vazen

Vazen is a brand of cinematography lenses that specializes in anamorphic optics for modern digital cameras. The company is best known for its 1.8x squeeze anamorphic primes, designed to deliver the cinematic widescreen look with elongated horizontal flares and oval bokeh while remaining relatively compact. Vazen lenses are targeted at independent filmmakers, videographers, and documentary crews who seek a distinctive anamorphic aesthetic without the bulk and cost of traditional cinema primes.

Product range and mounts: The lineup includes fixed focal length anamorphic primes and occasional zooms, offered in multiple camera mounts such as Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF, and Sony E. Some lines are also available in cinema mounts like PL. The lenses emphasize robust mechanical construction, smooth manual focus, and consistent color rendering across the set.

Design and features: 1.8x squeeze design yields the characteristic anamorphic compression. Lenses typically have practical apertures for a shallow depth of field and maintain workable close focus. They are designed to accept standard front accessories and provide predictable color, contrast, and aberration control for matching with other optics.

Reception and usage: Vazen anamorphic lenses have been used in independent features, music videos, and documentary work, appreciated for the look they provide at relatively accessible prices and for their portability. Critics note that, as with other modular anamorphic sets, users should plan for calibration when matching with other shooters’ lenses and for the workflow implications of oval bokeh and color rendition.

See also: Anamorphic lens, cinematography, micro four thirds.