Guide · updated 2026-11-02
Buying used anamorphic lenses
Used and open-box glass is the cheapest way into anamorphic. Here is what we can actually price today, and what to check before you pay.
What we track: only official-store open-box listings (Sirui sells "minor appearance flaws due to shipping" units). Used marketplaces like eBay, MPB and KEH are not connected yet, so we show no used prices from them. The checklist below is general buying advice, not results from inspecting these lenses.
Manufacturer open-box listings today
| Lens | Store | Open-box | New (same store) | Saving | In stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sirui 50mm F1.8 1.33x Anamorphic | Sirui Store | $215 | $199 | +$16 | 2/3 |
| Sirui Night Walker T1.2 S35 Cine | Sirui Store | $223 | $279 | −$56 | 0/24 |
| Sirui 24mm F2.8 1.33x Anamorphic | Sirui Store | $239 | $199 | +$40 | 2/5 |
| Sirui 35mm F1.8 1.33x Anamorphic | Sirui Store | $239 | $199 | +$40 | 1/4 |
| Sirui 75mm F1.8 1.33x Anamorphic | Sirui Store | $239 | $199 | +$40 | 1/5 |
Open-box isn't always cheaper: when a store discounts new stock, older open-box listings can cost more than new. Rows marked with a + show where that is happening today.
Checklist before buying used
- Mount and version. Many lines are sold per mount, and some (Sirui IronStar, Laowa Nanomorph) have user-interchangeable mounts. Ask which mount kit is included. Check coverage too: several 1.33x lenses only cover APS-C or MFT (see Sony, Canon RF).
- Flare version. Blue, amber, silver and neutral versions exist for the same lens. See flare colors.
- Glass and front element. Look for scratches, haze, fungus and separation, using a torch through both ends.
- Focus and iris. Focus should be smooth through the whole throw. The iris should open and close cleanly. Ask for a short test clip at infinity and close focus.
- For adapters: check whether the squeeze axis is aligned, and that clamps or rotation rings lock. Vintage projection adapters usually need a single-focus unit; check whether it is included.
- Warranty and returns. Manufacturer open-box usually keeps a warranty; private sales usually do not. Prefer platforms with buyer protection.
Vintage options (used market only)
The classic DIY route is a vintage projection adapter plus a spherical "taking lens". We list these for reference. Prices are used-market only and are not tracked yet.
| Lens | Squeeze | Coverage | Aperture | Mounts | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KMZ (vintage) Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 | 1x | Full frame | f/2 | M42 | used market |
| KMZ / Arsenal (vintage) Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 | 1x | Full frame | f/2 | M42, M39 | used market |
| Asahi Pentax (vintage) Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 | 1x | Full frame | f/1.4 | M42 | used market |
| Canon (vintage) FD / New FD 50mm f/1.4 | 1x | Full frame | f/1.4 | Canon FD | used market |
| Kowa / Bell & Howell (vintage) Kowa B&H 2x Anamorphic Projection Adapter | 2x | n/a | n/a | Front adapter | used market |
| Iscorama (vintage) Iscorama 36 / Pre-36 1.5x | 1.5x | n/a | n/a | Front adapter | used market (collector pricing) |
| Century Optics (vintage) 16:9 Ratio Converter 1.33x (DS-16NS/WS-13CT family - verify) | 1.33x | n/a | n/a | Front adapter | used market |
Vintage items have no official store; prices vary widely by condition.
More on these in the anamorphic adapters guide. If you would rather buy new, the Black Friday tracker shows current official-store discounts.
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