It seems that it works with a 'set' to shoot a sequence, my 'set might be 28 50, 85, .. and 2X any lens that doesnt have a wide or tele sisters is to me useless.
funny and interesting presentation! I was blazed away by it far more than from the smallish anamorphic gadget... actually fitting mostly (or only) on small full frame lenses.. but I am not convinced by the optical performance, particularly the edges are rather soft etc... it was a GREAT JOY to attend you little video, thx a lot
I'm glad that you make the distinction between quirks and issues... I've heard lens producers try to handwave problems away by calling them "character". This is a great idea, but realistically the focal lengths you can pair it with seem pretty limited. Which I could live with if it were half the price. This feels like premium pricing for a setup that's still experimental. Blessings to them for taming the flares and for offering something other than 1.3x, but that's still not enough to get me to buy. I wouldn't be surprised to see a new version in 6-9 months that corrects some of our complaints. These smaller lens companies seem content to use their customer base as unpaid beta testers which has taught me to wait until the 3rd or 4th iteration of a new line. Looking forward to what's next.
Who on earth did Great Joy consult with to rebrand as Blazar??? Great review Tito. It’s an interesting looking product. With the right taking lens it has a nice charm to it and pleasing flares; but I don’t feel it has the je ne sais quoi of anamorphic lenses. It looks best suited for S35 sensors, with a limited ability to work on full frame as an added bonus, but seems to be an decent offering for the price. I feel a good strategy would be to next manufacture a compelling anamorphic adapter specifically for the Sigma 18-35 f1.8 lens. I wonder if you could reverse the support foot to help with rigging the focus motor? I also wonder if there’s any merit in using magnetic filter adapters between the taking lenses and the Nero (in combination with using the Nero lens support) to save screwing the adapter off and on when changing focal lengths?
This looks very cool! However, I would rather save the 899 (or 1000) USD and go instead for the Sirui Carbon fiber anamorphic (Saturn, I think), with the 35 mm for now and 50 mm whenever they come out with it. My reasoning is simply that I am likely to travel with a small and light lens that works straight out of the box, rather than do all the fiddly adapter-stuff. The need to attach support to this adapter to get smooth focus is particularly a deal-breaker for me. Alternately, I do really like the Great Joy anamorphic lenses too. Would perhaps look at investing in their 50 mm, 35 mm and 85 mm if those go on a massive sale at some point
I am still trying to decide between this, the moment, and the sirui... because I would like to use it at 35mm and wide open, I would guess the sirui is probably still my best bet for sharpness and coverage at 35mm on full frame? Because this one is 1.5x, I feel like I could use it at 35mm and crop to 2.35:1 and get rid of most of the vignette, but I don't know!
The vigetting and distortion showed at around 4:30 and 5:10 looks really interesting. This id what I want more of. But it sounds like that look is exclusive to full frame? Or could it be achieved with an even wider lens when on smaller sensors?
Huh. Thanks for this. I’m underwhelmed; the limited range of 50mm to 85mm taking lens really limits the use. What’s the range of that Moment anamorphic adapter?
@@timlinssen I’m more concerned with wide than long. I just did a thing with the SIRUI 35mm 1.6x squeeze, which is an effective 22mm, and that was awesome. So starting at 50mm @ 1.5 feels a little limiting.
@@photojoseph Understood, I have the Sirui Saturn 35mm also and after fixing the pin cushion and crop in. I’m pretty much at 45-50mm anyway. I prefer the barrel distortion. My other issue with the Siri Saturn 35mm is, it’s clinical and a bit characterless… until you use diopters. However, using a glimmer glass filter takes the edge off. Great video btw
I have a question for you. In this age of vertical video and people watching most of there content on their phones. Do you think it's wise to do these mega squeeze videos ? I'm really leaning into 2:1 aspect ratio lately. Thoughts?
I used to watch RickVanMan chanell quite a bit back in the day 😀 Anyway, awesome review as always. Same as you I just don't really get excited about adapters anymore, which is why I passed on an opportunity to review one, but glad you did, I always enjoy your anamorphic reviews
Shame they dropped the Great Joy. I liked it and it didn't stop people from buying it, so I think a bit of unnecessary chance and not a massively improved one.
Tito, when you say that the look is more controlled on super 35 sensors, are you talking about distortion or CA or sharpness on the edges? Can you explain?
Hard for me to justify it over a few of the "native" Anamorphics. Cheaper, yes, but I don't love any of my primes enough to justify putting up with the quarks. Thanks for looking at it, and I always enjoy your "mini" films you use to test/demo with. I also think the name change is from bad to worse, especially since no one knows how to pronounce it. I am also glad they did not do a kick start on it.
Looks pretty incredible to me- Edit: customer service is horrible. I bought the adapter, have used it for maybe 30 minutes, decided to return it. Their website says to start a return you email them. I did. THEY DON’T ACCEPT ANY USED ITEMS AS RETURNS (unless there’s a factory quality issue) So if anyone wants to buy one you’d better be 100% sure you’re keeping it forever. Or let me know and you can buy mine
@@tomdamage9321 no I’m just too impatient to deal with the workflow of manual focus + de squeeze in my NLE. Should have thought of that before buying the thing. I just shipped it to someone today!
