Blazar Remus Lens Set Review (Everything you need to know)

[@cammackey]

Great coverage on these! One of the most exciting releases this year! Been using them along side Atlas Mercurys

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Thanks Cam. Definitely the most exciting lenses for indie filmmakers to come along in awhile. Appreciate all your coverage on them and the level of creativity, resources, time and effort you put into your vids showing them in action. ❤

[@alzibaba]

Thanks so much for the excellent review. I'm waiting on mine to arrive, and seeing this makes me even more impatient ha ha! What a gorgeous look for the price.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Totally agree, amazing for the price.

[@florianmoritz2993]

my good sir. your accent makes me melt! i miss NZ ❤

[@DANAMIONLINE]

Thanks for your review. Your insights confirm these are the set of dirty lenses I’ve been waiting for.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Hell yeah!

[@ash.walton]

This was sick! I feel like seeing how close these are to the Mercury's, makes me want them even more!

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Hell yeah.

[@aybee5908]

I really like this look of the 45 mm and 65 mm. Just waiting for the 35 mm to put my hands on it.

[@mtscott44]

Nice vid, thanks man. 100mm looks fine, you just missed focus (it's on her glasses back of head).

[@CooperGabriel]

yes

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

VERY good review! Hope the algorithm pick this video up and it gets the attention it deserves 💪🏼

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Thanks brother, appreciate it!

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Great review. I have to admit, I’m pretty excited about these lenses. My set arrives tomorrow and I’m eager to see how they perform on my Red and Fujifilm GFX100 II. I’m 100% for the more organic look that these bring. FYI: as for if they hurt Atlas Mercury sales… prior to preordering the Remus set, I had ordered a Mercury set from Atlas… I cancelled that set after watching early footage from the Remus lenses. It’s a very similar look. However the Remus have the classic lens compression towards the edges similar to the vintage Kowa lenses. Since I like that look, the Remus was an easy choice. Also saving $24,000 wasn’t bad either.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Very exciting set and some tidy savings there. Looking forward to the final lens in the set now. Really happy with these.

[@Samskihero]

That seems insane to cancel a set of $24k lenses for just sub $2.5k lenses, There is no way the Remus are "better" than The Mercuries but did the Remus set just tick enough boxes for what you are looking for, to be worth saving the $24k?

[@ImageLaneCC]

Got the Remus set and would absolutely do the same. The price difference is too high in terms of value for money.

[@Samskihero]

​​@@ImageLaneCCThat's wild... I could not respectfully disagree more but each their own, The mercuries are fundamentally better optics for so many reasons, but if I was even considering putting in an order for 3 mercuries the Remus would not sway me away from my purchase because you are in a different league if $24k for lenses is an option. The Remus set is awesome, but Atlas Mercuries "canceling my order" awesome? No way...

[@serghios]

@@Samskiheroyou're right. No sense 😂

[@sarozkc]

Best review on whole Youutbe for this lens. Just subscribed, thank you.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Thanks for the sub!

[@evilgeniusentertainment]

Looking incredible! Two questions for you brother - what's the minimum close focusing distance on these guys (and are they constant in terms of that distance), and has anything changed your mind about them, for good or bad? Your content has just been fantastic.

[@theranchhand]

Great video thank you so much. I had just ordered last night a set of the Saturn lenses and literally saw this video, watched another 10 of them and I’m now driving to Los Angeles tomorrow to pick up the three set. I’m shooting a documentary in Taiwan and really want to try the anamorphic with that, but looks like I’ll be returning Saturn and giving these a shot.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I think you made the right call, a much more anamorphic feeling budget anamorphic lens 👌

[@matiaszurita5214]

Good content mate, thank you very much! Could you make a video with your BlackMagic 6k with all the aspect ratios and with the remus?

[@Annonymousoctopus]

Awesome video, straight to the point, clear, loved watching this, thank you!

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Much appreciated!

[@GabrielScindian]

I put these lense on my GFX100 II and it covered the full sensor for photos and had more than enough room for the GF format video. Shimming the lenses will bring better center sharpness

[@lh485208]

Most helpful review I’ve seen. Thanks!

