The Art of Choosing the Right Lens: Anamorphic vs. Spherical

Since the invention of cameras, most lenses have been spherically named for the shape of the glass elements inside. And the aspect ratio of 35-millimeter film stock was standardized at 4:3. Which means films captured and projected a nearly square image. 

An anamorphic lens is a type of camera lens that has the ability to capture a wider aspect ratio, such as 2.35:1, compared to a standard spherical lens. Anamorphic lenses are designed to stretch the image horizontally while maintaining a natural, undistorted look. This allows for a wider, more cinematic image that captures more of the scene, including more of the foreground and background.

Anamorphic lenses are often used in film and video production to create a cinematic look and feel. They are particularly popular in the production of movies and television shows, as they allow for a wider, more expansive image that is often associated with the cinematic experience.

Anamorphic lenses differ from spherical lenses in several key ways.

Spherical lenses are designed to capture a standard aspect ratio, such as 16:9, and do not stretch or distort the image. They are often used in video production, as well as in photography and other forms of image capture. Spherical lenses are typically less expensive than anamorphic lenses and are more widely available.

Anamorphic lenses also have a different bokeh, which is the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus area of a photograph. Anamorphic lenses have a distinctive oval-shaped bokeh, while spherical lenses have a round bokeh. This is due to the shape of the aperture in an anamorphic lens, which is elongated horizontally to match the aspect ratio of the image it is capturing.

Anamorphic lenses also have a different depth of field compared to spherical lenses. Anamorphic lenses have a shallower depth of field, which means that the area in focus is more limited and the background and foreground are more blurred. This can be used to create a more dramatic and cinematic look, as well as to draw attention to a specific subject in the frame.

Another key difference between anamorphic and spherical lenses is the way they handle distortion. Anamorphic lenses are designed to stretch the image horizontally, which can cause distortion in the vertical axis. Spherical lenses, on the other hand, do not cause distortion in the image. This means that anamorphic lenses require more precise alignment and focus to achieve the desired results, while spherical lenses are generally easier to use and achieve a more consistent image.

Anamorphic lenses have been used in many Hollywood movies over the years to create a cinematic and rich look. Some examples include:

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014) directed by Wes Anderson. The movie was shot using anamorphic lenses, which helped to create the unique, whimsical look and feel of the film.

"Inception" (2010) directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie was shot using anamorphic lenses, which helped to create the disorienting, dreamlike feel of the film and the visual elements such as the famous rotating hallway scene.

"The Hateful Eight" (2015) directed by Quentin Tarantino; The movie was shot using anamorphic lenses, which helped to create the wide and expansive look of the film and the snowy landscape.

"The Revenant" (2015) directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu;  The movie was shot using anamorphic lenses, which helped to create the epic and grandiose look of the film and the natural landscapes.

In Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010), the non-fight scenes shot spherically, while fight scenes shot anamorphic.

In Uncut Gems (2019), Logan (2017), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Booksmart (2019) anamorphic lens was used.  While in “The Irishman (2019)”, a spherical lens was used.  

Anamorphic lenses continue to be a popular choice among filmmakers and cinematographers, as they offer a unique and powerful way to capture the beauty and drama of the film.

In conclusion, anamorphic lenses are a valuable tool for capturing a cinematic and expansive look in film and video production. They offer a unique and powerful way to create a more dramatic and immersive experience, and continue to be a popular choice among filmmakers and cinematographers. Examples of their use can be seen in many Hollywood movies, and their use is also increasing in other fields such as commercials, documentaries and music videos.