Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I had the opportunity to use this very unique-looking lens on a commerical shoot in Polynesia, and I made this video to share my thoughts. Itβs a cine lens that gives great subject separation from the background while keeping a wide field of view. laowacine.com/product/laowa-argus-t1-cine-series-ff/ref/875/?campaign=28mmcine
Thanks to @windstarcruises for letting me show my footage!
π₯ Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2025-invite
π΄ Checkout my Gimbal Course: gimbalmasterclass.com
My Portfolio Page: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
β Subscribe: youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
π Filmmaking FAQ: unscripted.com/faq
π All Gear: unscripted.com/gear
π My Portfolio: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
π Instagram: instagram.com/brandon_l_li
β For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
==============================
β Recommended Playlists:
π Brandon's Film School
youtube.com/watch?v=v72ZCEmO_bM&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnezWYDj5isoZ_iJU1nhjKv
π Short Films
youtube.com/watch?v=D_xBHxRpQDY&list=PL4HCvXRptWNk-esVFXU8NPfedqNvb6P3d
π Cinematic Vlog
youtube.com/watch?v=U1VGIA2mdhg&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnMonL-zrqyuebC7SLzyMBf
β Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:
π I Tested the Widest Lens for Sony FE-Mount (Laowa 10mm f2.8 Zero-D FF) youtu.be/dK8XMyvi00o
πLaowa Argus 35mm f0.95 FF Lens - Filmmaking Test [Sony A7sIII] youtu.be/XRBVHFN67z0
π Laowa 15mm F2 Lens: Wide, Bright, Zero-Distortion? youtu.be/K_QZIk9LRtg
===========================
0:00 Intro & Basic Tech Details
1:11 Using on a commercial shoot
1:48 Aperture test
2:35 Shooting portraits
3:19 Low light
#laowa #filmmaking #cinelens #28mmlens #primelens
I had the opportunity to use this very unique-looking lens on a commerical shoot in Polynesia, and I made this video to share my thoughts. Itβs a cine lens that gives great subject separation from the background while keeping a wide field of view. laowacine.com/product/laowa-argus-t1-cine-series-ff/ref/875/?campaign=28mmcine
Thanks to @windstarcruises for letting me show my footage!
π₯ Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2025-invite
π΄ Checkout my Gimbal Course: gimbalmasterclass.com
My Portfolio Page: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
β Subscribe: youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
π Filmmaking FAQ: unscripted.com/faq
π All Gear: unscripted.com/gear
π My Portfolio: vimeo.com/rungunshoot
π Instagram: instagram.com/brandon_l_li
β For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
==============================
β Recommended Playlists:
π Brandon's Film School
youtube.com/watch?v=v72ZCEmO_bM&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnezWYDj5isoZ_iJU1nhjKv
π Short Films
youtube.com/watch?v=D_xBHxRpQDY&list=PL4HCvXRptWNk-esVFXU8NPfedqNvb6P3d
π Cinematic Vlog
youtube.com/watch?v=U1VGIA2mdhg&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnMonL-zrqyuebC7SLzyMBf
β Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:
π I Tested the Widest Lens for Sony FE-Mount (Laowa 10mm f2.8 Zero-D FF) youtu.be/dK8XMyvi00o
πLaowa Argus 35mm f0.95 FF Lens - Filmmaking Test [Sony A7sIII] youtu.be/XRBVHFN67z0
π Laowa 15mm F2 Lens: Wide, Bright, Zero-Distortion? youtu.be/K_QZIk9LRtg
===========================
0:00 Intro & Basic Tech Details
1:11 Using on a commercial shoot
1:48 Aperture test
2:35 Shooting portraits
3:19 Low light
#laowa #filmmaking #cinelens #28mmlens #primelens
![SmallRig x Brandon Li Mobile Video Kit for iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max [Launch Film]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oiv_IH7P3uw/mqdefault.jpg "SmallRig x Brandon Li Mobile Video Kit for iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max [Launch Film]
Ive teamed up again with SmallRig for another cage kit! This time the kit works with iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max. Kit includes re-designed cage with integrated phone case; dual quick-release handles with 360 pivot; and 1-9 stop magnetic VND filter. Learn more: https://geni.us/BL-iPhone16Kit
