Choose Your Own Adventure | BLAZAR NERO 1.5x Anamorphic Adapter | Review

[@Flixoto]

You’re probably one of the only real cinematographers on KZbin that knows what the hell they’re talking about while also filming super cinematic shots to really demonstrate what the product is capable of. Thank you for producing content that helps TRUE cinematographers.

[@EdProsser]

Thanks for the kind words ☺️

[@ascari100]

I honestly find your footage to be the best so far with this lens. Thank you for this, looking forward to get this lens.

[@EdProsser]

thanks I had a lot of run with it and it's compact size made it really easy to go out and do a little test shoot.

[@smalldeekgeorge]

@@EdProsser Guess people don't know how to double focus :D

[@EdProsser]

@smalldeekgeorge focusing with these adapters can be a hassle if you're using vintage lenses as infinity markings aren't accurate and each lens has is own sweet spot... Plus muscle memory! I have to consciously stop myself from focusing on the taking lens, it's so easy to just automatically reach for it and knock it out

[@CartyCantDance]

You already made spherical glass look like a movie, but I feel like this adapter has unlocked a new level for you ed!

[@EdProsser]

Haha thanks man! It has definitely challenged me and got me out of my spherical lens comfort zone - I'm really loving shooting on anamorphic.

[@sunnynaguri]

I had seen your footage last week via the group and I have to say, loved it. Beautiful images. Thank you!

[@EdProsser]

Thanks Sunny! Appreciate the comment

[@thecolorblnd]

Awesome review man!! Test footage was so sick with the Helios!

[@dmp0x]

the distortion on this is actually pretty nice which really just says more about your composition i think. but yeah you managed to really capture that anamorphic distortion which i just find very pleasing.

[@EdProsser]

Thanks David! I liked the quality of the lens bit with the grungier Helios and the cleaner Artisan's - liked having that flexibility.

[@antonzavarzin7208]

Hey Ed. Is there any difference between Blazar Nero adapter and Real anamorphic lens like Blazar Remus in terms of edge falloff and distortion? I love the softness of blazar but i want to achive this look with Helios or Takumar with all the craziness of anamorphic distortion.

[@EdProsser]

So my understanding is that the Remus are just the Nero combined with their own custom taking lenses and fused in a single body - so the characteristics between Remus / Nero are similar - but will be influenced by the taking lens you use.

[@ejgravolin]

Fantastic video! Thank you for putting this together. Id love to see a head-to-head between the Aivascope and the Blazar, to see how they compare, in the finer details; Distortion, CA, Contrast, Breathing, etc. Just to see if it really is worth that extra investment for the Aivascope, or not.

[@EdProsser]

Yes for sure - I hoped to get that in this review - but I ran out of time! If I can get em both in the same room together (without a fight) or if anyone wants to lend me theirs - I'll try do a head to head like you say.

[@EdmundElijah]

I never had interest in shooting anamorphic until this adapter was announced. Hoping to get my hands on one!

[@EdProsser]

Weirdly I've never really experimented wiyh anamorphic lenses until this year and it's been a real eye opener. I'd love to see what you could do with some anamorphic glass!

[@blialee4837]

Omfg..... thank you for showing this I've been waiting for an affordable adapter to do this exact combo

[@EdProsser]

My pleasure ! They've just announced an amber flare version as well

[@blialee4837]

@@EdProsser this is what I've been waiting for, the aviascope is just too much. I always tell people adapters like this is best for sure with the helios 44-2. You get the best of both worlds that can easily match up or give you that unique look

[@JoshCameron]

Awesome footage mate, everything you shoot looks so good!

[@EdProsser]

Thanks pal! Looking forward to getting this adapter on the S5 IIx !

[@POAIM]

Ed I really look forward to your uploads. Keep up the great work :)

[@EdProsser]

Thanks! Last few months have been killer balancing client work and KZbin so hearing things like this always helps!

[@jeancharlescounet]

Great review Ed, and the best footage I've seen of this adapter so far. I love the look, bokeh flares and distortion. And that's very dangerous for me as I'm considering to get one myself now ;)

[@EdProsser]

Thanks Jean! I mean it's a lot of fun and a lot cheaper than something like the Aivascope (would still love one of those), I think it's a decent deal for the money...

