The Magic of Anamorphic Lenses
In the realm of filmmaking, few tools have captured the imagination and creative potential of cinematographers like the anamorphic lens. From classic films like Blade Runner to modern masterpieces such as La La Land, anamorphic lenses have been responsible for creating iconic imagery that feels cinematic, immersive, and larger than life. However, the magic of these lenses isn’t limited to blockbuster films alone. Anamorphic lenses are slowly making their way into more intimate, personal moments, such as wedding videography. In this blog, we'll explore the artistry behind anamorphic lenses, how they can transform wedding videography, the potential for custom-made lenses, and their associated costs.
What are Anamorphic Lenses?
Before diving into their applications, let’s first break down what makes anamorphic lenses unique. Unlike standard spherical lenses, which capture light and images uniformly, anamorphic lenses squeeze the image horizontally when recording. This compression allows a wider field of view to be captured onto a traditional camera sensor. When the footage is later stretched back to its intended aspect ratio, the result is a widescreen image with distinct visual characteristics.
Key characteristics of anamorphic lenses include:
Cinematic Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic lenses typically produce a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, offering a much wider field of view. This is the quintessential widescreen look you see in many films.
Unique Lens Flares: The oval-shaped elements of anamorphic lenses often cause horizontal lens flares, creating that famous streak of light across the frame. These flares add a dreamy, ethereal quality to footage.
Oval Bokeh: Bokeh refers to the out-of-focus areas in an image. While spherical lenses produce circular bokeh, anamorphic lenses create oval-shaped bokeh, contributing to a sense of depth and distinction in the visual field.
Shallow Depth of Field: The compression of space leads to a shallow depth of field, meaning subjects can stand out more dramatically from the background, creating an intimate and engaging effect.
These unique optical properties are what give anamorphic footage its distinct "cinematic" feel, drawing viewers into the world of the frame.
The Purpose of Anamorphic Lenses
Originally, anamorphic lenses were developed in the early 20th century to create a wider aspect ratio for films. By capturing more horizontal information, filmmakers could provide audiences with a grander, more immersive experience. In an age when widescreen TVs and monitors are ubiquitous, this wide aspect ratio has become the standard for feature films and, increasingly, for wedding videography.
But anamorphic lenses do more than just make images wider. They add an emotional, almost nostalgic quality to images, transforming everyday scenes into something extraordinary. The subtle distortions and elegant flares evoke the golden age of cinema, while the wide frame helps convey sweeping, epic stories, even in the intimate setting of a wedding.
The Role of Anamorphic Lenses in Wedding Videography
Weddings are emotional, once-in-a-lifetime events filled with fleeting moments of love, joy, and beauty. Using an anamorphic lens to capture these moments adds a layer of magic and storytelling. Imagine a wide-angle shot of the bride walking down the aisle, where the scene stretches gracefully, immersing viewers in the emotion of the moment. Or the reception, lit with twinkling lights, where the characteristic lens flares of an anamorphic lens add a dreamlike, almost fairy-tale quality.
In many ways, wedding videos are the modern equivalent of the classic love story on film. Couples want their special day to be captured in a way that reflects not only the details but the emotions and grandeur of the moment. Anamorphic lenses help wedding videographers create footage that feels more like a timeless love story than a simple recording.
Custom-Making Anamorphic Lenses
For those who are truly passionate about the art of videography and cinematography, custom-made anamorphic lenses offer the chance to tailor the lens to specific creative visions. While the process of creating a custom anamorphic lens can be more expensive and time-consuming than buying one off the shelf, the benefits are considerable.
Custom lenses can be designed to enhance specific characteristics, such as the intensity of lens flares, bokeh shape, or even the amount of image distortion. Independent lens makers and specialists offer services to modify existing lenses or build them from scratch, allowing videographers to experiment with different glass types, coatings, and lens elements. A custom anamorphic lens can be especially valuable in wedding videography, where a specific aesthetic or visual effect can help distinguish a videographer’s work.
There’s also the possibility of rehousing vintage anamorphic lenses, which gives a modern filmmaker the ability to use old lenses with a modern mount and mechanics. This can offer unique optical characteristics that can't be found in contemporary glass, making your footage look even more distinct.
Costs of Anamorphic Lenses
Anamorphic lenses tend to be more expensive than their spherical counterparts, and for good reason. The design and construction of anamorphic optics are far more complex. Prices for professional anamorphic lenses range anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the brand and specifications. For example, a high-end lens from a brand like Atlas or Cooke might cost upwards of $20,000, but for many professionals, the investment is worth the quality and effects that the lenses deliver.
That said, not all anamorphic lenses are out of reach. There are more affordable options available, particularly for videographers who are just beginning to experiment with the format. Lens adapters that can be attached to spherical lenses start at around $500, while some entry-level anamorphic lenses can be found for under $2,000.
For those interested in custom-made lenses, the cost can vary depending on the complexity of the design. A custom-built lens or a rehoused vintage lens might range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the modifications and the original lens used. Though custom lenses can be expensive, they offer unique artistic opportunities that off-the-shelf lenses can’t match.
The Beauty and Effects of Anamorphic Lenses
Anamorphic lenses don’t just provide a wider field of view—they help to create an emotional impact in footage. The gentle oval bokeh, the sweeping widescreen shots, and the signature flares all contribute to an experience that feels more like watching a classic film than viewing a simple recording. This is precisely what makes anamorphic lenses perfect for wedding videography: they can turn a single day into a visual story that feels timeless.
The subtle distortions and stretching that these lenses create give footage a dreamlike quality. They heighten the romance of the moment, making viewers feel as if they are immersed in the love story themselves. A wedding shot with anamorphic lenses isn’t just a memory—it’s a piece of cinematic art.