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ShotbyPicto]

Great objective review. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if you’re looking for that authentic pseudo-panavision look, the Remus are where it’s at. I have the Nero (also 1.5x) and on some taking lenses in the 24-35mm range on s35 sensors, the anamorphic character is insane, especially the barrel distortion which, I agree, is much more pleasing than pin-cushion. Anyway, great content. Thanks.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Thank you!

[@aram.v]

Great video! Your wife looks just as 'excited' as my wife when I’m testing out my gear; using her as model 🤣Just subbed 🎉

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Haha, I appreciate her commitment to my YouTubing 😆

[@Bo_Hazem]

Impressive review, mate. Amazing breakdown of all necessary details in an entertaining and informative way. Just use some guidelines in your camera/monitor next time to sit in the middle of the frame.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Haha sorry. Always a battle when you're not monitoring yourself live.

[@Bo_Hazem]

@@thesavagefilmmaker Hope you're doing great, mate. From a struggling documentary filmmaker chasing his dreams.

[@033F]

Thank you for putting so much effort in this great review :)

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

My pleasure.

[@jacobmullertv]

Best test so far ! Good Job on these test. Just the focus was off back on the Hair on the 100mm Shots when you closed so for me it seams completely usable. How was the Shimming for you with you BMCC6k ?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

This was Zero Shimming, just trying them as they came. 100mm might need it, but I'll need to do some more shoots to really assess.

[@ejazphotos5658]

I love the characteristics from these lenses! Wondering did you shoot 6K FF open gate ? I'm prepping for a feature film shoot and have been considering these lenses. It would be amazing if it's possible to share some BRAW test footage for 45,65 and 100mm focal lengths, would that be possible?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Yes this was open gate.

[@v3blaxican]

The fourth slot is supposed to be for a 30mm, but for some reason, they're making it Super 35. I preordered the set, as well, just waiting to get mine still.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I don't think you'll be disappointed, But I'm confused at the prospect of their last lens not being full frame as that means it would be very similar to the current 45mm on a full frame lens.

[@v3blaxican]

@@thesavagefilmmaker same. I remember even seeing the case having text saying S35 on the foam. I may be skipping that one if it's true.

[@ImageLaneCC]

@@v3blaxicanwow, this would be very disappointing if the new lens is for super 35 only. 30mm would be Great. 24mm would be better. But hopefully FF.

[@owenjenkinsofficial]

I’m very much considering these lenses despite people’s criticism of the 100mm. I have an s35 camera and think the crop will make a very nice frame that still has plenty of imperfections and distortion, but a little more e usable focal area with two subjects in frame. Love the look! Did you shim these at all? I’m assuming I’ll need to shim them a little to get best focus with a pl adapter.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

No shimming, straight on my 6K full Frame

[@durrabkhalil3249]

Have you tried them on s35?? I have pocket 6k s35, wanna buy these lenses but have heard they don’t look That good on s35 sensor

[@alanxalves]

@@durrabkhalil3249 Also have the same camera, have you found the answer for your question ?

[@ImageLaneCC]

I'd love to explore more Open Gate content. I'm curious if a 1.5x provides a cinematic feel when using Open Gate.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

After filming on Open gate I certainly felt that it offered something different to say filming on my Komodo.

[@matthewmaccarthy8542]

At 4:18 on the timeline, how is it possible the 100mm could be that soft at a 5.6?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Maybe needs re-shimming.

[@andreitimotin3599]

Excellent review sir...one question, if you could afford only one of those lens..which one would you take?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Great question, I think I would pick the 65 for the look. But for the most versatility the 45.

[@wes_film]

Did you have the blue flare set?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Yes Blue Flare set

[@williamulloa]

awesome review! Can you tell us how many days did they take to arrive since your purchase? Im planning to buy them in for an upcoming project but im not quite sure if the will arrive on time.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I pre-ordered mine in December so I'm probably not a good judge as the timelines are quite different for those who order now I think.

[@ericlaurence69]

very good! Could you tell me how these lenses work on the micro 4/3 sensor, on the Panasonic Gh7, in relation to edge distortion? Is it smaller or larger than on a camera with a super 35 sensor?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I'm sure they will work, I imagine the smaller sensor means you will see less of the bowing and distortion at the edges so you'll get a cleaner image, but slightly less of the anamorphic characteristics.