[@oddmoviez1602]

It might be the RED, but the combination of the adaptor with the Helios is just stunning 😮😮😮

[@EdProsser]

I think it's all three singing in tune together!

[@lauritee]

love the quality and the examples!!!! Incredible work and subbed!

[@EdProsser]

Thanks for the sub!

[@boomerangextras]

Great video, Ed!

[@EdProsser]

thanks for checking it out, what do you think about the adapter?

[@boomerangextras]

@@EdProsser I primarily shoot on FF and this adapter wider than 45 on FF gives heavy vignetting. If I didn't already own a 50mm Sirui, this would be an instant buy for me. I love how versatile and how many different looks we can create with it. And it has subtler flares so that is a plus.

[@cloudiow]

Having the Aivascope myself I would say I love the Aivascope a tad more for its clarity and how it renders the image. I get a more (tad) anamorphic feel to it without being to overly dramatic. BUt for 900 euro or so this is almost a no brainer for a starting anamorphic adapter

[@EdProsser]

Agreed! I'd love an Aivascope - but at the mo can't justify the price - and I think this still produces lovely images

[@qvisionmedia7195]

Please tell me how you got the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 I have one and its a EF-M lens is there an a adapter?

[@EdProsser]

It's available in loads of diff mounts!

[@wearetrackclub]

Really stunning footage! Great work, Ed :)

[@EdProsser]

Thank you!

[@TheCruisinCrew]

Amazing video! Answered almost all my questions... :)

[@EdProsser]

💪 hurrah!

[@andyz_w3584]

Thank you Bro, the image quality looks so good to me( I read some bad reviews about this adapter). hook up with s35 and some vintage lenses, this is a good combination.

[@EdProsser]

honestly for the ease of use and price point I think it's pretty compelling - it shines on S35 and with the right lens choice you can definitely tailor a cleaner look or go for something more grungy

[@andyz_w3584]

@@EdProsser Appreciate Bro.

[@matosem_]

This looks so amazing, also thanks for sharing!

[@EdProsser]

My pleasure thanks for checking it out and commenting! The adapter is a lot of fun!

[@heroaomedia]

Honestly, prefer this to Aivascope - maybe it's slightly better but not at triple to the price. Great review :)

[@EdProsser]

yeah I think it's important to factor in ease of use, would still love to pick up an Aivascope though, maybe the amber version

i just bought it because of your video mainly ... for me the small size and weight was the reason i got it, together with a light lens i can fit it on the ronin 4d hopefully

[@EdProsser]

Ah good luck with it! Let me know how you get on!

@@EdProsser i will ! :) how is it behaving with the helios on fullframe? I am still waiting for mine, it should arrive next week

[@EdProsser]

I'm waiting on the final production version too, it worked quite nicely with the speed booster on my komodo, so will probably be a bit cleaner on a full frame sensor

@@EdProsser hey! :) i just got mine and idk i have mixed feelings, the look is amazing and exactly what i wanted ... but it does not flare at all :( and i love flares

[@EdProsser]

It will flare under the right conditions but it will also depend on the taking lens... Generally it's a balance, flares are great but they have to be controlled, if you're filming and every light source flares you'll be in trouble!

[@RemixSample]

Great footage! Thanks for sharing!

[@EdProsser]

No worries!

[@johnorozco9332]

Beautiful Footage!! Maan I wanted to buy one just cause of your video but lately I was checking them out and i think they tone down the flaring? :c which it’s sad cause the flaring on your video it’s amazing! Have you checked some of the newer footage of other people? Ps: I planed to use it with my dsmc2 dragon-x and Olympus zuiko 35,50 maybe 28(?) and helios of course

[@EdProsser]

I love long comments!! Yeah they actually gave me a finished commercial unit which I've shot with and the flaring has been toned down - some of the footage from my LUMIX cam in this vid shows this reduced flaring I think. I still think it looks great but flaring is always super subjective. Maybe they could have inched it a tad more towards the flaring seen in the pre-production unit. I plan to release a bit more footage in the future

[@BadMantraFilms]

FINALLY someone that can do a review and actually provide some quality, beautiful footage with a product. Automatically 10/10 review to me just for that alone. Also for people like me that do a bunch of smaller budget creative stuff(music videos), the BLAZER seems like an awesome value and I honestly like the look better better that the Sirui/Laowa budget options. I've owned an aivascope 1.75x and although the image was amazing, like you mentioned it's just WAAAY too fidgety for someone that does a lot of hand-held shots and energetic camera movements. I feel like people that are ride or die with an Aivascope just keep there cameras on a tripod and if that's your gameplan then more power to you. Did they mentioned anything to you about possibly doing variations of the coating for different flares or is blue flares the permanent option we're stuck with?

