SmallRig ANAMORPHIC LENS Review (it's Magnetic?!?)

Review of the SmallRig 1.55x anamorphic smartphone lens. Test footage all shot with an iPhone 13 Pro Max using the Filmic Pro app.
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[@alvo-oooo]

I have this lens and there are a couple of things you missed. While the filter holder works with magnetic filters, it isn't really compatible with a magnetic VND filter. The vignetting is really bad. You also can't use multiple filters for the same reason. I bought a 52mm to 72 mm step-up ring and gaffer taped it to the mount so I can use 72 mm filters with it. The VND works perfectly well, as well as stacking other filters at once. However, the magnetic mount for the lens isn't strong enough to safely keep the weight in place. I use gaffer tape to hold that together as well. I'll probably just glue the two pieces together as the SmallRig magnetic mount seems to be a solution in search of a problem. I don't know of anyone who needs to quickly switch the orientation of the lens. It is easy enough to simply twist the bayonet of a lens into the mount. I have the SmallRig cage for my iPhone as you do, and when inserting the lens it doesn't align if you completely twist it in place. You have to back it out a couple of degrees to have the lens align properly. Unlike say, the Ulanzi lens, which has a friction ring that allows minute adjustment, this one only lets you do 90º at a time. The SmaillRig lens has a sharper image than the Ulanzi lens, and I basically like it. The quality of the glass is good, but the lens mount and filter mount would be useless without gaffer tape.

[@noise_videos_for_management]

Now SR makes a 1.33 lens + 67mm threaded filter set. Would love an updated review as I think a lot of us find BG isn't the right fit for our needs. Thanks for all the help, Blake :)

[@ajmhobby]

I’m not a fan of magnetic accessories for the reason you talk about in the video. I love my Moment gold flare anamorphic lens. I love shooting in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. I just feel like 2.76:1 is too wide for viewing on a tv. On a giant screen, the extra wide frame would probably look amazing.

[@StevenOsburnHollywood]

I love my anamorphic lens and MoviePro app to use it with. I love the wide angle, cinematic look I get from using them. It looks like using a very expensive camera.

[@navonutube]

Looks very good , Does it work for Google Pixel 7 pro ?

[@streetlegends]

Anamorphic on a mobile device. Amazing 👌🏻

[@guipipolo]

I recently bought a Crane M3 and the Smallrig Cage for the iPhone 13 Pro. I wanted to use it with the Freewell 82mm VND kit, but the problem was the same. I bought the Smallrig 58mm filter adapter for the cage and didn't realize it was only magnetic. The alternative was the Moondog Labs Multi-Camera Filter Mount V3 (they have the V2B version for older iPhones), it's a 52mm Filter Mount and fits perfectly with the Smallrig cage for the iPhone, so I presume that might work with the Moment case). After that, I used a step-up ring from 52mm to 82mm, which worked great. Again is a little expensive for a filter mount ($40) but is a thread one, not magnetic.

[@iphoneographers]

I use the Moondog filter mount as well. Works great. Sounds like you’ve got a nice setup. 👍🏻

[@guipipolo]

@@iphoneographers thanks, I’ve been studying and consuming a lot of videos because I’m very interested to develop filmmaking abilities with smartphones. I learned a lot with many KZbin channels including your videos, by the way congratulations on the content, it’s amazing 🤩

[@DamonK87]

Will the Moondog filter mount work with the Smallrig cage? Thanks

[@guipipolo]

@@DamonK87 this is the exact filter mont I used and I’m still using it. There are two different versions of it the V2 and the V3. In my case for an iPhone 13 Pro I used the V3! It works perfectly. It’s a little annoying to fit the filter mount with the smallrig cage just because there’s an rubber part and is a little tricky but once is the no problem! I use not only the VNDs but also a Black Mist 10% that I love.

[@arthurhughes42]

I too had the same experience with the filter mount and contacted Smallrig before watching your video. Annoying as I have a 52mm threaded Tiffen variable nd and 52mm circular polariser. It would be good if someone made adapters to convert from a threaded filter to the magnetic Smallrig filter adapter.

