Buying AF Sirui Astra vs. Renting Atlas Orion for Indie Feature - Gaffer's Dilemma

Hey everyone,

I'm gaffing an indie feature soon and we're looking at lens options. My usual setup with an ALEXA 35 and tried-and-true glass isn't in the budget, so I'm trying to figure out the best bang for our buck. We've shot some tests with a KOMODO-X and the director is really keen on something with a distinctive look.

I'm torn between buying a more affordable AF set, like the SIRUI ASTRA, which we could then own and potentially use on future projects, or putting that budget towards renting a set of something like the Atlas Orion anamorphics. The Orions have that specific character we've been talking about, but it's a rental expense that's gone. With the SIRUIs, we'd have them long-term, but I'm not sure if the 'flaws' would feel as intentional.

For those who've navigated similar choices on indie features, how do you weigh the pros and cons of buying an affordable, modern AF set versus renting a 'character' set for a specific project's look?