Anamorphic lenses are specialized optics that create a distinctive cinematic look. They compress a wider field of view horizontally onto a standard sensor, producing oval bokeh, unique lens flares, and widescreen aspect ratios.

These lenses offer a shallower depth of field and less perspective distortion compared to spherical lenses. Cinematographers can choose from rear, front, or zoom anamorphic designs to achieve their desired visual style in films and commercials.

Anamorphic lens overview

• Anamorphic lenses are specialized optics that compress a wider field of view horizontally onto a standard film or digital sensor
• Produce a distinctive cinematic look characterized by oval bokeh, lens flares, and a widescreen aspect ratio
• Commonly used in feature films, commercials, and music videos to create a unique visual style

Oval bokeh characteristics

• Out-of-focus highlights appear as oval shapes rather than circular as with spherical lenses
• Oval bokeh is caused by the anamorphic elements in the lens compressing the image horizontally
• Creates a dreamy, ethereal quality to the background that is often associated with the "anamorphic look"
• Can be used creatively to draw attention to the subject and create visual separation from the background

Lens flares and streaks

• Anamorphic lenses are prone to producing elongated, horizontal lens flares and light streaks
• Flares are caused by light reflecting and refracting within the lens elements, especially off the cylindrical anamorphic elements
• Can add a stylistic, cinematic quality to the image and are often used intentionally for artistic effect
• Examples of films known for their anamorphic lens flares include Star Trek (2009) and Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Widescreen aspect ratios

• Anamorphic lenses allow for capturing a wider field of view while maintaining a standard film or sensor height
• Commonly used to achieve widescreen aspect ratios such as 2.39:1 or 2.35:1 without cropping the image
• Widescreen aspect ratios are associated with a cinematic, epic look and can enhance the visual storytelling of a film
• Examples of widescreen films shot with anamorphic lenses include Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and The Hateful Eight (2015)

Anamorphic vs spherical lenses

• Anamorphic and spherical lenses produce distinct visual characteristics that can impact the look and feel of a film
• Understanding the differences between these lens types is crucial for cinematographers to make informed creative decisions

Depth of field comparison

• Anamorphic lenses generally have a shallower depth of field compared to spherical lenses of the same focal length and aperture
• The oval bokeh and compressed field of view of anamorphic lenses contribute to the perception of a shallower depth of field
• Shallow depth of field can be used to isolate subjects, create a sense of intimacy, or guide the viewer's attention within the frame
• Spherical lenses offer more control over depth of field, allowing for deeper focus when desired

Perspective distortion differences

• Anamorphic lenses exhibit less perspective distortion compared to spherical lenses of equivalent field of view
• The horizontal compression of anamorphic lenses results in a more natural, less distorted appearance of facial features and objects
• Spherical lenses with a wide field of view can produce more pronounced perspective distortion, especially at close distances
• The reduced perspective distortion of anamorphic lenses can be advantageous for close-ups and medium shots of actors

Anamorphic lens types

• Anamorphic lenses come in various designs, each with its own set of characteristics and advantages
• Understanding the different types of anamorphic lenses helps cinematographers choose the right tool for their creative vision

Rear anamorphic designs

• Rear anamorphic lenses have the anamorphic element positioned behind the spherical lens elements, closer to the camera sensor
• Tend to produce a cleaner, more modern look with less pronounced anamorphic artifacts like lens flares and distortion
• Examples of rear anamorphic lenses include the Panavision G Series and the ARRI Master Anamorphic series

Front anamorphic designs

• Front anamorphic lenses have the anamorphic element positioned in front of the spherical lens elements, closer to the subject
• Produce a more classic, vintage anamorphic look with pronounced lens flares, oval bokeh, and some degree of distortion
• Examples of front anamorphic lenses include the Cooke Anamorphic/i series and the Vantage Hawk anamorphic lenses

Anamorphic zoom lenses

• Anamorphic zoom lenses combine the flexibility of a zoom lens with the characteristics of an anamorphic lens
• Allow for changes in focal length while maintaining the anamorphic look, which can be useful for certain shooting situations
• Examples of anamorphic zoom lenses include the Angénieux Optimo Anamorphic 44-440mm and the Cooke Anamorphic/i Zoom 35-140mm

Anamorphic lens manufacturers

• Several lens manufacturers produce high-quality anamorphic lenses for the film and television industry
• Each manufacturer offers a unique set of anamorphic lens characteristics, build quality, and price points

Panavision anamorphics

• Panavision is a renowned manufacturer of anamorphic lenses, with a long history in the film industry
• Offers a range of anamorphic lenses, including the C Series, G Series, and T Series, each with distinct characteristics
• Known for their high-quality optics, reliable mechanics, and the iconic "Panavision look"
• Examples of films shot with Panavision anamorphics include Jurassic Park (1993) and The Hateful Eight (2015)