[@arthurhughes42]

Your magnetic mount looks perfectly aligned, however the one I got was about 15 degrees out and this was supplied with the Smallrig anamorphic lens. This causes major image distortion or if I back it up, it is less secure and easily bumped out of alignment. I don’t know why both parts have the embedded magnets as making the whole lens back magnetic would have worked. If it was the magnetic power, then they should have been manufactured more accurately.

[@RobertoMettifogo]

it is good for socials if you rotate it 90° and film vertical with and aspect ratio much closer to insta's 5:4.

[@SmartphoneFilmmaker]

I think i'd be to nervous adding NDs and filter adapters on something that's magnetic. Crazy not to have a threaded filter mount. Looks nice otherwise though.

[@iphoneographers]

The connection is solid, but yeah, definitely nothing too heavy!

[@alvo-oooo]

The biggest issue with a magnetic filter holder is that you have to buy all new filters to use with it. There doesn't appear to be a magnetic-to-threaded adapter available.

[@jermainehayes1961]

Thanks for the insight and review on this lens.

[@mandochiko]

I would just glue the step up mount permanently to the filter mount.

[@paulsimon7229]

Good morning, does the lens also work with Brandon Li's cage?

[@iphoneographers]

Technically yes it should work because it mounts with a M mount. But I don’t know for sure if the lens will work properly with a 15 Pro or Pro Max. They may have updated it though since this review.

[@DethronerX]

The selling poiny for me qoul;d be Vertical Blur, because this other one I got has horizontal bokeh. Would be awesome to see a bokeh test with bulbs in the back, if you wish, it would help me decide The focus thing, you can always click where you want the focus, I keep it clicked to lock focus and exposure on default camera, otherwise, you have Filmic Pro for manual functions that work perfect, which im sure you already use

[@loudvicbeaulne2650]

Hi. Have you had the chance to test ou the MagEase filters from Smallrig.

[@superimportant]

Huge issue for me: Bought the SmallRig CPU2494 universal cage and a SmallRig anamorphic lens but the universal mount and lens are not compatible. (Desipite them saying 37mm Bayonet mount. This is so crappy. Why would the same company make their cage not compatible with their lens. Yes as you mentioned it is compatible with moment. But WTF why is not compatible with their own rig. I'm using a Sony so moment is not an option for me as there is no moment case for my phone. Pretty upset that SmallRig makes rigs that do not fit their lens's.

[@iphoneographers]

That is odd. Technically it should work like you say as the mount is bayonet, but also 37mm. You could get the Moondog anamorphic that’s 37mm and try it instead. I don’t have that cage to test it.

[@superimportant]

@@iphoneographers It is just stupid they decided to make a lens that is not compatible with their own cage. The lens also has a nice magnetic adapter but they don't offer any other options for magnetic lens options. The cage is fantastic with 37mm thread and M/ bayonet mount. Sadly Moondog is the only one I could find with a proper 37mm mounting option to fit this cage. SmallRig seems to have forgotten what products they made and do not provide a solution either. It would be easy if they sold a separate magnetic adapter as their lens uses a fancy magnet connector for the mount.

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah the magnetic filters are another issue. There are some on Amazon, but they’re a bit hard to find. Definitely strange of them.

[@ansoldreams]

sadly they not coming with shiming kit so we can ajust the range

[@MobileFilmmaking]

I think I'll be passing on this particular lens. But I have to thank you for recommending the sennheiser mke 200 as an affordable option to the mke 400. I just recorded my latest short film with it and it sounded great.

[@iphoneographers]

Oh cool deal on the mic. Good to hear! No pun intended. :)

[@valerievozza4437]

wish i had seen this before I purchased. the lack of magnetic filters is a bummer. i bought one form K and F but any slight jostling and the damn thing fell off! I’m returning this small rig lens and just going with Moment lenses/filters.

[@BranRistic]

Good review... I had this lens for about 3 months now and I agree with most points, focus issue is phone/lens related and not anamorphic lens issue... Initially tried Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra with FilMicPro app, ok of sorts, but it really shines with Sony Xperia 1 iv Cinematic app, you actually get wider setting, and mostly 95% in focus, that was on the 24mm lens (just uploaded a vid yesterday if anyone wants to look) Just to add, was using it on a gimbal with lens attached to screen, but that nullified use of screen, need to find an apt cage for Sony Xperia or something suitable to attach the lens free of screen...

