Anamorphic lens e mount

Types of Anamorphic Lens E Mount

• Format:

  Understanding the aspect ratio of a Lens E mount camera anamorphic lens is vital. For instance, the format 1:1.5 means that for every 1 unit of height, there are 1.5 units of width (thus the lens will create horizontal ellipses). Other than that, the lens will create flares and give a different aesthetic, and this is called aspect ratio.

• Flare:

  Known as the horizontal lens flare, this is a characteristic of anamorphic lenses. The flare color and height depend on the glass quality and the coatings used in making them. It is important for cinematographers to note that:

  • Flare 1: Standard / P Leasing Flare has horizontal lens flares that are smooth and subtle

  • Flare 2: Vintage Flare has lens flares that are rough; they show aberrations and imperfections that add an organic feel to the images.

  • Flare 3: Sharp Flare has lens flares that are vertically aligned, crisp, and well-defined.

• Close Focus (CF):

  A anamorphic lens allows its users to take macro / close-up photographs and videography. Close focus /CF is the distance (in millimeters) between the lens and the closest an object can get to the lens for close-up photography. It is important for cinematographers to note that the CF is not the same for all anamorphic lenses - CF can be above 200mm in some contemporary or modern anamorphic lenses; doing this gives the subject to be photographed/smeared with a bokeh effect o; the background is also blurred out which makes the image look amazing; however, there is a price attached to this - more glass, coatings, and complicated designs will make it costlier.

• Rear Attach (RA):

  This is the part of the lens that is attached to the camera body. Different lenses have various sizes, from 114mm to 95mm. It is important to use the right matte box (which is a light-catching accessory for videography) for lens compatibility, it is also good for cinematographers to know that more modern anamorphic lenses have a smaller rear attach, which helps with image sharpness and is more seamless.

Function and Feature

Many features of the anamorphic lens e mount help improve the shooting or filmmaking experience. These include;

• Aspect ratio expansion: Anamorphic lens expands the horizontal field of view and makes images with a wider aspect ratio. This is important for creating cinematic looks and making images appear more epic and diverse.
• Distortions and Flares: Anamorphic lens causes barrel distortion that gives images a unique character and style. Also, the lens produces horizontal lens flares in high-contrast lighting. These flares add interest and draw attention to certain parts of the frame.
• Image Quality: E-mount anamorphic lenses are designed with modern optical materials and coatings to provide sharpness, contrast, and minimum aberration throughout the image.
• Near Focusing Distance: Some anamorphic lenses can create images that are close to their potential; this is called a macro capability. Not every lens has this capability, and those that do have it add more flexibility to their potential.
• Build Quality: Anamorphic lenses are usually made of metals such as aluminum or brass, which make them durable, especially if they are used in harsh environmental conditions.
• Compatibility: Most anamorphic lenses are compatible with the full-frame sensor of a camera. Some have a circular variable ND filter to reduce the amount of light that enters the lens while keeping the same aperture.

Applications of Anamorphic Lens E Mount

The applications of anamorphic lens kits can be divided into amateur filmmaker usage and professional usage.

Before the advent of affordable anamorphic lens options, anamorphic lenses were strictly used in professional environments.

• Creating the anamorphic look: An important application of these lenses is to create the unique characteristics of anamorphic footage, which include anamorphic bokeh, flares, and the distinct aspect ratio of wide cinema. These qualities cannot be obtained without an anamorphic lens.
• Filmic look: the larger sensor/anamorphic lens combination creates a unique depth to the footage that mimics traditional film cameras. This makes the lens a good choice for music videos, commercials, and other projects that want a specific aesthetic in a short amount of time.
• Short focal lengths: Anamorphic lenses allow filmmakers to use a shorter focal length while keeping the same field of view as a longer focal length. This makes it easier to work in tight spaces or small shutter rooms while maintaining the desired depth of field and compression characteristics.
• Efficient Use of Sensor Space: Anamorphic E-mount lenses take full advantage of the sensor dimensions, producing high-quality images that are sharp with low distortion and aberration across the entire frame. Filmmakers prefer these lenses to capture cinematic-grade footage for their cost and efficiency.
• Entertainment industry: traditional film and television owe a great deal of gratitude to anamorphic lenses for the unique qualities they bring to the table. Many special effects that give footage a distinct look are made easier with these lenses.

How to choose the anamorphic lens e mount

Before buying an anamorphic lens, buyers need to consider a few things to ensure the right one is purchased for the application. The following are a few of the more crucial aspects to take into account.

• Budget

  The cost is the first and most important element to consider. Anamorphic lenses can be quite pricey, so it's essential to set a budget before shopping. There are more affordable lens options, but they may not offer the same quality features and performance as higher-end models.

• Quality and Correction Ability

  Not all anamorphic lenses are made equally. Some lenses offer superior quality and correction capabilities than others. When buying, it is essential to read reviews and study the different types of lenses available to see which ones are better made.

• Rental vs Purchase

  If a lens will be used more frequently, it may be wise to buy it so that it is readily available. However, if it is only going to be used once or twice, renting may be the best option. It is essential to weigh the costs and benefits of each choice before making a final decision.

• Required Features

  Not all lenses have the same features, so it is important first to identify which ones are needed. For example, some lenses have the ability to zoom in and out, while others do not. Some also offer wider focal lengths. Knowing which features are required will help narrow the options.

• E Mount Anamorphic Lens Accessory

  When purchasing an E-mount anamorphic lens, consider any accessories that may be needed. Some lenses do not come with a lens hood or filter, so they must be purchased separately. Look at the accessory list to ensure all items are checked off before the shoot starts.

• Size and Weight

  Anamorphic lenses can be bulky and heavy, so it is essential to decide if weight and size matter before buying. Some lenses are more compact and lighter, making them easier to handle and transport.

• New vs Used

  When buying an anamorphic lens, buyers can decide whether they want to purchase a new or used one. Used lenses may be more affordable, but they could come with flaws or damages. New lenses cost more, but they will be in perfect condition.

• Manual Focus vs Autofocus

  As previously mentioned, not all lenses have the same features. Manual focus lenses require the user to adjust the focus manually, but autofocus lenses will automatically adjust the focus when taking a picture or shooting a video. It is essential to know which one is preferred before buying.

• Mount Compatibility

  Finally, it is crucial to make sure that the anamorphic lens has the correct mount type. In this case, the lens needs to be compatible with the E mount. Otherwise, it will not fit onto the camera.

Anamorphic lens e mount Q&A

Q1: Can anyone use an anamorphic lens on a camera with an E mount?

A1: No. Anamorph ic lenses are limited to cameras that the lens was designed for. So, if the lens was made for 35mm cameras, only those will work. However, some lenses like the Laowa can adapt to many different camera types.

Q2: Why is the image sharper on the ends of some anamorphic lenses?

A2: There is less distortion on the edges of anamorphic lenses. Modern lenses are designed so that the image is sharper and clearer on the outside edges. This enhancement gives filmmakers and photographers more options.

Q3: How do the lens flares occur in some films?

A3: The lens flare happens when a bright spot comes through the lens. Lenses made for anamorphic film often create horizontal flares. These effects can give the film a vintage vibe.

Q4: What is bokeh?

A4: Bokeh refers to the blurry background effect that gives depth to images. Anamorphic lenses create a unique bokeh with more character than normal lenses.

Q5: Why do some images appear distorted?

A5: Distortion happens at the beginning of the image if the lens is not optimized. Vintage lenses show more distortion than newer ones. It is good to check for distortion when shooting to ensure the image is correct.