What is an Anamorphic Lens - Anamorphic vs Spherical Lens Explained

What is an anamorphic lens, and what are the characteristics that make them so cinematic?
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro - Anamorphic vs. Spherical Lenses
00:59 - The History of Anamorphic Lenses
02:26 - Anamorphic Squeeze Factor Explained
02:49 - Lens Anatomy
03:36 - The 6 Main Visual Differences
03:49 - Bokeh
04:29 - Distortion
05:13 - Focus Falloff & Roll Off
06:21 - Focus Breathing
06:59 - Lens Flares
07:34 - Field of View
07:57 - Practical Considerations
11:37 - Exercise: Identify the Lens
14:25 - Final Takeaways
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Anamorphic lenses have been used for decades, giving birth to widescreen cinema and that coveted “cinematic look.” In this video, we will break down the various visual and practical characteristics of anamorphic lenses and how they compare to the standard spherical lenses. So, what is an anamorphic lens and why are filmmakers constantly searching for that “anamorphic look”? Before we can answer that question, we need to answer another question - what are spherical lenses?
Camera and projector lenses were almost always spherical lenses, meaning the shape of the glass elements are constructed in a circular fashion. In the ‘50s, when TV was draining the cinema-going audience away from theaters, the studio heads tried everything they could to bring that audience back.
One tactic that stuck (and changed cinema forever) was using anamorphic lenses to give audiences something they couldn’t get at home - widescreen images. Anamorphic lenses have more oval-shaped elements that bend and squeeze rectangular images onto the same square film. Another anamorphic lens is required to “unsqueeze” that image when projected in a theater. But producing a widescreen image was just the beginning of why filmmakers preferred anamorphic vs spherical lenses.
For example, anamorphic lens flare is more pronounced than with a spherical lens. You can get a more shallow depth of field with anamorphic vs spherical and you also get greater “falloff” - when the focus gets softer towards the edges of the frame. Vignetting is another bi-product when using anamorphic lenses. These visual considerations tend to produce what people consider a more “cinematic look.” Spherical lenses are sharper and cleaner but sometimes a softer and more subjective feel best suits the story you want to tell.
As you approach your next project, think about the pros and cons of anamorphic vs spherical lenses. Each has their benefits and they should be used like any other tool in the filmmaking process - what story do you want to tell and what tools do you need to tell it?
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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[@StudioBinder]

Special thanks to Tito Ferradans - check out his channel Anamorphic on a Budget for more great Anamorphic content: bit.ly/tf-ab

[@MarcinHaFilms]

Glad to see you mentioned Tito :)

[@BlackbugDigital]

Finally some proper credits.

[@wimbusbert1249]

I'm glad you guys were able to work things out in a professional way. I'm sure lessons were learned and content will be even better from now on!

[@Arquimedes_Aram]

This was a better, way better explanation about the use of Anamorphic lens, thank you so much for the corrections!

[@MMPAspergerian]

One wrong!

[@rexmetin3]

As a second AC who's working right now with anamorphic lenses, i can say for sure that this is the first videos that i've ever seen on youtube talking about the differences between spherical and anamorphic lens done in the right way, comprehensive for the non cinema workers and without any unusefull information as i've seen in previous videos from other channels, good job guys!

[@StudioBinder]

Great to hear! Really wanted to get this one right 😁

[@colinfrederick2603]

Yea seriously. I’m a producer and I get this question all the time. This is my go-to forward for now on 🎉

[@jan_phd]

Obviously obsessed with special effects. In the world of reality, this video would be about the optical differences of Spherical Lens and Aspherical Lens.

[@sergiisalo3922]

@@jan_phd maybe this video is for people who want to make films, not lenses? 🤔

[@donhendricks3190]

This is another example of why I believe StudioBinder is the most valuable channel on KZbin for serious filmmakers. Well done. Thank you!

[@Nexowl]

After Every Frame a Painting stopped 7 years ago its save to say this one here the best.

[@axilator]

Annhilation should be talked about more..such a good movie

[@StudioBinder]

Great film 💯

[@eydok5114]

Focus pullers: " I fear no lens. But that thing..." *Carl Zeiss Planar 50 mm f 0.7* "It scares me..."

[@moistgooseberry]

God this is too true... worth the pain of using it though, Barry Lyndon is one of the most beautiful films.

[@StudioBinder]

Haha not for the faint-hearted

[@morucek]

@@moistgooseberry what i heared in a video about that lens is, there was no focus ring. they had to set the actors in this candleroom scene at one place at the table and they werent allowed to move forward or back with their bodies.