[@EdProsser]

I think for me, doing reviews is about showing what you do with the gear (and having fun!) rather than regurgitating a spec sheet or press release - also I know there are already a tonne of fantastic technical reviewers out there who will cover that stuff. I think from an ease of use perspective this is a solid option. Although I'd love an Aivascope, I just can't justify the price and I know from experience if something is too fiddly to use, it tends to get left at home a lot. I think from what I understand it's blue flares for now - but they're listening to feedback as people seem keen on an amber version, I wouldn't hold my breath on it though ... But I'm just speculating.

[@BadMantraFilms]

@@EdProsser I suppose that ultimately the success of the product will determine how many batches they make and if there will be any future variations.. Regardless a lot of these new companies designs seem to take inspiration from each other.. people that love the anamorphic look should be excited about what else is to follow in the future from companies that might not even exist yet haha :)

[@BadMantraFilms]

@@EdProsser what f stop did you film most of outdoor stuff on the helios btw?

[@EdProsser]

It was a range, but between f2 and f4. The outdoors stuff was on an earlier pre-production model. Best performance was seen around f4, more CA at lower stops

[@BadMantraFilms]

@@EdProsser oh okay word! Thanks for the replies man!

[@okshawn5085]

Amazing review ❤

[@robertdouble559]

Great video Ed! The shots using the TT lens on the S1 with the cherry blossoms looks great! Shows that it's capable of some reasonably clean work not just dreamy. How does it play with lenses with front filter threads in the 62 - 77mm range? Any weird vignetting?

[@EdProsser]

I've used it on the LUMIX S 50mm prime which has a filter size of 67mm and it works a treat!

[@EdProsser]

And yes the TT artisans are a really great pairing of you want something cleaner!

[@robertdouble559]

@EdProsser thanks for the follow ups Ed. Much appreciated.

[@SpirusFilms]

beautiful shots - what’s your grading workflow?

[@EdProsser]

Davinci resolve, I think this was based around the Phantom Alexa LUTs and I pushed the saturation a bit to make colours pop

[@SpirusFilms]

@@EdProsser Cool thank you - wasn’t familiar with Joel’s work!

[@zo.mp4]

what's the widest focal length you can throw on a MFT cam? If I can't shoot somewhat wide it's almost a deal breaker :((

[@EdProsser]

I'm not too sure as didn't test, on S35 it's 28, so on MFT maybe 20??

[@saaancheeezzz]

This is great, Ed! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the amazing footage. I'm currently considering it to use on a FF camera that only shoots 16:9, with no in-camera desqueeze option and not really thinking about using an external monitor. Would you still consider this as a viable / workable option (not for work, just hobby)? I don't really like the 1.33x / 1.25x look of the other options that much... Worth it or not? Thanks!

[@EdProsser]

Worth it, but you'll have issues monitoring your image properly without some sort of de-squeezing method! It won't be fun to manage and a pain to nail focus

[@saaancheeezzz]

@@EdProsser Ok, I've just ordered it. I blame you and your great footage for this.

[@saaancheeezzz]

@@EdProsser OK. Now I have the Nero in a beautiful box, but for some reason I have no camera... I was looking at the S5IIx as my main option, albeit a bit expensive for me locally, because I want open gate... and was offered a ZCam S6 (6k 3:2 open gate, prores, 4:3 mode) at half the price of the S5IIx. What would you do in my spot (no jobs, just short films, maybe some run n gun doc stuff)? Is IBIS really useful when shooting anamorphic? Thanks!!!

[@EdProsser]

@@saaancheeezzz not really sure as not super familiar with the ZCam but I think they have the same sensor? My issue with open gate on these cams is it's a very slow sensor read out speed - so without the IBIS the handheld stuff can look a bit jittery.

