The very first element every image touches is the lens. Therefore, it’s important to understand the best type of lens to use when shooting films and photos. The optical format you prefer more will have an impact on the output you will produce. So, which is better, anamorphic or spherical lens?
Understanding the Basics of Imaging
For the beginners in cinematography and photography, it’s crucial to understand the basic concepts of shooting or imaging. You need to know the visual characteristics and mechanical constructions of various optical processes. And most importantly, you must be familiar with the difference between a spherical and anamorphic lens.
A spherical lens is the most popular and readily available optical format. Almost all the photos you’ve taken or seen are shot using this type of lens. On the other hand, an anamorphic lens is basically developed to help professionals in the motion picture industry; specifically, in taking widescreen images.
Important Elements of Camera Lenses
Every camera lens is designed with multiple elements. For instance, a spherical lens utilizes spherical elements that have curvature on both axes – horizontal and vertical. The symmetry produces uniform image which makes it different from anamorphic lens.
Likewise, an anamorphic lens is also designed with multiple elements. Hence the main difference between these two lenses lies in the cylindrical lens element’s inclusion. The element of cylindrical lens is curved on its vertical axis, and this has a big impact on your image.
Why Choose Anamorphic
Basically, anamorphic lenses are same as using two focal lengths in one lens – one is for the horizontal axis and the other for the vertical axis. The image will appear smashed at first so you need to de-squeeze it in order to view anamorphic images the right way.
While in film projection, you have to project the image with another anamorphic in order to de-squeeze it. Technically, there’s a need to modify the aspect ratio of your image’s native pixel. The main objective of using an anamorphic lens is to produce wider aspect ratios so there’s no need to crop the image or maximize the field of view or capture area. If you want to start using this kind of lense but don’t have the means to obtain new ones, you can easily find stores that offers kowa anamorphic rental. You can test it out first if it suits your preference then start saving if you really want to purchase your own.
Wrapping It Up
When you shoot with anamorphic lenses, the final aspect ratio will be produced by multiplying the aspect ratio when capturing and the len’s squeeze factor. You achieve wider aspect ratio while keeping the captured image originally is the basic motive your choose anamorphic.
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