[@iphoneographers]

Good to hear it works with that Sony I’ve been interested in trying out that phone.

[@chinitopinoy1726]

The Beastgrip 1.55X Mark II released a sample with the iPhone 14 Pro and it looks much better. They changed the design to accommodate for the bigger sensors.

[@anthonydauer]

Thank you, very informative. I just purchased this myself a few weeks ago. Haven't gotten a chance to use it yet.

[@iphoneographers]

Cool deal. It’s fun to use. 👍🏻

[@patricklevar]

Nice review I love Anamorphic 👍😀

[@patotooonlineministry1084]

What app did you use?

[@zonaisonline]

Might be a bit of a dumb question, but I assume any other M mount lens would fit on the SmallRig cage right?

[@MJMGuitar365]

When I mount this to my iPhone 14 Pro Max using the clip, I cannot get it lined up properly. Any tips?

[@fabiettoaladin6588]

Where can I find a case for these lenses for iPhone 12 pro?

[@zonaisonline]

For some reason Amazon doesn't have the case for the 12 but the Small Rig website has one for the iPhone 12 Pro Max

[@igorsachadeluigi]

Great review! Thank you so mich much 🎉

[@gaips]

Are there any updated anamorphic lenses for iPhone 14 Pro Max with muted or no lens flares?

[@iphoneographers]

Well, lens flare is one of the main things anamorphic does, so they all have it. If you just want a wide, distorted shot you might try a wide lens or even a fisheye. But saying that, to me Moondog has the most subtle and organic flares. There’s a link to them in the video description.

[@ri-ealismtattooart2244]

Thanks for the review nice one ! , unfonatly I had bought them second hand before I saw this . I do like the smllrig and th price was really reasonable even with some 4pack lenses for 60 euro so was really happy about the price ! But now it's so hard to find a solution for the nd filter im a little bit new with this .. Are there some update options now months later ? That also do the price justice ? I saw the expensive k& f but people say the drop out of nowhere , I did like the anamorphic lens ! its good magnetic on I own , I think I have a knock off ulanzi for 35 euro that is somewhat nice but there is no filter mount . But the small rig stays better in place is I bit heavy but it feels really good and string so that's nice . Im not a longtime video maker and had to start from zero and invest in may things so I can't order all the expensive stuff . But bit searching and learning day and night to make awesome suf ! Back to he topic , are there cheaper but with quality for this ? with the knock off anam. 1x33 I put a smaller variable nd filer from my tattoo photography set * because im a tattooist ) it didn't fit but made it stuck with a little bit of gum stuff where you can do hanging posters with And have walked the whole day without falling off So maybe there is ome fix also for the small rig but off course I rather want some good stuff and realible suff :) But I thought now months in , are there new solid solutions that make me broke instantly haha Thank you all !!

[@LouisCastro-q4f]

Is this compatible with s24 ultra?

[@edward_rivas]

If you buy a cage or mount, yep

[@mdturnerinoz]

Cool, thanks for helping me spend more money! ;0) Oh, I loved your old intro, but the new shorter one is better!

[@iphoneographers]

Thanks! I change it up every few years to keep it interesting. :)

[@djubseen5067]

Thank you for content keep up the good work

[@iphoneographers]

Thanks for watching!

[@freeflightbrighton]

Have any of you tried these filters ? SMALLRIG 52mm Magnetic Variable ND Filter ND2-ND32

[@aadeshchaudhary]

An u suggestion which brand magnetic filters can be used with this .. i will really appreciate ur help as i hav bought smallrig anamorphic lens ???

[@iphoneographers]

There’s a link for one in the description of the video.

[@aadeshchaudhary]

@@iphoneographers thanxxx

[@n25992]

Which magnetic ND can we use with it ?

[@iphoneographers]

There’s a link to one in the video description. There’s not many options available though.