[@Imhotep397]

Any chance you’ll be testing the new Isco2All? It’s also 1.5x squeeze AFIK and apparently the non-rental house version has amber coatings for amber flares.

[@EdProsser]

If I can get my hands on one I will for sure!

[@RandomMotoThings]

I didn’t like the aivascope because sometimes when I pulled focus, the whole adapter would turn throwing off alignment. Had to deal with this way too much. Does this one have the same issue? It’s one of the main reasons I’ve been scared to deal with anymore. I’d like to use without rails

[@EdProsser]

No I never noticed this - seems pretty rock solid and the focus ring is pretty nice so doesn't need a lot of effort to turn it.

[@bigchiefcinema9654]

amazing work. love the grades.

[@EdProsser]

Thanks Big Chief!

[@Bearwoo]

Great video! Does the squeeze factor stay constant?

[@blazaranamorphic]

Hi, the squeeze factor is constant.

I own the Nero bot now i am thinking of switching to the remus ... which one is sharper and or has a better look in general? what is you opinion of that ?

[@EdProsser]

Hard to know as there is so little sample footage from them. I reached out to Blazar but they didn't want to send me any lenses to try. I would say there's no benefit in pre-ordering them, wait until more people have them to get a better sense of what they're like. If you shoot with sharp glass on the Nero like the TTartisans you should get nice results

@@EdProsser thanks a lot for the answer! :)

[@mashudali8482]

I love your content!

[@EdProsser]

Thanks for the comment Mashud

[@BelmontHillTV]

I've got a bit of a Frankenstein thing going on: Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm F2 (Exakta) adapted to Canon EF ---> Then that is thrown on a Metabones speed booster EF to Fuji X on a Xh2s. The Blazar adapter doesn't flare, it's weird... hard to figure out what piece here is causing any issues. The booster and the fotodiox EX to EF adapters have glass in them.

[@EdProsser]

yeah it might influence the flare a bit - the flaring on the adapter is quite subdue but it is there. They tuned it down from the earlier pre-production units I tested.

[@888berg]

Amazing work! Just curious would the Bazar Nero... fit onto any of the Panasonic S primes for the S5ii... specifically your favourite Lens atm 18mm F1.8? Cheers Mate :))

[@888berg]

aaaand I just rewatched the video again and I think you answered my question - no...

[@EdProsser]

Haha! No worries, it'll fit on the lenses but you have a limited focal range!

[@DethronerX]

This lens on 35mm motion picture film would be genius

[@alexmedia5788]

Could you tell me if it is possible to focus on the edge of the frame? The edges of the frame are so blurry! Thank you!

[@EdProsser]

it'll depend on your taking lens, f-stop and whether you're shooting super 35 or full frame. Most of this footage is shot on an old Helios 44-2 58mm lens - which is known for it's swirly bokeh. Shooting super 35, with a sharp modern lens will help!

[@danflorez]

This looks great, and i would love to pick one up/pair with my Pentax primes. Question, you mentioned the Panasonic primes. With their 67mm threads, I'm assuming you'd need a step down filter. Wouldn't that give insane (submarine window) vignetting?

[@EdProsser]

The actual lens diameter on most of these lenses is pretty small, the filter threads are larger as they keep them consistent across the set. I've been shooting on the LUMIX S 50mm this week whilst away and it's fine, a little bit of vignetting when using my larger VND, but that's about it.

[@danflorez]

@@EdProsser appreciate it! I have the 50 and 85, both pretty nice but maybe too clean lenses. The 85 gets a bit of character and minor swirl sometimes, so it might be a cool one to try. Keep up the work for all of us!

[@EdProsser]

@@danflorez I'll probably make a lil vid about using it with the 50mm LUMIX S

[@danflorez]

@@EdProsser would absolutely watch!

[@forewarnedfilm]

I’ve recently got myself the Nero adapter, and it’s really my first proper dive into the world of anamorphics. The first thing I have noticed is that focussing has become much trickier to nail. I can zoom in to check critical focus on a static subject, but on a moving subject, or if I want to pull focus from one point to another, the usually reliable focus peaking seems to outline everything in the frame! Any suggestions on how to improve accuracy?