[@35mmdigitalcinema]

They look good, but I think it’s your light that makes them look so good

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Light enhances everything, but only daylight in the exterior shots.

[@coloristadaltonico]

This is the blue o silver flare set?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Blue flare

[@dopexmc7901]

the laowa Nanomorphs (1,5x Ana) are good too, do you have them and can make a comparison? would like to see a screen comparison with on left side the Remus and on right side the Laowas

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I only have the 27mm Nanomorph but because it's s35 not full frame, it's not a good comparison. What I can tell you is this feel much more anamorphic.

[@pedromiguelcosta9626]

Beautiful images love the lens

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Thanks brother!

[@Guillaume9]

Hello, 1.5x squeeze being the same as 2x on a super 35 ? It couldn't be more wrong or just wrong. S35 as 6K for example just define the horizontal of the sensor or mostly on super 35 the 35mm film meaning around 25mm on a verticaly positionned 35mm film and that without the space normally dedicated to the sound that's what Super stand for. The space between to images can offer a variety of format and the taller is 4/3 so the native film ratio for the 2X anamorphic scope. So that you know now ;)

[@camronsmithcharles13]

Can I get it for my fx6 is it compatible???

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Yes it is, and yes you can, you just need a PL to E mount adapter

[@aneeshmartinjosef8281]

Can I use this lense in fujifilm xt5?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Yes if you by and X-mount to PL mount adapter

[@gummoman]

Great review, the only weakness I see is the 100mm, it has too much diffraction compared to the other lenses. This makes it look out of focus.

[@damianseals]

Did you get the blue or amber flare version?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Blue.

[@damianseals]

@@thesavagefilmmaker Interesting, if you were to shine other colored lights at the lenses, what colors would they be? Mathieu Stern did a video on these with the amber flares and yet when he shined green, red, even a blue light at the lenses, the flares all still took on the color of the light source causing the flare

[@PaulePorter]

Thanks for this Review. As I saw that you used a screw on ND is there any vignetting using a screw on ND on the 45? Your accent sounds familiar like ZA am I right ? :)

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Paul my man! Love your channel. Maybe a slight vignette but might be from shooting in open gate as opposed to the filter.

[@PaulePorter]

@@thesavagefilmmaker thank you and keep up the great work :)

[@geertgermonpre7530]

Looks very promising. I'm looking forward to getting my set. It seems you missed focus on the 100mm shots. Focus is on the sunglasses, not her face.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Yes looks like it, but either the 100mm needs more shimming or thats just what you're dealing with at 2.8. it was so hard to tell if you're in and I was using a 7inch monitor with 2x magnification.

[@ImageLaneCC]

I got my Set shimmed. Now its on point.

[@frankhu8692]

I think that for some reason your 100mm test shot does not have the focus excatly on the face but on sun glasses and clothes, that makes the shot appears less sharp as well

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Yes the interior shot is a better judge of softness.

[@cam16film]

Was wondering if it works on Bmpcck 6k Pro

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

If you buy the EF mount version it will.

[@lombardy3274]

interesting review. How does the 1.5 desqueeze pair with the Cinema Camera 6K? I have one and it only has 1.6 desqueeze in open gate, do you need to crop/lose area from the final footage?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I desqueeze with a seperate monitor, so the frame mimics how it will look in post, wish the 6K FF had a 1.5x option in open gate, but using a seperate monitor is the way for now. It depends how you Desqueeze in your editor, I just set it to 1.5x in a 16x9 timeline in Davinci Resolve for this video. No additional cropping.

[@kftcval]

What mount are your lenses and what adapter did you use for BMCC6K? I didn't find it in your kits. Also what ND filter do you recommend? Thanks!

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

These are PL mounts, I use two adapters the Poco Mofage with built in ND's. Or just a straight PL to L mount and use a Nisi ND filter on the front. amzn.to/3x4wwdT amzn.to/3V7pnS4 amzn.to/3Vr1ypC

[@schulz4173]

maybe I missed it, but are those the amber or blue?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Blue set.

