Full-frame 2x anamorphic prime series by Xelmus with nine focal lengths and rotating astigmatizer focusing. Known for warm flares and exceptionally close minimum focus.
The Apollo is Xelmus' flagship series: nine 2x anamorphic lenses ranging from 24mm to 180mm, all in PL mount. From 40mm upwards, they cover the full-frame sensor — a rarity among independent anamorphic lens manufacturers. The lenses have been hand-assembled in Kharkiv, Ukraine, since 2019.
The Rotating Astigmatizer
The heart of the Apollo series is its focusing system. Instead of a variable front diopter — the standard approach for affordable anamorphic lenses — Xelmus uses a Rotating Astigmatizer based on the Gottschalk principle from 1954. Two cylindrical elements rotate in opposite directions while the spherical group moves linearly. The result: only vertical breathing, no horizontal image expansion during focus pull. This allows for a minimum focus distance of 38 cm, where other anamorphic lenses stop at one meter.
Technical Specifications
The series covers apertures from T1.6 (60mm) to T2.8 (135mm, 180mm), with a 14-blade iris for round bokeh. The focus throw is 270° — precise enough for follow focus work. Weight per lens: 1.7 to 2.9 kg. All lenses have standard 0.8 pitch focus gears.
| Focal Length | T-Stop | Minimum Focus | Weight | Sensor Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24mm | T2 | 53 cm | 2.5 kg | S35 |
| 32mm | T2 | 38 cm | 1.8 kg | S35+ |
| 40mm | T2 | 38 cm | 1.8 kg | FF |
| 50mm | T1.7 | 41 cm | 1.8 kg | FF |
| 60mm | T1.6 | 41 cm | 1.7 kg | FF |
| 75mm | T2 | 53 cm | 2.0 kg | FF |
| 100mm | T2.3 | 46 cm | 2.3 kg | FF |
| 135mm | T2.8 | 75 cm | 2.5 kg | FF |
| 180mm | T2.8 | 76 cm | 2.9 kg | FF |
Optical Character
The Apollo delivers a middle ground: sharper than vintage Lomo anamorphic lenses, softer than ARRI Master Anamorphics. The flares are horizontal, warm, and golden — more controlled than Atlas Orion, more expressive than Cooke Anamorphic/i. The bokeh is oval and three-dimensional, with a gentle falloff towards the image edges. In backlight, a characteristic veiling glare is produced, adding atmosphere to scenes without drowning the image.
Practical Application
Apollo lenses have been used on Netflix productions (Boats, 2025), Sundance shorts, and premium commercials. The combination of low weight and short minimum focus makes them a choice for DPs who need the anamorphic look on Steadicam, gimbal, or drone. Daily rental rates in the US are around $900 USD, with a purchase price per lens ranging from $16,000-$18,000 USD.