A single focus adapter would be super appealing, but… it’d need it to work with wider angle taking lenses, a larger diameter entrance and have less distortion. I suspect every part of those translate to “more expensive.” I hope this is a success so they bring out more versions, and one might work for me.
why will 28 * 1.5 not be wide enough? there are many FD and nikkor 28 2.8 that are peanuts. Am I missing something here about this.. it seems perfect mix of affordable and sensible.
I'm using the Great Joy 1.33x on a short right now and it's a pain due to the weight and not seeming to work when the taking lenses are set to infinity. In the future I want to shoot true anamorphics.
I wonder why adapters don't ship with a 5 cent 2x oval insert for the back of the adapter? I like the support foot on the this design. The Sirui has no support foot and I've dropped it twice as a result.
What was the wide angle adapter you used towards the end of the video?? At around 6:55? I recently received my own Nero and I'm eager to test it out! Very cool.....
This is unrelated to the adapter; I have the Jupiter 85mm but it does not focus past a couple of inches on all cameras I've tested. Any idea how to fix this? My friend also has Canon FD lenses and some of them do not focus to infinity - only up to 30 feet or so. Something tells me you know a solution to this problem.
Most likely an issue with the flange distance. The back of the lenses are too far from the sensor! Check this video for more about flange distance: ua-cam.com/video/YmqS_MfIW5Q/v-deo.html
I'm curious how this adapter works with larger lenses that have threads above 52 mm. According to the product description: "The Nero’s 52mm thread can easily be adapted to other lens sizes using a step up/step down ring. It works with lenses with a front filter thread size up to 82mm." I've only ever used step up rings, not step down rings, so if you used this on a larger lens, would the step down ring end up obscuring some of the field of view?? Seems like a really weird concept.
It depends. A lot of lenses have a larger filter thread than the front element itself. If the glass is large too, there's chance of vignetting or light loss in general too, like you suspect.
Great video, Tito! I think I'm going to skip this though. Considering I already have a 50mm anamorphic, this is of no use. Can't go wider than 45 (to avoid vignetting) or above 80 (if it did at least one of those, I'd have gotten it). But I have to admit, I love the look of the Blazar. So, I'll have to wait for a better adapter, I guess. But with that said, if I was primarily filming on s35, I'd immediately get it, no doubt.
What’s your opinion on this vs the iscorama pre-36? This looks good but the distortion looks pretty intense, and it’s a shame it’s so soft at lower apertures.
I feel like this is a step forward, and also backwards for great joy. I have the 1.35x adapter. 67mm taking threads was just about as small as I was willing to go, however this now has a tiny 55mm which makes so many taking lenses I love, poor candidates. I know a 67mm taking lens sized adapter at 1.5x would be more heavy, and more expensive, but I firmly believe that’s where the brand should have gone. I would absolutely buy a 1.5x 67mm adapter for $1,200 over an aivascope or this 55mm adapter
Nope it has nothing todo with the filter size, it is the focal length that determines vignetting or not. All u need is a step down ring. (I had the same question too and i called and confirmed with GJ about this
@@nahlene1973 interesting, and noted. In theory, Would the same apply to my 67mm 1.35x, if I were to adapt it to say, an 86mm front objective (given the same focal length)
Some pretty pictures :) To shoot a sequence it would seem that one could get acceptable with 1.5*28, 50 and 85 on S35, 1.5*28 is quite wide. You race through a bit, if you have 52 front FD 28,50 85 or nikkor 28, 50, 85 do you think you will get a cuttable sequence with no horrific vignettes?
I liked it when you played with the pronunciation of "Blazar"... In Spanish it is pronounced as an acute word that you didn't like "Blah-Zar" hahaha... Is this adapter lens for Nikon D810? I would greatly appreciate the answer. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Great review. Looks like the name was chosen by an IA, like Baltars + Bladerunner thing. Still a nice product for a set of vintage spherical primes as you said. Would love to see how it perfoms in a Pentax Limited 43mm f1.9 . Actually i would love to see all the Pentax Limited (31/43/77) adapted to anamorphic in any way 😂.
I feel like the adapter was made for those lenses lol, the aluminum finish is pretty much identical. I would guess from this video that the 31 would probably vignette pretty bad, but the 77 and 43 would probably make a very nice 2 lens set for this adapter
0:45 I love how stealthy he appears in the reflection 4:06 I find this a bit unfair, because the Jupiter is debatable at f/2 on its own. On a different 85mm (couldn't you use a 90mm Summicron from Matt?) I bet it would look different. All in all, it's the first modern anamorphic that I would seriously consider. The Moment missed the last punch (and I really don't like Moment as a company (and at this point I must say I'm tired of arguing fanboys in comments, so go ahead but I won't bite)). I like the flairs, and while Bokeh isn't terrific it's very usable. Wideness is definitely there. But I also dislike the placement of the foot; I understand it has no real other options than the current position, but this interferes with more comfortable rigging. Oh well, good thing I'm out of lens fomo :)
@@AnamorphicOnABudget I actually think that makes it worse, it just adds leverage :( The rear is rather small, so I'd love to just install some bushing on the rear and push it into an 80mm OD cap which I have installed anyway. But the foot is in the way, could only work it was more in the front (or if it was offset a bit, that could work in theory but leverage again
what's the issue with just screwing it on to your lens, why do you need to put it on rails? Isn't that the entire point of this is the ease of use versus an aivascope?(and the price) It literally has a button to help it rotate so you can adjust alignment from there right?
