.630 (excl. VAT), but you can also pre-order each lens individually for $899/β¬964 (excl. VAT). Starting on March 27th, 2026, these prices will increase to $2,999 and $1,099. Lastly, the Canon EF mount for Viper lenses retails for $99/β¬87 (excl. VAT).For more information, please visit Blazarβs website here.
Have you ever shot with Blazar anamorphic lenses? Do you think the Viper series can provide a more balanced look for your day-to-day work? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Francesco Andreola is a Milan-based filmmaker. He currently teaches the Video Technology class at the European Institute of Design (IED) in Milan. He works in the Camera Department as a camera operator and assistant.