[@moistgooseberry]

@@morucek yeah that sounds about right - at f0.7 your depth of field is going to be ridiculously thin so any slight movement would lose sharpness

[@erickim555]

This was an outstanding explanation of the difference between Anamorphic and Spherical lenses! I went in knowing nothing, and now have a newfound appreciation for this aspect of film making! I especially enjoyed the "quiz" at the end, I really had fun analyzing the scenes and spotting the "tells" of each lens type. Fun! I'll be looking out for lens type for everything I watch from now on, haha.

[@tturnquest1]

This remake of the essay is really well done. Well done Studio Binder.

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@zez_gval]

You know the video was incredibly educational when is only 15 minutes, but it takes an hour to write down everything you learned.

[@NemoTheRM]

Bro literally I was writing down notes too and it took me about an hour too! Such good tools and info, I didn’t go to film school so learning this has been extremely helpful. I’m gonna take notes in every video they made and see how much notes I get 😂

[@carlosjavier7293]

Thats right bro

[@axilator]

New Studiobinder videos put a smile on my face.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@apot618]

Remaking the video = responsible StudioBinder ;D You guys are awesome

[@StudioBinder]

Happy you guys like it!

[@blurryface616]

This was so fun to watch. Thank you Studio Binder increasing my love for cinema more and more with every video you put.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming ❤

[@nava12336]

Whenever I become a filmmaker, I want to try anamorphic into a full Kubrick style visual. Thanks Studiobinder

[@alexman378]

Just make sure it’s worth it because even renting them can cost quite a bit.

[@StudioBinder]

Good lucK!

[@nicolasnelson7752]

I'm a Kubrick fan too, and that's an awesome idea. You should totally stick with it.

[@nava12336]

@@alexman378 noted with thanks

[@nava12336]

@@StudioBinder ❤️❤️❤️

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

I thought I understood but got a lot of the answers wrong. Guess it's time to watch it again. Epic video as always!! 😀🔥

[@StudioBinder]

Watch it as much as you need to ;)

[@TheHalusis]

me too, was distracted playing chess on phone

[@Borodin410]

Your list of anamorphic qualities at 8:43 is different from the lists prior (e.g., 3:40). It replaces Breathing with Vignette and renames Focus to Falloff.

[@StudioBinder]

Thank you for catching that! Please refer to the first list (3:40).

[@DemPilafian]

The qualities are actually identical -- your eyes are just being tricked by a squeezing artifact from the lensing.

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

What a great voice this narrator has.

[@AtlantaTerry]

Yes, a bit British and yet a bit American. So... Canadian?

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

@@AtlantaTerry Hi Terry, thanks for chiming in, mate. He doesn’t sound American or Canadian to me. He sounds English. Yes, he does have a commanding voice; the type that works well with non-fiction narration, as in this video. Hope you’re well. Regards from Steve in Adelaide, South Australia.

[@StudioBinder]

We love him :)

[@rahulkota3586]

There are many channels which can tell difference between lenses, but your interesting story telling and practical info makes it always best. Thank you StudioBinder.

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps 👌

[@CarletonTorpin]

This was such an engaging video. I love getting a self-quiz at the end!

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@f0nzel]

@@StudioBinder I agree! would like to see them in more video's

[@TheParryGod]

There's something truly magical about the anamorphic look.

[@StudioBinder]

That filmic look 💖

[@iamakkkshay]

@@StudioBinder That can be recreated digitally these days :(

[@user-pr6wb8bx2l]

We need episode about directing style of Andrei Tarkovsky

[@StudioBinder]

He's in the works 👍

[@TimKaiser444]

You guys are amazing! Never seen it explained in such an easily comprehensible way with the 6 differences with great visual examples. Keep up the good work, hope everyone in the industry takes your lessons to heart!

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This isonly a channel without stupid ads, useless words and stupid conversations. Every single word is valuable, definite and useful. Thank you, author! All other similar videos take 30-40% of their time talking about nothing.

[@Just_Mr_K]

As a novice... might I say ignorant to all this depth of knowledge on any one subject... I thank you for the clear explanation of cinematic use of lenses. 🙏🏻

[@arupsan]

Best of the best channel so far with lots technical knowledge.. Thank you StudioBinder

[@ExaltedDuck]

This video is excellently informative, and the production, script, and VO performance remind me of the early era informational reels like what used to get spoofed in Disney shorts. Absolutely love it.

[@pcstunes353]

You guys are definitely the best for me, with the way you breakdown complex subject, I've always wondered what the difference between anamorphic lens and spherical lens are, only by watching this video I could easily and quickly understand the difference, in fact I was able to figure out all test on my own. If it's one thing that can I never forget about anamorphic lens is that vertical lines are not straight, that alone helps me differentiate between the two. I so love you channel and it has always been my go to channel for lessons on film making.