ARRI anamorphics

• ARRI is a leading manufacturer of professional cinema cameras and lenses, including anamorphic lenses
• Offers the Master Anamorphic series, which features a clean, modern look with minimal distortion and lens flares
• Known for their precision engineering, high-quality optics, and ease of use
• Examples of films shot with ARRI Master Anamorphics include Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and The Mandalorian (2019)

Cooke anamorphics

• Cooke Optics is a British lens manufacturer known for their high-quality anamorphic lenses
• Offers the Anamorphic/i series, which produces a classic anamorphic look with distinctive lens flares and oval bokeh
• Known for their warm, cinematic color rendering and smooth focus breathing
• Examples of films shot with Cooke Anamorphic/i lenses include Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and The Irishman (2019)

Vantage anamorphics

• Vantage Film is a German lens manufacturer specializing in anamorphic lenses for the film industry
• Offers the Hawk anamorphic series, which includes a range of front and rear anamorphic designs
• Known for their unique character, vintage look, and customizable lens flare options
• Examples of films shot with Vantage Hawk anamorphics include The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) and Joker (2019)

Anamorphic lens accessories

• Various accessories are available to enhance the functionality and creative potential of anamorphic lenses
• These accessories help cinematographers achieve specific looks or overcome technical limitations

Diopters for close focus

• Diopters are supplementary lens elements that attach to the front of an anamorphic lens to reduce the minimum focus distance
• Allow for closer focusing and tighter framing without sacrificing the anamorphic look
• Can be used for extreme close-ups, insert shots, or when working in confined spaces
• Examples of diopters include the Tiffen Close-up Lens Set and the Schneider Optics Diopters

Anamorphic lens supports

• Anamorphic lenses are often heavier and larger than spherical lenses, requiring additional support for stable operation
• Lens supports help distribute the weight of the lens and reduce stress on the camera's lens mount
• Examples of anamorphic lens supports include the Arri LMB-25 Lens Adapter Support and the Zacuto Anamorphic Lens Support

Shooting with anamorphic lenses

• Shooting with anamorphic lenses requires a unique approach to framing, composition, focus pulling, and lighting
• Understanding these techniques is essential for cinematographers to effectively use anamorphic lenses and achieve the desired visual style

Framing and composition

• The widescreen aspect ratio of anamorphic lenses allows for more horizontal space in the frame, influencing composition choices
• Cinematographers can use the additional width to create more dynamic and immersive compositions
• The oval bokeh and compressed perspective of anamorphic lenses can be used to guide the viewer's eye and create visual hierarchy within the frame

Focus pulling techniques

• Focus pulling with anamorphic lenses requires a different approach compared to spherical lenses due to the shallow depth of field and unique optical characteristics
• Focus pullers need to be aware of the anamorphic lens' breathing, minimum focus distance, and depth of field characteristics
• Techniques such as using witness marks, measuring distances, and rehearsing focus pulls are crucial for achieving accurate focus with anamorphic lenses

Lighting for anamorphic

• Lighting for anamorphic lenses often involves creating a wider, more even spread of light to accommodate the widescreen aspect ratio
• Cinematographers may need to use larger light sources or multiple lights to ensure even illumination across the wider frame
• The oval bokeh and lens flares of anamorphic lenses can be used creatively by placing lights strategically in the background or off-camera

Anamorphic post-production

• Post-production for anamorphic footage involves several unique considerations and techniques
• Understanding these aspects is essential for ensuring the final image maintains the desired anamorphic look and aspect ratio

Aspect ratio considerations

• Anamorphic footage needs to be de-squeezed in post-production to achieve the intended widescreen aspect ratio
• The de-squeeze factor (typically 1.33x or 2x) must be applied correctly to avoid distortion or incorrect aspect ratio
• Careful consideration must be given to framing and composition during the de-squeeze process to ensure the final image appears as intended

Anamorphic lens artifacts

• Anamorphic lenses can produce unique artifacts such as lens flares, distortion, and chromatic aberration
• These artifacts can be embraced as part of the anamorphic look or minimized through post-production techniques
• Tools such as de-flicker plugins, chromatic aberration removal, and distortion correction can be used to control the appearance of anamorphic artifacts

De-squeezing anamorphic footage

• De-squeezing is the process of stretching the anamorphic image horizontally to achieve the correct widescreen aspect ratio
• This process can be done in-camera (with some digital cinema cameras) or in post-production using editing or compositing software
• Proper de-squeezing requires accurate metadata about the anamorphic lens' squeeze factor and aspect ratio
• Examples of software used for de-squeezing include Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Nuke