Nearly all anamorphic lenses that are available are dual focus. This means that to focus, you must first focus the anamorphic lens, and then focus the prime lens that your anamorphic lens is attached to. For nature photographers, and slower paced setups this is not an issue. Dual focus is kind of like “muscle memory”- once you learn where your […]
What is a rangefinder? An anamorphic rangefinder is a set of two achromat diopters in reverse polarity. You can then achieve focus for the entire setup by varying the distance between those two diopters. In close focus, the diopters are at their maximum distance apart, and at infinity, they are right next to each other. Popular rangefinders for anamorphic lenes […]
This is a guide to DSLR help shooters properly calibrate their single focusing anamorphic lens. Almost all anamorphic lenses were built as dual focus. This means that focus can only be achieved by focusing both the anamorphic lens and the taking lens that the anamorphic is attached to. For the complete dual-focusing guide, see our article on how to dual focus […]
Anamorphic lens kits are becoming easier and more accessible. With anamorphic feature-driven cameras like the Panasonic GH5, the flexibility of Canon Magic Lantern, and cheap and available prime lenses, anamorphic shooting is possible and affordable with almost any DSLR or cinema camera. Desirable anamorphic effects- compressed, oval bokeh, streaky flares, and other natural characteristics offer a unique aesthetic that can fit […]
Next up: our Sony A7s anamorphic lens test. We have been shooting anamorphic for a while with the incredible Panasonic GH5, which is one of the best DSLRs available for using anamorphic lenses. And although crop sensors are beneficial and offer a wider choice of lenses to pair with anamorphic adapters, we really wanted to see what makes the A7s […]
In short, the GH5 package is the prime kit for shooting with our Isco Micro, Schneider XL, and Custom Single Focus anamorphic lenses. Although many other cameras- Sony A7s, GH4, GH3, Black Magic, Canon, work well with anamorphic- the GH5 is the best value for shooting DSLR anamorphic today. (The GH5 v2.0 firmware has been released and includes a number of […]
Updated Oct 17th 2017. Our most common question from those interested shooting with anamorphic lenses on their DSLR: will my camera and lenses work? The DSLR anamorphic lens calculator below makes answering these concerns much easier. Just input your lens, you camera specifications, and hit calculate to see what you will need to be able to shoot anamorphic on your […]
Since we get so many questions from filmmakers interested in shooting anamorphic on specific cameras, we present the Anamorphic Conversation series- a curation of conversations regarding specific cameras or setups. Names are redacted for privacy. Hi, I was just wondering what the best setup would be for my gh4 as im very interested in shooting anamorphic. Ideally i’d love a […]
Curious photographers often ask about that extra gold lens on the front of my camera rig. Although they are not widely known, anamorphic lenses provide many of benefits and characteristics to DSLR cameras that are instantly recognizable as “cinema”. This article summarizes many conversations I’ve had with curious photographers and filmmakers over the years and explain the anamorphic benefits (and […]
For those interested in shooting with anamorphic lenses on a DSLR, one of the most common concerns include which prime lens (or taking lens) to pair with the anamorphic lens. Our tests show the Helios 44-2 and the Jupiter 9 to be best prime lenses for anamorphic. Let’s start by showing how anamorphic lenses on DSLR work. The process is […]
If 2016 was the year of VR, 2015 was drones, 2014 was the year of the gimbals and three-axis gimbal stabilizer. The idea was that almost anyone could pick up a gimbal and with minimal training, execute smooth cinematic shots on a DSLR. We were obviously interested in seeing how handheld gimbals can be used with anamorphic lenses. Although manufacturers […]
Understanding dual focus and single focus is important to planning an investment in anamorphic lenses. The vast majority of anamorphic lenses are dual focus lenses. This means that focusing is done with both the taking prime lens and the anamorphic lens. There are some fine dual focus anamorphic lenses such as the Isco Micro- small, tack sharp, high build quality, […]
Once you’ve gotten comfortable with focusing an anamorphic lens, you may want to explore macro focusing to really bring out the character and bokeh of anamorphic cinematography. Many anamorphic lenses need some help to close focus. Large format lenses usually have a minimum focus distance of around 10 feet/3 meters, while smaller Isco builds can get within 2-3 feet/1 meter. […]
If you’re a DSLR filmmaker looking to shoot with anamorphic lenses, the Panasonic GH5 (and GH4) are currently the best value cameras available today to work with. Almost any anamorphic lens can be adapted, 4:3 mode allows for a wider use of anamorphic lenses, and the (desqueezed) 6k 60p anamorphic mode for the GH5 puts this setup in a class of […]
When choosing an anamorphic lens, the amount of options out there can feel overwhelming. Virtually all anamorphic lenses available for sale are no longer in production, haven’t been for many years, and are generally poorly documented and tested. Endless combinations of cameras and prime lenses make it extremely difficult to pick the anamorphic that’ll work with your exact kit and your style […]
One of the most common questions that we get on anamorphic lenses is how to determine what lenses will work best for a camera setup. Countless setups today will film extremely high quality images- Black Magic Pocket Camera, Panasonic GH5, Canon 5D, Sony A7s- and although nearly all lenses can be adapted in some way or another to modern filmmaking, […]
The guide To help you choose the anamorphic lens that is best for your setup, use the chart below or read our detailed anamorphic lens guide here. Isco Full Size$399-519 6 5/8″ (16.8cm) long 2.5lb (1.1kg) weight 10-12ft minimum focus distance Dual focus 72mm clamp size Optional 86mm front filter thread Extremely sharp lens, minimal flaring German Made by Isco […]
As Canon cameras are far and away the most popular cameras for both photographers and DSLR filming, we thought we’d put together a short guide on getting the best anamorphic results with Canon cameras. The strength of Canon DSLRs The first strength lies not in the body of the camera but in the glass. Canon L and FD glass is […]
The most exciting characteristic of shooting with an anamorphic lens- approaching magic hour, and the sun is just about to fall behind some trees beyond the horizon. Your actor faces the horizon, camera behind his back, handheld, tight frame. As the sun sets, the frame just catches the edge of the sun and the anamorphic lens just blooms with excitement, […]
The most common issue for first time anamorphic users is learning how to focus two lenses. Focusing an anamorphic lens setup is a skill that will need to be practiced (unless you’re using one of our single focus solutions!) Regardless of your setup, it is practical to understand how the dual focus systems work. It’s all about practice & once you […]