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By far the most interesting watch I've had on KZbin recently. Subscribed and eager for more.

[@feliviadevanie7756]

the best this about this is the quiz at the end of the video! i got so excited to test my knowledge and the fact that i got it all right means you guys did a great job at explaining it, thanks!

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What a wonderful production you have done! Bravo.

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I love this. The graphics, the graphics, the voice. Keep them coming!

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wow what a masterclass, 15 min felt like 3 hours of video with very nice explanations and examples

[@Digitallifeconcepts]

Probably the best explanation I've seen online.

[@user-ei7wt6ni7g]

'Honestly I don't know' was nicely blended with this video. Extraordinary tutorial as always.

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The only channel notification that makes me extremely happyy. Thank you for your amazing and informative content!

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to make it!

[@soynachosonido]

Oh man this channel is just amazing! I was just about to search for exercises on how to spot the differences and voilà, 11:35 kicks in. I can now watch movies and spot the type of lens used. Thank you! Keep up with the great content!

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

This was a great presentation, and so much work, thanks.

[@karynellis8404]

Fantastic video, thank you! Clear explanations and examples. Anamorphic lenses make so much more sense to me now. (I didn't realize how much I love them! especially the breathing of the focus.) Your channel is great.

[@StudioBinder]

There were lots of details! Watch it as much as needed haha

[@SHOOTITFilmPhotography]

So much good information, explained in a clear and interesting way. Great work! 👍

[@WoodyAndTheWild]

This is such a good and comprehensive explanation of the subject, thank u 🙇‍♂

[@karlmeier5791]

it's always interesting to watch your channel and especially where you need to guess which lenses are used in which scene, thanks!

[@BTwiseman]

Amazing video!!! Super clear and the “test” at the end was sooo helpful

[@BELGRANOization]

This is a great educational tool. Loved it. Thank you!

[@SoloPilot6]

I wasn't expecting to see more than a few moments of this before getting bored and clicking away as soon as I new what the difference is, but this was FASCINATING, all the way through.

[@esotericist]

wow. what a precise, inteligent, easy to understand explanation. brilliant video. thanks!

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Somehow this channel keeps getting better. Thank you so so so much for these

[@StudioBinder]

Our viewers keeps us improving :)

[@aulistudio]

Thanks Studio Binder for always much valuable and informative contents, so well explained that I got all of it right 😊. Learning whenever I watch your contents. 🙏

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Good job guys! this video is so clear

[@ricex2]

this is very educational, and probably has the best elaboration on youtube

[@MelodeusForever]

I'm glad you guys got the video back up. I think when I was searching it was gone... Glad its back because out of all of your videos, you would reference it but I couldn't find it until a certain person mentions it.... :)

[@CJStew06]

I didn't know anything about the differences before watching this video (I thought Anamorphic was a brand) and I got 100 percent on the examples. The video taught me something completely new in 15 minutes and I feel very confident already in my understanding. I will say the bokeh gives it away almost immediately in most examples, but since I could determine based on that, I started to recognize the other elements like distortion of walls and background, and the differences in focus. I really love the look of anamorphic and this makes me want to get an anamorphic lens. Amazing video-this channel is so good!

[@JesusMartinez-mk6fc]

Amazing video! Kudos! As someone who had only a summary knowledge of anamorphic lenses, I've learned quite a lot. Thank you!

Very high quality content. I've learned many things and it was so well explained.

[@ralsumaaji]

Very well explained. Thank you for the clarity

[@johnta17]

Subscriber since 10,000. Best channel on YT.

[@abn3r507]

Damn, I learned alot from this...Lenses are something I haven't understood for a long time but you guys managed to simply make it so cohesive to understand...love the channel!

[@m0kkechen]

same for me. I have learned so much. More than my whole lifetime as a filmmaker myself. XD

[@mynkao-creativedirector]

Awesome video about the anamorphic lens!

[@alisha4902]

You explained it clearly, I got all the answers right. Now it's easy to tell the difference. Thank you for this video.

[@johnathonme]

So incredibly useful thanks for the awesome lesson, won't forget it!!!

[@StephanBuchin]

Great video. Clear, informative and concise 🙂

[@sacheendranthamarrasserey6752]

Very helpful video to understand the differences of lenses.,.. Thanks studiobinder Team.,

[@veerharjitsingh159]

really grateful to Studio Binder One of the best KZbin Channels for learning filmmaking, fortunately I got all my answers right, I am impressed by anamorphic lenses, what I like the most in anamorphic lenses is the field of view they give, that's amazing. Obviously bokeh and lens flares, focus breathing are also good but I like the field of the most, Thanks again to Studio Binder

[@DelightLovesMovies]

Hi StudioBinder. Thanks for sharing again.