[@EdProsser]

Yeah that's common with most Anamorphics because if you're working in camera it's usually applying focus peaking to the squeezed image. A good external monitor is usually your best bet as this will give you a larger image to preview and pull focus with and it may have a better peaking mode.

[@forewarnedfilm]

@@EdProsser Thank you - that’s a great suggestion.

[@kazlepek6552]

Do you know if you can use the Nero with the Summicron Leica R lenses that have a 55mm front filter thread size? I sure hope so 🤞

[@EdProsser]

Hmm probably, the LUMIX S primes have a 67mm filter thread but the actual lens diameter is much smaller so they still work.

[@RandomMotoThings]

What mount is the 35mm f1.4 TTartisan lens you were using in this?

[@EdProsser]

I think it must have been RF if it was on the Komodo.

[@jakefk4216]

Hey great review! I bought one of these largely based on this video. Took it for a first spin this weekend. I get heavy vignetting using a Nikon AIS 35mm with Red Komodo. Am I doing something wrong? Vignetting goes away once swapped to the Nikon AIS 50mm, but was hoping to use a wider taking lens, particularly when on Super 35. Any help or tips on best settings on Komodo would be great! The 50 also vignetted heavily on my FX3, which I was less surprised about given it’s full frame. However, Blazer do say the starting limit is 28mm on S35 and 50mm on full frame, so not sure why I’m getting so much vignette on these two lenses?

[@EdProsser]

Hmm, were you using any filters on front and what was the distance between the two lenses, i.e. were you using a lot of step up rings or were they flush together? What mode were you shooting on Komodo? 1.5x anamorphic?

[@jakefk4216]

@@EdProsser My exact set up on Komodo was, RF to EF adapter/Nikon 35mm AIS with F to EF adapter, Nero Blazar, 62mm Hoya HD UV filter, 62-67 step up ring, 67-82 step up ring, 82mm Cinebloom filter. I tried the the super 35 anamorphic mode - 6k, 16:9, 1.5x. I also tried the Super 35 mode at 6k, 17:9, and used my atomos shogun monitor to desqueze at 1x5 to get the proper view, and both ways showed vignetting which got worse the closer I focused on something.

[@EdProsser]

@@jakefk4216 could be all the stacked filters on the front and the multiple adapters used? Remember also that the Komodo is a slightly wider S35 sensor compared to many others.

[@jakefk4216]

@@EdProsser thanks, I’ll give it a go with less filters, and if that doesn’t help I’ll try an f to rf adapter (removing the need for two adapters). Did you use the 16:9 1x5x anamorphic mode for your stuff?

[@EdProsser]

@@jakefk4216 it was a long time ago, but yes I did! I was also using the Helios 58mm with a focal reducer. I seem to remember a hint of vignetting on some occasions, but was mostly okay.

[@chunghou0911]

is it the footage wide open aputure of taken lens?thx

[@EdProsser]

On the Helios I shot a range of apertures but most wide open and up for f4

[@qvisionmedia7195]

just when I was about to but the moment adapter

[@EdProsser]

Whoops! 🤭

[@qvisionmedia7195]

@@EdProsser lol

[@qvisionmedia7195]

Just ordered one thanks for the video

[@YourMovieFix]

This would be awesome if the thread size wasnt so limiting.

[@Christophe-Cochez]

Tres interessant

[@skullerhead6150]

Wich setting have you used for the Lumix S1 shots?

[@EdProsser]

I believe it was the 6k 3:2 open gate mode

[@skullerhead6150]

@@EdProsser Really?? How it can handle colors so nicely with 420? I would buy your lut for the S1 immediatly ahaha

[@EdProsser]

It's still 10-bit 200mbps (I think) so there's still some info to play around with. But in the LUMIX shots I've also not pushed the grade too aggressively.

[@skullerhead6150]

@@EdProsser it looks amazing tho, your grading skills are top notch!

[@EdProsser]

ah thanks - I'm still learning! Been experimenting with the Phantom LUTs with the Komodo (used on some of the outdoor shots) and Joel just sent me the LUMIX versions - so am keen to see if they will speed up my workflow a bit.

[@TechWithBruno]

Looks great👌👌

[@EdProsser]

Thank you 😊

[@chinitopinoy1726]

Were the TTartisan shots at 1.4?

