3. How To Get the Anamorphic Look on Your Phone
At Moment, we sell two distinct anamorphic ranges: 1.33x and 1.55x mobile anamorphic lenses. What are the differences, and which one is right for you?
A 1.33x anamorphic lens maintains the image's width but compresses the frame's height. This letterbox effect squeezes the image before it reaches the camera imaging sensor to fit within its limited size, then expands it back to its original aspect ratio after capture. As a result, the image appears squished when previewing on a standard-size monitor but is often de-squeezed through post-production afterward. The leading benefit of using a 1.33x anamorphic lens is preserving the scene's original aspect ratio but a broader field of view, allowing filmmakers to capture wider shots with only one camera.
A 1.55x anamorphic lens also compresses the image vertically but at a much higher ratio than the 1.33x. The advantage is that it can produce a much wider image than a non-anamorphic lens, thus enabling filmmakers to capture wide shots without needing additional camera equipment. However, the downside to using this type of lens is that it distorts the natural geometry of the scene and sometimes produces barrel distortions. Additionally, when converting the captured footage for display on a standard-size monitor, the widescreen footage may appear more 'pillar-boxed'. However, many filmmakers prefer a larger ratio due to its highly cinematic vibe.
If you prefer a classic true-to-life frame with less stylized flare or distortion, the 1.33x is your best bet. But if you prefer a more stylized, artistic barrel look to your frame, then the 1.55x is a better option. Most filmmakers prefer to capture more expansive scenes from the 1.55x to evoke a more intense multiplex feel.
The Blue Flare Moment Anamorphic Lens, with its reimagined design, will transport you back to the days of 1960s cinema. Inspired by top-tiered Hollywood films, this mobile lens offers a bright, sci-fi-style blaze that beautifully captures headlights, street lights, and multidirectional strobes.
The Gold Flare variety is the same: exceptional and clear quality for cinematic mobile videos — but with delicious warm flares! Less sci-fi and more nostalgic or airy.
Moment Lens Compatibility:
- The Moment Lens is compatible with all iPhone 14 series phones and the latest devices from Apple, Google, Samsung & OnePlus.
- The M-series and T-Series Interface feature a twist-and-lock design, enabling compatibility with our corresponding cases.
- iPhone 13 phones will require a Moment Case with a Drop-in Lens Mount.
With any Pro iPhone Model — ensure you're recording with the lens attached to the smartphone's primary lens to yield optimal results. Unfortunately, Apple's tele or ultrawide cameras won't deliver great results with our Anamorphic Lens design.
If you install your lens on the smartphone and realize it didn't orient correctly, we have a hex tool that will adjust the bezel. This tool is excellent if you want to switch filming from horizontal to vertical and vice versa. Simply insert the hex tool into the small hole in the side and twist.
Important note: You must orient the lens perfectly straight, as it cannot be at an angle! If the lens is off to the side, your image will look lopsided or distorted, and there's nothing to fix this mistake in the editing room.