Other SmallRig iPhone 16 rigs: https://geni.us/iphone16videorigs
π₯ Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2024-invite
π΄ Checkout my Gimbal Course: https://gimbalmasterclass.com/
My Portfolio Page: https://vimeo.com/rungunshoot
β
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
π Filmmaking FAQ: https://unscripted.com/faq
π All Gear: https://unscripted.com/gear
π My Portfolio: http://www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot
π Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_l_li/
β
For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
#smallrig #iphone16pro #iphone16promax #smartphonecage #shotoniphone")
![Improving Your Camera Movement - A Filmmaking Lesson [Sony A7siii + DJI RS2 Gimbal]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pMavOuJ2RSo/mqdefault.jpg "Improving Your Camera Movement - A Filmmaking Lesson [Sony A7siii + DJI RS2 Gimbal]
This lesson will help you figure out why some camera moves work and others just dont. Its about motivation. Learn more at my film school: https://myfilm.school/motivated-movement
Filmmaking for Photographers: https://filmmakingforphotographers.com/
My Gimbal Masterclass: https://gimbalmasterclass.com/brandon/
GOT A QUESTION FOR ME? CHECK MY HUGE LIST OF FILMMAKING Q&A https://learn.unscripted.com/faq/
Music by Audiosocket! Join today: https://offers.audiosocket.com/brandon-li/
#filmmaking #cinematography #directing #gimbal #a7siii #rs2
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I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and B&H Photo Video Affiliate program, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and bhphotovideo.com. Additionally, I participate in other affiliate programs, and sometimes get a commission through purchases made through my links.")
![Sirui 100mm T2.9 Full Frame 1.6X Anamorphic Lens - Filmmaking Test [Sony A7s III]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pZIA2tUJojc/mqdefault.jpg "Sirui 100mm T2.9 Full Frame 1.6X Anamorphic Lens - Filmmaking Test [Sony A7s III]
Sirui added another lens to their full-frame 1.6x anamorphic kit! The 100mm is great for portraits. Get the lens: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sirui-the-most-affordable-2x-anamorphic-solution/x/22500073
My thoughts below:
IMAGE QUALITY
Ive only had this lens for a couple days, but so far Im really impressed. The flares seem better controlled than earlier Sirui anamorphics, with a softer, more natural-looking horizontal blue streak (though I still prefer white or amber flares). I was also pleasantly surprised by the oval bokeh. There seems to be more oval stretch than I noticed on the Sirui 50mm 1.6x lens, probably because of the longer focal length. So youll get a beautiful wall of stretchy bokeh behind your portrait subjects.
I didnt notice any unpleasant focus breathing, but Im sure it does breathe. All anamorphics do (its part of their character). I did notice a bit of fringing on the high contrast edges, if you zoom way in and pixel peep it. I only shot wide open, so I think the fringing will be reduced if you stop down a bit.
Low light is not the strongest suit of this lens because its T2.9, or approx f2.8. Still, I was able to get pretty clean shots at base ISO even at night, as long as my main subject was standing under a streetlight or strongly backlit as a silhouette. There is more noticeable flare at night in backlight, and it can be distracting. The solution is a matte box and flags.
PHYSICAL
Its big and heavy. I dont know the exact weight, but it feels like about 3.5 lbs or 1.5 kg. Almost all metal. Focus and aperture gears are dampened but not over-tight. Still, you might not be able to push the gears with smaller mechanical follow focus devices, like the FF kits that come with DJI and Zhiyun gimbals.
Its 82mm filter thread. Youll need big (expensive) circular filters, or square (expensive) filters and a matte box.
