Kowa Prominar 8Z / 16-H

• Anamorphic Adapter by Kowa
• Double Focus
• Mount: 50 MM

Can be modded for improved performance, shorter focus and better flare control. In spite of the different names, this lens shares the same glass as the Kowas 8-Z, 16-H and Kowa B&H.

Rear threads aren't standard. Pitch is 0.7. Focus markings in feet.

This is both a review of the Kowa 16-H and a match between this model, the 8-Z and the B&H, all the top-tier 2x stretch Kowas out there. Shooting with the 16-H felt just like shooting with the other two. These are solid performers, delivering excellent results regardless of aperture setting. It has lovely vintage character and organic cool flares. Being a projection lens, it is a double focus setup, so you'll face challenges when shooting or you'll need a single focus solution. Definitely a top drawer lens, with artifacts just enough to give the footage some mojo.

The Kowa 16-H is one of those lenses everybody wants. When someone asks "what is a good projection lens?" it usually comes up right after the Kowa B&H. It is a "true anamorphic" adapter with 2x stretch. Focus comes from infinity down to 1.5m or 5ft. The 16-H has a twin sister, the Kowa 8-Z. They're considered the same - deja vu?. It's time to compare them all!

Japanese design, with big front and rear glass ensure you won't be losing much light. You'll need a rear clamp to mount it to your taking lens as well as a front clamp to attach diopters and filters. I like having this one on rails because of its weight of 530g.

It's interesting to notice this particular 16-H is super sharp around the edges when compared to the 8-Z and B&H, but not so much in the center area. It's important to take into account sample variance when comparing these - some 16-H's might perform better than others, and the same goes for the B&H and 8-Z. That said, I'd reason they're all the same when it comes to resolution and performance.

This version of the 16-H is one of those early-serials and has blue/purple flares, while most 8-Z and B&H have golden flares. If you're looking specifically for blue flares, aim for lower serial numbers as several users informed me. It's a difference in the coatings that leads to the change in hues.

By itself, the 8-Z can go as wide as 58mm on full frame for 3.56:1 aspect ratio. Coming down to 2.4:1, you can use a 50mm lens. Like the B&H, the 8-Z has strong veiling glare when a light source hits the edge of the lens. The 8-Z and 16-H are identical in coverage, while the B&H vignettes a little harder on the wider end - which is something I didn't expect, considering all the love for the B&H.

The Kowa 16-H (or 8-Z, now we know they're the same) is a great anamorphic. Double focus makes it challenging, but that can be fixed. It delivers consistent results and performs well even on low-light situations. You can't go very wide with your taking lenses, but when you do the math, you're getting a pretty wide field of view already. It can be tough to find for a good price, but don't give up.