@@BadMantraFilms all that fiddling costs time. It also means I have to work with stepper rings, which always add a distance between elements. That's three reasons already. Putting it on rails can make things faster and helps with wobble caused by the leverage of the elongated setup (depending on lens and/or adapters this can be a biggie), so "stability" in general. If that doesn't sound like anything you'd care for, that's fair enough, everyone has a different need :)
I really hope they make a compact 1.33x with variable diopter, their existing model is huge. I would love a blazar 1.33 single focus adapter on my nanomorph
Also you dont show attaching it,.. doing it up. Can you slide it back downt the rods onto the taking lens and then rotate it to tighten it onto the thread ? how does this work ? why didnt you show it?
@@AnamorphicOnABudget Thanks for response.7.55 is an example - you seem to cut just beforre the process is complete? This is interesting, without engaging the thread is the lens in the right position to create infinity focus, and are there not a risk of light leaks between the two lenses? Ill watch again.
@@AnamorphicOnABudget Ahh of course, and if you want decent quality that also means more of the better quality coatings. Cheers for the reply! Might just have to save up for some 1.5x ef lenses or hope that SIrui brings out some EF lenses.
I have recently purchased the Laowa 6mm T2.1 Lens for use on my Panasonic GH5. An amazing Lens when shooting Anamorphic with this Lens, so if you have an opportunity to aquire this Lens I would be interested in your comments. Roy Trew
Thanks for the review. Do you think it could work on smaller sensor (like MFT) cameras? Thinking about the BMPCC OG and 4K. Assuming I'm using lenses that are equivalent to a 40mm FOV full frame. Thanks!
Thanks @@AnamorphicOnABudget ! Do you think it would work even if my taking lens is 72mm diameter? I'm using the Meike MFT cine primes. I'm afraid that's a bit bigger than the 52mm? rear thread of the adapter.
I'm going to purchase either this or the Sirui, and I'd like to make the decision before the early bird pricing for this ends. I just can't decide. I think I'd prefer this one overall, but I am buying the Sirui Saturn.. I guess having a wider than 2x squeeze using the nero w it would be fine, I'd be getting heavy vignetting anyway, I'll believe I'll be punching in a bit using clear image zoom to get around it... Wish there was a comparison around. Tito, you're the best, I haven't seen you respond to many comments on here, but do you have any advice? appreciate you...
It won't be much of a difference, to be honest. Just pick one and be happy about it! The Nero has a stronger look than the Sirui adapter, and it flares less - which is good if you intend to stack it on top of another anamorphic. :)
Wish they'd make one with a 77mm rear thread so I can use it with my rokinon set and make it wider. I don't want to buy/have a smaller taking lens set, at least not at this point.
Honestly for the price and size this is super intriguing, especially for those that own a vintage set. I think s35 users with a helios 44m and mir 37b will like there results(although the lack of sharpness wide open is an issue). Maybe the newer lenses from 7artisans that start off a bit more clinical and sharp is the better answer for attempting wide open shots.. butIdk man until a company makes a set of affordable lenses with older adapter like separation and true anamorphic quality like a Kowa for example, this might be the best answer poor guys like me have at this time to achieve that look that's somewhere in the middle..
How would you rack focus between the taking lens (say Leica R 35/50mm cron) and the Blazar? The lens extends slightly, and it would either cause a gap, if taken to account, or it would push the adapter forward once going to close focus? I had some issues understanding that. Or would you be able to do the whole focusing on the adapter itself?
The adapter is single-focus, meaning that the taking lens is set to infinity and all focusing is done on the adapter. So no need to worry about the taking lens moving
Hey man I hope you are well. I have question if you would be so kind to ask. If you were going to buy one anamorphic lens price ranging from $1000-$3000 to film a feature film, what lens would you buy?
I JUST got the new moment 1.33x adapter today... If I don't love it I was thinking about trading it in for this Blazar. Which do you prefer? What would you recommend? Thank you.
Very nice review as always Tito. I am kinda tempted... looks pretty cool on Helios and I would like to test it on my set of vintage lenses, especially on my helios 44.2 and on the canon 28mm. Dunno... I must say I am not 100% confident about adapters, I never got one. I would prefer to invest in a new Great Joy anamorphic 1x8 to pair with my 85 mm (I would love a 42 or a 24 mm focal lens). Oops... No more Great Joy, sorry Blazar or B-Laser or Bwhatever... no comment about logo, not really sexy.
Summary of the video: weird rebranding, can't spell new name, old logo better, to much distortions, can't cover wider lens, to soft with wider aperture... but go and buy it.
So the rebranding is not impressive. Great Joy actually grew on me as well but Blazar kind of gets lost with all the companies who are making anamorphics lenses now. Logo definitely needs a facelift. With the "Great Joy" anamorphics living around the $1800 price point I think this adapter should live under $800 as an entry level product to their line and amamorphic qualities. That's just my opinion. Thanks for the review!
for 1.5x one could wish to go wider just for simple reason of selling more units. i feel like size could be bigger and not cange that much for 97% users. single focus is amazing tho. but not enough for me. c35 stays.