OVERALL
I recommend this lens as part of a low-budget anamorphic kit for shoots where you dont want to do rental. Long-term docu shoot, weekly weddings, or personal art films. It works best with open gate 3:2 or 4:3 sensors, not 16x9 sensors like A7s III.
I feel like a real filmmaker with this chunky beast of a lens on my camera. Its a lot of fun to use.
Get the lens: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sirui-the-most-affordable-2x-anamorphic-solution/x/22500073
Want to learn how I make my films? Check out https://filmschool.us/brandon-li-2024")
![How I Film with a Smartphone Cage [iPhone 15 Pro Max Kit - SmallRig x Brandon Li]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ptreSnwg9dg/mqdefault.jpg "How I Film with a Smartphone Cage [iPhone 15 Pro Max Kit - SmallRig x Brandon Li]
Watch this BTS vlog about how I use my iPhone 15 Pro Max cage kit on a real shoot! I helped design the SmallRig x Brandon Li Video Kit. Kit includes the newly designed cage in Oasis Green color; dual quick-release handles; and 1.5 - 5 stop VND filter. Get the kit: https://bdn.li/SmallRig-BrandonLi-kit
Kit (B&H link): https://bdn.li/SmallRig-BrandonLi-kit-BH
Cage only: https://bdn.li/SmallRig-BrandonLi-cage-only
Cage only (B&H link): https://bdn.li/SmallRig-BrandonLi-cage-BH
My Film School: https://filmschool.us/brandon-li-2024
β
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
My Portfolio Page: https://vimeo.com/rungunshoot
π Filmmaking FAQ: https://learn.unscripted.com/faq
π All Gear: https://learn.unscripted.com/gear
π My Portfolio: http://www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot
π Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_l_li/
β
For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
#filmmaking #smallrig #iphone15promax #smartphonecage #shotoniphone
0:00 Intro
0:50 Filming violinist at Grand Central
3:01 Improvising in the rain
3:42 Midtown & Times Square
4:49 Washington Square Park
5:40 Bike tricks
7:00 Subway dancers
7:36 Spain - flamenco dancer
9:11 Spanish food & friends
9:38 Hiking scene, drone shots & finale")
![Morocco Filmmakers Vlog Part 3 [Zagora Desert, Merzouga Desert, Fantasia, World Cup]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/saWfK1YEcdo/mqdefault.jpg "Morocco Filmmakers Vlog Part 3 [Zagora Desert, Merzouga Desert, Fantasia, World Cup]
In this vlog, travel Morocco to the Zagora Desert, Merzouga Desert, experience a Fantasia (tbourida), and see the World Cup action across the country. Watch Morocco Arise: https://youtu.be/R9cqyRek8nQ
Join my film school to learn more from me: https://myfilm.school/morocco-invite
My Portfolio Page: https://vimeo.com/rungunshoot
β
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted
π₯ The Ultimate Gimbal User Guide: https://gimbalmasterclass.com/
π΄ Jumping from photography to video? https://filmmakingforphotographers.com/
π Filmmaking FAQ: https://learn.unscripted.com/faq
π All Gear: https://learn.unscripted.com/gear
π My Portfolio: http://www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot
π Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_l_li/
β
For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com
β
Recommended Playlists:
π Brandons Film School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v72ZCEmO_bM&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnezWYDj5isoZ_iJU1nhjKv
π Short Films
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_xBHxRpQDY&list=PL4HCvXRptWNk-esVFXU8NPfedqNvb6P3d
π Cinematic Vlog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1VGIA2mdhg&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnMonL-zrqyuebC7SLzyMBf
β
Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:
π Morocco: Filmmakers Vlog Part 1 https://youtu.be/L6CGb51OCDk
π Morocco: Filmmakers Vlog Part 2 https://youtu.be/ZFEtfrVFd5c
π Morocco Arise: Directors Commentary https://youtu.be/pcALD9psiLY")
