4. Aspect Ratios for Anamorphic Lenses
If you're a filmmaker looking to make use of an anamorphic lens, you have three main aspect ratio choices: 1.33x (also known as "Scope"), 2.35x (or "Ultra Panavision"), and 1.85x. These lenses will provide you with a wide angle of view along with the classic cinemascope-style distortion.
At Moment, we offer two different anamorphic ranges: 1.33x and 1.55x. But what are the differences between the two, and which one is right for you?
- Using a 1.33x anamorphic lens gives filmmakers the benefit of preserving the scene's original aspect ratio and providing a wider field of view with just one camera. This lens compresses the frame's height while maintaining the image's width resulting in a letterbox effect. The image may appear squished when viewing it on a non-anamorphic monitor. However, this can be corrected post-production, and the original aspect ratio will be restored.
- A 1.55x anamorphic lens creates a much wider image than a non-anamorphic lens, allowing filmmakers to capture wide shots without needing extra camera gear. However, this type of lens also compresses the image vertically at a higher ratio, which distorts the natural geometry of the scene and may cause barrel distortions. Additionally, when viewing the footage on a standard-size monitor, the widescreen image may be more 'pillar-boxed'. Despite this, many filmmakers find the larger ratio attractive due to its cinematic vibe.
To achieve that standard, true-to-life frame with minimal stylization or distortion — the 1.33x is your go-to choice. However, if you're looking for a more stylized, artistic barrel look to your footage, then the 1.55x is ideal.