Not so enthusiastic…the mounting is quite small for still a kind of pricy adapter. I’m using the Sirui adapter(yes it’s only 1.25x) but it has the more common 82mm mount, less pricey and great to extent the usable focal lengths of the Sirui anamorphic line up. I prefer shooting anamorphic with anamorphic lenses and for spherical..yes spherical 😉
After a year I totally have to correct myself. Love using adapters, it's bit of a hustle but that's also the fun. And yes I bought this adapter ;). Just wanted to correct myself.
Just Bring back the GreatJoy Brand! It is much better. oh @Blazar just fix the GJ 50mm Anamorphic stretch factor, i will get one to complete my set! with the same GJ logo pls hehe
It is more expensive than the previous Great Joy 1.3X adapter even being lighter and smaller (less materials for production). For that 1K price I better get some Sirui lens or wait for another more affordable adapter.
Wow, this is wild. I only found the astronomy definition: a region at the center of a galaxy that emits extremely powerful jets of radiation in the direction of the Earth.
In a world of all these new anamorphic products, this might be the only one I've been excited for and will likely purchase.
It seems that it works with a 'set' to shoot a sequence, my 'set might be 28 50, 85, .. and 2X any lens that doesnt have a wide or tele sisters is to me useless.
I liked the name Great Joy, because their lenses gave me great joy! I love the 35mm x1.8 T2.9 lens!
funny and interesting presentation! I was blazed away by it far more than from the smallish anamorphic gadget... actually fitting mostly (or only) on small full frame lenses.. but I am not convinced by the optical performance, particularly the edges are rather soft etc... it was a GREAT JOY to attend you little video, thx a lot
OMG can't wait till tomorrow ! This Blazar Nero 1.5X adapter is really promising...
I'm glad that you make the distinction between quirks and issues... I've heard lens producers try to handwave problems away by calling them "character". This is a great idea, but realistically the focal lengths you can pair it with seem pretty limited. Which I could live with if it were half the price. This feels like premium pricing for a setup that's still experimental. Blessings to them for taming the flares and for offering something other than 1.3x, but that's still not enough to get me to buy.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a new version in 6-9 months that corrects some of our complaints. These smaller lens companies seem content to use their customer base as unpaid beta testers which has taught me to wait until the 3rd or 4th iteration of a new line. Looking forward to what's next.
The rebrand is super welcome. It was hard to even have a serious conversation about "Great Joy." For me, I'll be getting this adapter.
You are so right
Interesting new option! Appreciate the honesty as always Tito, great review 😃
Who on earth did Great Joy consult with to rebrand as Blazar???
Great review Tito. It’s an interesting looking product. With the right taking lens it has a nice charm to it and pleasing flares; but I don’t feel it has the je ne sais quoi of anamorphic lenses. It looks best suited for S35 sensors, with a limited ability to work on full frame as an added bonus, but seems to be an decent offering for the price.
I feel a good strategy would be to next manufacture a compelling anamorphic adapter specifically for the Sigma 18-35 f1.8 lens.
I wonder if you could reverse the support foot to help with rigging the focus motor?
I also wonder if there’s any merit in using magnetic filter adapters between the taking lenses and the Nero (in combination with using the Nero lens support) to save screwing the adapter off and on when changing focal lengths?
Thank you! Reversing the foot seems like a really good idea. I think the Nero is a bit too heavy to rely on magnetic filter solutions though. :(
You could reverse the lens support direction to help with your focus motor position problem and still support the adapter, just saying! 😅
Your Video is on their Website 😍 Can you test this with different focal lengths? :D
This looks very cool! However, I would rather save the 899 (or 1000) USD and go instead for the Sirui Carbon fiber anamorphic (Saturn, I think), with the 35 mm for now and 50 mm whenever they come out with it. My reasoning is simply that I am likely to travel with a small and light lens that works straight out of the box, rather than do all the fiddly adapter-stuff. The need to attach support to this adapter to get smooth focus is particularly a deal-breaker for me. Alternately, I do really like the Great Joy anamorphic lenses too. Would perhaps look at investing in their 50 mm, 35 mm and 85 mm if those go on a massive sale at some point
I am still trying to decide between this, the moment, and the sirui... because I would like to use it at 35mm and wide open, I would guess the sirui is probably still my best bet for sharpness and coverage at 35mm on full frame? Because this one is 1.5x, I feel like I could use it at 35mm and crop to 2.35:1 and get rid of most of the vignette, but I don't know!
my left ear really enjoyed that sound design
The vigetting and distortion showed at around 4:30 and 5:10 looks really interesting. This id what I want more of. But it sounds like that look is exclusive to full frame?
Or could it be achieved with an even wider lens when on smaller sensors?
Huh. Thanks for this. I’m underwhelmed; the limited range of 50mm to 85mm taking lens really limits the use. What’s the range of that Moment anamorphic adapter?
Consider that when shooting s35 / apsc you can go wider -and- effectively longer when using an 85mm
@@timlinssen I’m more concerned with wide than long. I just did a thing with the SIRUI 35mm 1.6x squeeze, which is an effective 22mm, and that was awesome. So starting at 50mm @ 1.5 feels a little limiting.