[@acertainghost286]

Really good explanation, straight to the point; thank you so much.

[@dice268926]

WoW 👌 Best Explanation I've heard. Years of watching and you guys explained in 10 sec👏 🙌

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This was really insightful ‼️

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Been following for years now. Yep. Still quality stuff from you guys. You guys are changing KZbin learning. 💯% quality. Like MKBHD, Veritasium, you guys rock 🤘

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Thanks for joining us on the ride :)

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Brilliant explanation!

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i love this channel its like adventure and science.

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OMG YOU FINALLY REUPLOADED IT!!! This video is so good

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it was worth the wait!

[@chuffs5286]

@@StudioBinder it really was!

[@msamour]

Thank you modern narrator voice! That was very instructive!

[@ClintMoody]

This is TOP shelf educational material. Thank you thank you thank you

[@rocklee619]

Very informative video! I appreciate you for making this ❤

[@voodoomelons]

Christ alive, this informative video is beautifully put together, narration, pacing, editing, summary. I always wrongly assumed anamorphic related to the aspect ratio of the image, which I was very wrong about. Great work!

[@ThomasParis]

First time I hear such a useful description of anamorphic. Thanks!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching :)

[@aninjaguardian]

Great and insightful video. The bokeh shape is a dead giveaway for certain films as to whether it was shot on anamorphic or spherical.

[@JudgeFredd]

Excellent explanation

[@a_z-bruh]

Wonderful video. I knew almost nothing coming in and only missed the last one

[@FalkoPetzold]

Thank you for this great video!! Subscribed

[@JanPBtest]

4:48 This is very visible in French films of the era, like Godard's "Contempt". It seems there was no good anamorphic lens available in France at the time 🙂

[@rg7145]

Outstanding information!! 👍

[@bormanproductions]

Great video as always!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@LynnHermione]

I love this channel, it's so efficiently educational. I got all right but one!

[@StudioBinder]

That's good!

[@J4n_momo]

thanks for publishing it again, i liked this video a lot

[@StudioBinder]

Back and better than ever 👍

[@bodiddly12]

very good and informative video. thanks.

[@OrphanariumProductions]

god i love anamorphic, the natural feel and unique characteristics will always win me over. really nice seeing it described properly, thanks!

[@doyoubinoame8483]

I'm really thankful for these videos. I'm getting into a hobby fiimmaking and this gives exactly info i need to get going. Thank you!

[@GabrielRobinson1991]

Respect to Studio Binder for re-releasing this, well done you

[@StudioBinder]

Goal is always top quality content for you guys ❤

[@anusharudraraju4202]

I learned about the lenses right there while watching your video and got all the Quiz right.. You are a wonderful teacher! :)

[@StudioBinder]

You're a great student!

[@wecare838]

Where did you get the answers? I guessed but wheres the answers so that I can match?

[@Manuelordorica880]

Just a couple of seconds before finding this video, I was wondering what anamorphic is. this was informative, and with a sense of humor. thumbs up.

[@TeddyCavachon]

My introduction to Anamorphic lenses was back in high school in 1969 working after school for the driver ed program. We had a trailer with a dozen driving simulators with a 16mm projector showing the street scene the students had to react to. All the films were photographed with an anamorphic lens and the projector also had one.

[@bananabear009]

This video is so much better than those hobbyists turn reviewers KZbin channels on the topic. Well done and keep up!

[@Carrillophotography]

Wow. I actually guessed them all correctly. And honestly it came down to how soft the image looks.

[@rcmatheus02]

Such a great video!!!! It's easy to identify the anamorphic lenses. Just look for the widescreen bars.

[@DyenamicFilms]

You're right. He should've cropped the 2.35 anamorphic to 16:9 so there's no bars and they're all the same aspect ratio to make it more difficult (though it's really the 'bokeh' that gives it away for me).

[@StudioBinder]

That's a good point 😅

[@nuggsessions]

Great video and I’m a newbie camera learner

[@alexandrearaujo4256]

greetings from Brasil. very handy video. I learned a lot. thank's.

[@m.labadi]

With your Great explanation I got all of them correct 🙏 Thanks

[@davidmeneses712]

Thanks again guys

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Wow just wow, amazing video 😮😮😮

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Studio binder has always been a teaching platform for me about filmmaking ... I started to grow too, thanks for the video with great topic & beautiful explanation 👍🏻👍🏻

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming!

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Great video!

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Amazing quality of the content. Thank you a lot

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!