[@GuardianFilmworks]

What app are you using on the phone to desqueeze the footage of baby Yoda?

[@iphoneographers]

Filmic Pro

[@GuardianFilmworks]

@@iphoneographers thanks!

[@alvo-oooo]

@@iphoneographers CinemaP3 app also works. It even includes an option for distortion correction.

[@benjimancha5515]

Will this work on the lite chaser pro case for iPhone 13 pro?

[@iphoneographers]

No, but it would on the 12 Pro version. They switched the mount for the 13 Pro.

[@efootballhunter]

i tried to buy it... but after come to know its a magnetic filter mount, i got pissed off....🤬 y smallrig...🤦🏻‍♂️

[@zeelandfilms8314]

it's really not a smart move to make the adapter magnetic, you can buy magnetic filters... for a good set you can spend between $300 and $400. and you can't stack the filters even though they are so thin it gives the same vignette and you can't work with a VND either... a shame. not well thought out. I directly contacted Smallrig about this problem. I am sure they will come with a solution :)

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah I don’t disagree. I’d like to see a 52mm screw mount and hopefully they’ll add one as an option.

[@zeelandfilms8314]

@@iphoneographers I'm hoping for a 55mm myself and then closer to the lens itself so you don't have a vignette and can use a VND

[@anibitscream]

Is the mount like the moment lenses or threaded?

[@iphoneographers]

It’s a Moment bayonet mount, exactly like Moment lenses.

[@BadBobB]

I thought I read on Smallrig that the lens should NOT be used with VND's.

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah I saw that too. That’s variable ND which I think the point they’re making is the edges will probably vignette. Standard or solid ND are fine.

[@alvo-oooo]

@@iphoneographers It does. You have to zoom in slightly to rid the image of the vignette.

[@lovelymusicnow4404]

Personally I’m over all these clip on lenses. Same basic functionality. Someone needs to make a lens with a small focus ring on it. Great review

[@iphoneographers]

That would be interesting, though may not be possible. Have wondered about that too though. Using a DOF you can do this, but that’s a different animal really. Thanks for watching!

[@wackytabackie395]

@@iphoneographers what is a dof?

[@iphoneographers]

Depth-of-field adapter that you add traditional lenses to.

[@Sputz3]

*The sad think is this set up is going to be irrelevant by next year when Iphone come out with the 14 pro Max SMH*

[@CartyCantDance]

just upgrade phone and cage, but also the 13 looks really good so why not use it for a few more years. people still shoot on iPhone X's

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah but that’s true with most tech. However, these last few years - since the iPhone 12 really - the quality is really, really good - so they can be used for a long time.

[@mr.everbless2721]

This set up is good for long period of time with your 4K phone, it’s magical

[@freeflightbrighton]

The 14 fits into the same cage. Lens mounts needs to be changed that’s all.

[@melgross]

So, this is something new from them. But really yuk! A lens clamp? Im also a little nervous about magnetic mounting lenses. One small knock and the lens will fall off or fly across the area you’re in. That’s too bad because otherwise I’d love to have lenses that I can switch in a moment. There’s another company that makes magnetic lens mounts for smartphones. I forget the name. There is no such thing as a lens that’s too sharp. Or too contrasty. There are many techniques to bring sharpness down, but none that work well to bring it up. I’d much rather have a lens that’s sharp corner to corner.

[@fabimesizae]

Interesting but unfortunately the quality at the edges of the image is very bad

[@LegShowMagazine]

Too much distortion with the 1.55x, stick to the 1.33x.

[@333_studios]

Image quality looks good, but man those flares are ugly. I think they get a little too strong; it just looks like someone damaged my screen.

[@DevilesEye1088]

Sucks how FILMIC PRO absolutely sucks a** now !!! Subscription service for something I already paid for … how pathetic

[@giuseppebiancullo]

I soldi più buttati della mia vita, poi cosa cazzo serve la lente magnetica che manco ci sono altre lenti da montare??! Per usare questa lente “di merda” serve l’app, che costa la bellezza di 4€ a settimana o 60€ l’anno. Si vede meglio con le ottiche originali del telefono, diffidate da questi video