@@photojoseph Understood, I have the Sirui Saturn 35mm also and after fixing the pin cushion and crop in. I’m pretty much at 45-50mm anyway. I prefer the barrel distortion. My other issue with the Siri Saturn 35mm is, it’s clinical and a bit characterless… until you use diopters. However, using a glimmer glass filter takes the edge off. Great video btw
I have a question for you. In this age of vertical video and people watching most of there content on their phones. Do you think it's wise to do these mega squeeze videos ? I'm really leaning into 2:1 aspect ratio lately. Thoughts?
@@aram.v You do what you want to do creatively; that’s what matters.
Hmm... i usually want to steer clear of anamorphic adapters.. but i like the idea of being able to make use of my vintage lenses
Blazar... didn't he play for the Globo Gym Purple Corbras?
WOW, THAT WAS A GREAT REFERENCE. I haven't thought of Dodgeball in years. Thank you! Hahahaha
I used to watch RickVanMan chanell quite a bit back in the day 😀
Anyway, awesome review as always. Same as you I just don't really get excited about adapters anymore, which is why I passed on an opportunity to review one, but glad you did, I always enjoy your anamorphic reviews
Shame they dropped the Great Joy. I liked it and it didn't stop people from buying it, so I think a bit of unnecessary chance and not a massively improved one.
Tito, when you say that the look is more controlled on super 35 sensors, are you talking about distortion or CA or sharpness on the edges? Can you explain?
Both! On S35 we have less distortion and better IQ.
@@AnamorphicOnABudget Even with a 28mm?
Hard for me to justify it over a few of the "native" Anamorphics. Cheaper, yes, but I don't love any of my primes enough to justify putting up with the quarks. Thanks for looking at it, and I always enjoy your "mini" films you use to test/demo with. I also think the name change is from bad to worse, especially since no one knows how to pronounce it. I am also glad they did not do a kick start on it.
Great rundown! Appreciate the honesty 👏
Looks pretty incredible to me- Edit: customer service is horrible. I bought the adapter, have used it for maybe 30 minutes, decided to return it. Their website says to start a return you email them. I did. THEY DON’T ACCEPT ANY USED ITEMS AS RETURNS (unless there’s a factory quality issue)
So if anyone wants to buy one you’d better be 100% sure you’re keeping it forever.
Or let me know and you can buy mine
may I know why did you decided to return it back after 30 minutes? Was it because of chromatic aberration ?
I’ll buy your adapter!
@@tomdamage9321 no I’m just too impatient to deal with the workflow of manual focus + de squeeze in my NLE.
Should have thought of that before buying the thing.
I just shipped it to someone today!
B&H got it, probably better return policy.
@@williamaungleyraud nope, checked there. No returns allowed.
Do you have a review on the Blazar Remus? Great Video!
Considering its an hour and half past the "launch" time and the website still isn't allowing purchases, I'm a little worried.
They messed up. It was out of stock before I got the email.
@@wkghrs it was out of stock before the launch, they said it was just a test web page, but they still haven’t opened sales in the US…
@@DanielTroyer interesting. No clue
A single focus adapter would be super appealing, but… it’d need it to work with wider angle taking lenses, a larger diameter entrance and have less distortion. I suspect every part of those translate to “more expensive.” I hope this is a success so they bring out more versions, and one might work for me.
why will 28 * 1.5 not be wide enough? there are many FD and nikkor 28 2.8 that are peanuts. Am I missing something here about this.. it seems perfect mix of affordable and sensible.
"I don't know if this would be counted as character or an issue." 5:14 😂
Seems to only work on vintage glass. Would be great to know if it works with the Dzo Vespid 50mm on full frame.
I'm using the Great Joy 1.33x on a short right now and it's a pain due to the weight and not seeming to work when the taking lenses are set to infinity. In the future I want to shoot true anamorphics.
I wonder why adapters don't ship with a 5 cent 2x oval insert for the back of the adapter? I like the support foot on the this design. The Sirui has no support foot and I've dropped it twice as a result.
could you please do a comparison between the aivascope and the blazar. that would be very interesting.
What was the wide angle adapter you used towards the end of the video?? At around 6:55? I recently received my own Nero and I'm eager to test it out! Very cool.....
It's a weird old Schneider adapter. I can't remember the model, but it's an ebay find!
Looks like a KODAK Schneider Kreuznach XENAR Wide Angle adapter lens
Luca Bono has a good video about it.
Great video! Great explanation of the pros and cons.
I was wondering if you will review the new blazar remus set that blazar just released?
Thank you! I will, so stay tuned! :)
@@AnamorphicOnABudget thank you very much for your reply. Can’t wait.
I wonder how this will compare to the Aivascope 1.5x 🤔
Spoiler alert: Tito does NOT like any adapters for very good reason
Any idea when (or if) we'll be seeing reviews of the Remus lineup?
Yes it's coming! Stay tuned! :)
@@AnamorphicOnABudget Waiting. Almost everyone in the world loves them, so awaiting your take.
Are they going to have lens series called: Blade and Lazar? and I hope they have a lens consligiere named Me’Shell.