[@user-2fkheS6COV1UKE6]

I did not understand one part of the settings. Do you have a desqueze settings in BMPCC 6K like on RED cameras, when on the camera monitor you already see the desquezed image or do you have to do this on a post?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I use the external monitor to desqueeze generally, because the Blackmagic Camera only gives me 1.6x in-camera desqueeze. Either way, I have to adjust desqueeze to 1.5x in post.

[@user-2fkheS6COV1UKE6]

​@@thesavagefilmmaker Today my BMPCC 6k FF arrived and desqueeze 1.6x on the built-in monitor does not look so terrible for a 1.5x lens, it is quite possible to use.

[@yuxi2424]

thanks❤ but seems not usable when put the model in the corner

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Then never put them in the corner! 😎👌

[@gautammatti]

can the bloom on 100mm lens be fixed by adding shims ? feels like the soft focus can be fixed that way.. do let us know if you try that

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Haven’t shimmed but the bloom does greatly reduce as you stop down.

[@emiliandechev5673]

I have a pending pre-order of the Mercury set from 1 year ago and I will wait on them at least 10 more months. So its about a 2 years journey to get the Mercuries. At this point I am seriously considering to cancel and get the Remus instead. Any opinions on such a decision would be helpful, thanks!

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

If I were you I'd keep pre-order in place, by The Remus and if you like them cancel the Mercuries. If you don't like the Remus sell them and keep waiting for the Mercuries.

[@mauddip3Ds]

Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K full frame or super 35?

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Full frame.

[@__SKYNET__]

Will these lenses fit on the BMPCCK 6K the newest one with the OLPF or the Sony FX3, thanks

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

They will fit on an Fx3 or Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K full frame if you buy a PL adapter for your camera.

[@__SKYNET__]

@@thesavagefilmmaker Thank you appreciate it, just pre-ordred these lens sets. Went with this instead of the Lowa nanomorphs

[@chinitopinoy1726]

Did you shim the 100mm? I saw another video and the 100mm was pretty sharp wide open after shimming.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

No shimming so far.

[@CineDailies]

Great review fam!

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

The man himself! Thankyou, also love watching your content ❤🙏

[@HarrisonTarabella]

Did you go with the EF or the PL? My set will arrive within the week in EF and while I suspect the answer is no, I’ve quite curious to see if they’d work with my EF-RF speed booster I use on my Komodo. I have the “older” great joy 50mm and it doesn’t work because of that protruding back element

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I went with PL mount, although I did consider EF for the speedbooster potential.

[@DastanZhumagulov]

judging from how far the back element of PL version protrudes I find it very unlikely to be compatible with Metabones/Viltrox line of speedboosters, even in EF. Optical elements will stay where they are even if it's a different lens mount. That said, I'm curious if Nodal One (now renamed to Veloscura) will accomodate that depth, since it notably can support both Atlas Mercury and Orion lenses.

[@SUPERTEKNONINJA]

Curious to know is they worked with your ef focal reducer on the Komodo. Was thinking of the same issue.

[@HarrisonTarabella]

@@SUPERTEKNONINJAthey work!!

[@findingefilm]

I was between these and the new Sirui Saturn lenses. Went with the saturns, and I honestly think it was the right choice. I really want to love these.. but there are just too many annoying little things. The unsharp 100mm, the extreme edge distortion on the 45mm.. too bad.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

If you want something safer the Saturns are the way to go. But I much prefer these with all the imperfections.

[@omenka]

If you are looking for clean anamorphic characteristics you should do it like fincher in the killer XD

[@owenjenkinsofficial]

⁠@@thesavagefilmmakeragreed! These are the first budget anamorphic lenses to have barrel distortion instead of pin cushion, and on an s35 camera like mine, I’ve seen some really good looking footage on other KZbin accounts shooting with s35. It cross in just enough to get rid of the most intense of the distortion, but leaves most of it. I like this because it seems like an even better compromise for me between a cleaner frame and such nice imperfections. Plus now they are coming with shims so we can fix any blurry focus planes on the 100x lens.

[@mikemcglasson1286]

That edge distortion is my biggest problem as well. Can't will myself to love theses lenses because of that.