[@EdProsser]

Some shots are - but bounced around f1.4 - f2.8

[@chinitopinoy1726]

@@EdProsser how was the sharpness in center at 1.4?

[@EdProsser]

I was pretty impressed by them to be honest, but would probably recommended dropping to 1.8 / 2 for better sharpness, but they are very clean sharp lenses to begin with so they paired well with the adapter!

[@chinitopinoy1726]

@@EdProsser could you do a test at 1.4?

[@EdProsser]

Unfortunately I just borrowed it for this vid, but I'll return to this comment if I get chance!

[@ВеселинМитев-д4с]

what about lumix 35 1.8 and 50 1.8 ?

[@EdProsser]

50mm would work, 35 night work in aps-c mode. These lenses have larger filter threads but the actual lens diameter of these lenses is small enough to work. 35 would be too wide on full frame though so would get heavy vignetting I think

[@RandomMotoThings]

Can you desqueeze in camera on the panny s1 in open gate?

[@EdProsser]

Yes for monitoring you can

[@animeluxe887]

did anyone tested it out with sigma dgdn i f2 prime lens?

[@hDesk]

❤

[@mortenjensen946]

Nice video :)

[@EdProsser]

Cheers Morten!

[@divisionoflabor3070]

Wish I could use this with my rokinon set. Or can I? They have a 77mm front thread

[@BadMantraFilms]

not worth it :( You'll vignette like a mf

[@divisionoflabor3070]

@@BadMantraFilms Ah, yea. I've just realized that. What if I was in super35 mode with my lumix cameras?

[@alanmarino2511]

I'm an Aivascope user both 1.5 and 1.75 but ordered the Nero for its low weight. Viewing your Komodo footage makes me want to order the new Komodo-X. I've had it with rolling shutter. I've been impressed with GreatJoy's past anamorphics compared to the other recent budget offerings so looking forward to testing the Nero. Your footage looks beautiful. Here's some of my recent Aivascope 1.5 footage in comparison. Such great optics but as you said, 3X the price and almost twice the weight. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ3LaZqOdtZlr9U

[@EdProsser]

Beautiful footage! I'd still love an Aivascope!

[@andyz_w3584]

Hi Alan, as you are the real Aivascope user, after you watched this video, do you think this adapter is qualified for a light commercial or short film products? I have a 13 blades helio 44 and Mir 37 f2.8 .

[@alanmarino2511]

@@andyz_w3584 are you shooting full frame or super 35?

[@chinitopinoy1726]

@@alanmarino2511 I shoot with a 2/3 sensor size Chronos 1.4? Will this work?

[@alanmarino2511]

@@chinitopinoy1726 Yes. What taking lens are you planning on using on the Chronos?

[@vladislavvl.12]

Hello, how to remove the step up ring from the Blazar?

[@EdProsser]

How do you mean?

[@vladislavvl.12]

I've put the step down ring (52-49mm) on the back of the blazar to connect it to my lens I used it with my lens, but now I want to add another step up ring, to use it with my other lens. The problem is, I can't figure out, how to remove the ring. When I press the button it rotates, without pressing the button it clicks. Help me please 😅

[@EdProsser]

The button rotates the barrel of adapter, so ignore that, the ring should just screw on and off, sometimes they can get a little stuck, use a rubber band or rubber gloves to try improve your grip on it

[@vladislavvl.12]

Hmm, when I tried it started clicking and I tought that i will break it. ​@@EdProsser

[@TheJPinder]

Yeah but can I get it now???

[@EdProsser]

I believe pre-orders are now shipping

[@rwalshphotos5626]

I would love one of these but they are just way out of my price range, any cheaper (doesn't have to be amazing) alternatives would be most welcome.

[@EdProsser]

I'm not sure there are cheap 1.5x adapters but there are a few 1.33x or 1.25x adapters

[@rwalshphotos5626]

@@EdProsser this is probably the cheapest one out there, thanks for the tip off 😊

[@onlinetraderucom]

BLAZAR + MIR 1V 37mm ?

[@EdProsser]

Not tried that combo, would probably have to be in Super 35

[@ruok3351]

Looks great but the swimming distortion is too much

[@visualtheoryfilms]

It's because it's paired with the helios lens

[@Potash_label]

Мир