This is unrelated to the adapter; I have the Jupiter 85mm but it does not focus past a couple of inches on all cameras I've tested. Any idea how to fix this? My friend also has Canon FD lenses and some of them do not focus to infinity - only up to 30 feet or so. Something tells me you know a solution to this problem.
Most likely an issue with the flange distance. The back of the lenses are too far from the sensor! Check this video for more about flange distance: ua-cam.com/video/YmqS_MfIW5Q/v-deo.html
Great video!! Would be so cool to know which wide angle adapter you used 😅🙏
I'm curious how this adapter works with larger lenses that have threads above 52 mm. According to the product description: "The Nero’s 52mm thread can easily be adapted to other lens sizes using a step up/step down ring. It works with lenses with a front filter thread size up to 82mm." I've only ever used step up rings, not step down rings, so if you used this on a larger lens, would the step down ring end up obscuring some of the field of view?? Seems like a really weird concept.
It depends. A lot of lenses have a larger filter thread than the front element itself. If the glass is large too, there's chance of vignetting or light loss in general too, like you suspect.
Great video, Tito! I think I'm going to skip this though. Considering I already have a 50mm anamorphic, this is of no use. Can't go wider than 45 (to avoid vignetting) or above 80 (if it did at least one of those, I'd have gotten it). But I have to admit, I love the look of the Blazar. So, I'll have to wait for a better adapter, I guess. But with that said, if I was primarily filming on s35, I'd immediately get it, no doubt.
Will you review the Blazar Remus set? 🥺 Please?
You mention a non-rotating front, but it looks like it rotates to me, while the element telescopes. Can you clarify for us? Thanks
The element telescopes, but the filter threads and glass don't rotate.
What’s your opinion on this vs the iscorama pre-36? This looks good but the distortion looks pretty intense, and it’s a shame it’s so soft at lower apertures.
so i didn't get that with what lens it could be used on S35 and 6.2k open gate to avoid hard vignete
As a huge Blade Runner fan, I actually dig the logo. haha
Having this adapter in hand, it isn't perfect by any means but damn this is a good product. Wonder what anamorphics will be like in 5-10 years
I feel like this is a step forward, and also backwards for great joy. I have the 1.35x adapter. 67mm taking threads was just about as small as I was willing to go, however this now has a tiny 55mm which makes so many taking lenses I love, poor candidates. I know a 67mm taking lens sized adapter at 1.5x would be more heavy, and more expensive, but I firmly believe that’s where the brand should have gone. I would absolutely buy a 1.5x 67mm adapter for $1,200 over an aivascope or this 55mm adapter
Nope it has nothing todo with the filter size, it is the focal length that determines vignetting or not. All u need is a step down ring.
(I had the same question too and i called and confirmed with GJ about this
@@nahlene1973 interesting, and noted. In theory, Would the same apply to my 67mm 1.35x, if I were to adapt it to say, an 86mm front objective (given the same focal length)
@@MrMacroJesseSky yes I suppose so if i understand everything correct
Some pretty pictures :) To shoot a sequence it would seem that one could get acceptable with 1.5*28, 50 and 85 on S35, 1.5*28 is quite wide. You race through a bit, if you have 52 front FD 28,50 85 or nikkor 28, 50, 85 do you think you will get a cuttable sequence with no horrific vignettes?
I liked it when you played with the pronunciation of "Blazar"... In Spanish it is pronounced as an acute word that you didn't like "Blah-Zar" hahaha... Is this adapter lens for Nikon D810? I would greatly appreciate the answer. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Does this adapter work with autofocus lenses?
no.
Great review. Looks like the name was chosen by an IA, like Baltars + Bladerunner thing. Still a nice product for a set of vintage spherical primes as you said. Would love to see how it perfoms in a Pentax Limited 43mm f1.9 . Actually i would love to see all the Pentax Limited (31/43/77) adapted to anamorphic in any way 😂.
I feel like the adapter was made for those lenses lol, the aluminum finish is pretty much identical. I would guess from this video that the 31 would probably vignette pretty bad, but the 77 and 43 would probably make a very nice 2 lens set for this adapter
0:45 I love how stealthy he appears in the reflection
4:06 I find this a bit unfair, because the Jupiter is debatable at f/2 on its own. On a different 85mm (couldn't you use a 90mm Summicron from Matt?) I bet it would look different.
All in all, it's the first modern anamorphic that I would seriously consider. The Moment missed the last punch (and I really don't like Moment as a company (and at this point I must say I'm tired of arguing fanboys in comments, so go ahead but I won't bite)). I like the flairs, and while Bokeh isn't terrific it's very usable. Wideness is definitely there.
But I also dislike the placement of the foot; I understand it has no real other options than the current position, but this interferes with more comfortable rigging.
Oh well, good thing I'm out of lens fomo :)
Mathieu Stern had it tested with Canon FD 50 1.4 and 85 1.8, works definitely better with those (52mm front threads, so they're a match)
Someone in the comments suggested flipping the foot backwards and I think that's pretty doable to fix the rigging issue.