[@lkptlst3256]

at super 35 16:9 edge diatortion looks way controled

[@DK-CN]

4:46 huge amount of distortion can be clearly seen on both sides of the video, it’s exactly at the rile of thirds first and last line , which makes this lens completely unusable for professional use, great review and thanks for being honest not hyping things up, followed and liked

[@cgustaff4807]

Are you sure the 100mm is that soft? That's a deal breaker for me.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

May improve with shimming, but have yet to try.

[@toneohm]

idk... i kinda want one but at the same time.., I feel like they haven't got it down yet.. too soft imo.. and most others are too sharp.. there's a middle ground somewhere.. this stuff just looks plain out of focus

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

They're pretty damn good.

[@altercinema4311]

Lenses look great static, although a bit too soft. Biggest issue is the wonky edges during a pan - very distasteful. Still an interesting set.

[@waynosfotoscameras]

Wonky edges when panning, is what I like, just got mine and very happy. Did some tests, too, and I was just about to upload on my channel shortly.

[@ihudobin]

Look how distorted body proportions looks near the sides of the shot, isnt it absolutely unusable? I thought its obviously unusable and this is obviously a bad lenses

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

It all depends how you frame your shots, as long as you don't place anyone on the edge of frame, there's no problem. And this type of barrel distortion is very common in even the most expensive anamorphics.

[@k1k13004]

100mm is disapointing. The other are great

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I still find myself using it a fair bit stopped down.

[@k1k13004]

@@thesavagefilmmaker t4 I guess looks ok. T2.8 is not usable I think. Show us more please:)

[@unclejezza]

I am a commerical DoP and I'm sorry, but these look absolutely GHASTLY. The type of distortion and characteristic they produce scream 'pooly made, very cheap, highly compromised'. Look at the verticals @3:08 - look at the awful warp and distortion @4:53 while panning! Added to this, uncontrollable bloom and halation and an inability to focus the 100mm at any T-Stop is not something you want to be a permanet fixture of your glass on set. Personally, I wouldn't go anywhere near these and to suggest they might compete w Atlas Mercury's is honestly laughable. This is not a persoanl affront by they way - I love your channel! I just could'nt disagree more here.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

I’m not arguing the Blazars are better than the Mercury’s, but I am suggesting a lot of people might pick them as a cheap alternative. And I still maintain for what they cost you get a lot. Been doing further testing with my commercial DOP and am very happy with this set warts and all.

[@thecritic2822]

These are budget anamorphic lenses, that's it. They don't come close to the anamorphic lenses of the 70's and 80's, they're way worse I'm sorry to say. Ask me how I know. They're a great price, but way too much distortion during panning, it's distracting. Also the 100 is terribly soft and that's not even vintage sharp, vintage lens lack of sharpness is thrown around way too much. Has anybody who's shot with vintage anamorphic lenses actually SEEN how they perform? That said, very clean and efficient delivery so please don't take anything I say as a knock to you. I just really don't like these lenses and it irks me when I see people defending their purpose. It's like they're made for people to review them, not actually use them. That Anthony guy is already selling his Great Joy set which are much nicer looking lenses than these from the testing i've seen.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Each to their own, I've used all the budget anamorphics. These are my favorite by a long way. But they're still budget anamorphics.

[@burhanaltncan4527]

She looks like she doesnt want to be there.

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

There are indeed many places she'd rather be, than helping me test lenses for hours. 😅

[@mistafussi7813]

That edge distortion is not pretty. Imagine filming a crowd with this? You’d have to limit you subject to one or two people in the centre of your frame 😅

[@thesavagefilmmaker]

Depends which camera you are using, this is Blackmagic 6K full frame open gate.

[@kazlepek6552]

These aren’t made for event videography 😂 - many incredible films are shot on vintage Kowa anamorphics, intentionally selected for their edge distortion and other vintage characteristics. If you want a clean, flat image you shouldn’t go for proper anamorphics in general - G masters or L series glass is better suited for that kind of work, or something with barely any anamorphic effect like the Sirui 1.3x

[@cameron_cushman]

That’s the point…

[@tonyking2249]

That’s anamorphic characteristics. That’s what it’s supposed to look like.

[@lonniesfilmmaking333]

I hate them cheers anyways