@@AnamorphicOnABudget I actually think that makes it worse, it just adds leverage :(
The rear is rather small, so I'd love to just install some bushing on the rear and push it into an 80mm OD cap which I have installed anyway. But the foot is in the way, could only work it was more in the front (or if it was offset a bit, that could work in theory but leverage again
what's the issue with just screwing it on to your lens, why do you need to put it on rails? Isn't that the entire point of this is the ease of use versus an aivascope?(and the price) It literally has a button to help it rotate so you can adjust alignment from there right?
@@BadMantraFilms all that fiddling costs time. It also means I have to work with stepper rings, which always add a distance between elements. That's three reasons already.
Putting it on rails can make things faster and helps with wobble caused by the leverage of the elongated setup (depending on lens and/or adapters this can be a biggie), so "stability" in general.
If that doesn't sound like anything you'd care for, that's fair enough, everyone has a different need :)
If the main lens do give some soft corner focus.. will it then make it worst with the adapter ?
I have a set of ED modded Canon FD lenses. The 50mm/1.4 has a front filter diam. 55. Do you think this would cover it with a step down ring?
Yeah, although you might still see a tiny bit of vignetting on the corners.
I really hope they make a compact 1.33x with variable diopter, their existing model is huge. I would love a blazar 1.33 single focus adapter on my nanomorph
The only lense that makes sense for me so far.... Beside me making a mistake for not snapping up a Panasonic 1.33 while I could....
Did you try stacking two of these adapters ? 😜
Nope, and I don't intend to. It's such a hassle, I don't even wanna deal with it!
Can you mount this adapter vertically onto your lens?
Aside from price, would you prefer this or the moment 1.33?
Honestly, neither. Adapters aren't for me anymore. They're both good products, but won't fit my way of working.
Can you rotate this lens 90 degrees? I want a square image.
Yes. :)
@@AnamorphicOnABudget thanks mate. Appreciate it
Also you dont show attaching it,.. doing it up. Can you slide it back downt the rods onto the taking lens and then rotate it to tighten it onto the thread ? how does this work ? why didnt you show it?
You either use the rails or the threads. I did show it a few times when we slid it into position during lens swaps. That was all there was to it.
@@AnamorphicOnABudget Thanks for response.7.55 is an example - you seem to cut just beforre the process is complete? This is interesting, without engaging the thread is the lens in the right position to create infinity focus, and are there not a risk of light leaks between the two lenses? Ill watch again.
Why do all adapters have tiny rear sizes? I was looking for some ~77mm but everyone seems to make them only for small lenses.
They get super expensive when you scale up the glass.
@@AnamorphicOnABudget Ahh of course, and if you want decent quality that also means more of the better quality coatings. Cheers for the reply!
Might just have to save up for some 1.5x ef lenses or hope that SIrui brings out some EF lenses.
I have recently purchased the Laowa 6mm T2.1 Lens for use on my Panasonic GH5.
An amazing Lens when shooting Anamorphic with this Lens, so if you have an opportunity to aquire this Lens I would be interested in your comments. Roy Trew
Thanks for the review. Do you think it could work on smaller sensor (like MFT) cameras? Thinking about the BMPCC OG and 4K. Assuming I'm using lenses that are equivalent to a 40mm FOV full frame. Thanks!
Absolutely, probably even better than on full frame.
Thanks @@AnamorphicOnABudget ! Do you think it would work even if my taking lens is 72mm diameter? I'm using the Meike MFT cine primes. I'm afraid that's a bit bigger than the 52mm? rear thread of the adapter.
I'm going to purchase either this or the Sirui, and I'd like to make the decision before the early bird pricing for this ends. I just can't decide. I think I'd prefer this one overall, but I am buying the Sirui Saturn.. I guess having a wider than 2x squeeze using the nero w it would be fine, I'd be getting heavy vignetting anyway, I'll believe I'll be punching in a bit using clear image zoom to get around it... Wish there was a comparison around.
Tito, you're the best, I haven't seen you respond to many comments on here, but do you have any advice? appreciate you...
It won't be much of a difference, to be honest. Just pick one and be happy about it! The Nero has a stronger look than the Sirui adapter, and it flares less - which is good if you intend to stack it on top of another anamorphic. :)
@@AnamorphicOnABudget yeah, makes sense. i think it's probably worth the extra $... thanks much!
Do you know when this will ship out if ordered now?
Wish they'd make one with a 77mm rear thread so I can use it with my rokinon set and make it wider. I don't want to buy/have a smaller taking lens set, at least not at this point.
Sirui's adapter (1.25x) has a 82mm rear thread for an option.
@@phil78250 Thanks so much!
Can you rotate the lens 90 degrees for vertical anamorphic? Thanks
Yes, but then don't use the rails. :)
Honestly for the price and size this is super intriguing, especially for those that own a vintage set. I think s35 users with a helios 44m and mir 37b will like there results(although the lack of sharpness wide open is an issue). Maybe the newer lenses from 7artisans that start off a bit more clinical and sharp is the better answer for attempting wide open shots.. butIdk man until a company makes a set of affordable lenses with older adapter like separation and true anamorphic quality like a Kowa for example, this might be the best answer poor guys like me have at this time to achieve that look that's somewhere in the middle..
How would you rack focus between the taking lens (say Leica R 35/50mm cron) and the Blazar? The lens extends slightly, and it would either cause a gap, if taken to account, or it would push the adapter forward once going to close focus? I had some issues understanding that. Or would you be able to do the whole focusing on the adapter itself?
The adapter handles focusing. Spherical prime stays parked at INF.
The adapter is single-focus, meaning that the taking lens is set to infinity and all focusing is done on the adapter. So no need to worry about the taking lens moving
@@ForestCinema Awesome! Thanks for clarifying that!
What Caleb said! :D
Ummm I don't get it. what do you do with this? do you attach this to whatever lens you currently have?
yeah, pretty much what you described.
Which is better between this "Blazar nero" or the "Moment anamorphic adaptor"?
Hey man I hope you are well. I have question if you would be so kind to ask. If you were going to buy one anamorphic lens price ranging from $1000-$3000 to film a feature film, what lens would you buy?
PLEASE make a blazar Remus vid
What is your favorite anamorphic adapter and anamophic lens?
kowa or bolex adapters can be fully sharp at f 1.4. i was looking forward to blazar but sharpness starting at f4 makes us lose light and depth
I would love to know what it looks like at f1.8
Were they vibing the ex UFO scientist/ Area 51 guy Bob Lazar with the re-brand?
So I’m assuming this won’t work with DZO Vespid lenses?
Is this a question or a statement?
@@AnamorphicOnABudget question
I fail to see why it wouldn't work with the DZOs. But I also have no experience with them. Why do you think they wouldn't?
@@AnamorphicOnABudget because the DZOs have a front filter tread of 77mm. So I was wondering if the adapter just wouldn’t work with a lens that big?
It could work with some focal lengths, or just cut some light on others. That's the world of adapters, the only way to know for sure is to test it.
I JUST got the new moment 1.33x adapter today... If I don't love it I was thinking about trading it in for this Blazar. Which do you prefer? What would you recommend? Thank you.
I can't recommend adapters anymore. They don't fit my way of working, and since each person has their own approach, it's a tricky business.
I love being able to use something on my small vintage lenses. Thanks for your help. I will probably just stick with the moment...
Very nice review as always Tito. I am kinda tempted... looks pretty cool on Helios and I would like to test it on my set of vintage lenses, especially on my helios 44.2 and on the canon 28mm. Dunno... I must say I am not 100% confident about adapters, I never got one. I would prefer to invest in a new Great Joy anamorphic 1x8 to pair with my 85 mm (I would love a 42 or a 24 mm focal lens). Oops... No more Great Joy, sorry Blazar or B-Laser or Bwhatever... no comment about logo, not really sexy.
does it work with contax zeiss ?
Yeah!
What lens support did you use ?
It's a Tilta.
Is it a single focus adapter?
yes.
@@AfoteyAnnum thanks!
Blazar or Moment 1.33x?
Summary of the video: weird rebranding, can't spell new name, old logo better, to much distortions, can't cover wider lens, to soft with wider aperture... but go and buy it.
So the rebranding is not impressive. Great Joy actually grew on me as well but Blazar kind of gets lost with all the companies who are making anamorphics lenses now. Logo definitely needs a facelift. With the "Great Joy" anamorphics living around the $1800 price point I think this adapter should live under $800 as an entry level product to their line and amamorphic qualities. That's just my opinion. Thanks for the review!
I don't wanna "toss it in the garbage", but I don't wanna buy it either.
for 1.5x one could wish to go wider just for simple reason of selling more units. i feel like size could be bigger and not cange that much for 97% users. single focus is amazing tho. but not enough for me. c35 stays.
Not so enthusiastic…the mounting is quite small for still a kind of pricy adapter. I’m using the Sirui adapter(yes it’s only 1.25x) but it has the more common 82mm mount, less pricey and great to extent the usable focal lengths of the Sirui anamorphic line up. I prefer shooting anamorphic with anamorphic lenses and for spherical..yes spherical 😉
After a year I totally have to correct myself. Love using adapters, it's bit of a hustle but that's also the fun. And yes I bought this adapter ;). Just wanted to correct myself.
I feel like the moment smokes this one
A lack luster offering.
Just Bring back the GreatJoy Brand! It is much better. oh @Blazar just fix the GJ 50mm Anamorphic stretch factor, i will get one to complete my set! with the same GJ logo pls hehe
Anyone feel Moment's 1.33x looks nicer than this?
It is more expensive than the previous Great Joy 1.3X adapter even being lighter and smaller (less materials for production).
For that 1K price I better get some Sirui lens or wait for another more affordable adapter.
FYI Blazar is actually an English word used in astrology to incidate some “drastic morph“, and its pronouced [bleiza:r]😂
Wow, this is wild. I only found the astronomy definition: a region at the center of a galaxy that emits extremely powerful jets of radiation in the direction of the Earth.
@@AnamorphicOnABudget Yeah although when they named it, they were mostly thinking of the latest 2023 Ultraman--- the Ultraman Blazar lol.
So soft makes my 4k looks like 720p...
still think that GJ is the best
The product is an interesting one even though I'm not interested but that name change just sounds and I'm sorry to say, really dumb.
It's pronounced "CO-WAH" since it's a Japanese name. It's not a COW, so COWA is an incorrect pronunciation.
Good point. English pronunciation is weird. But, if you bought one a while ago for cheap and sold it at the peak, you could say it was a cash COW.