1.33x vs. 1.55x Anamorphic | Ratios, Specs, Focal Lengths, & Gear

Anamorphic lenses are having a moment, and for good reason — they bring a cinematic flair that’s hard to replicate. Whether you’re shooting epic action or intimate close-ups, these lenses create that signature widescreen look with rich details and dreamy bokeh. In this guide, we’re chatting about two popular anamorphic aspect ratios, 1.33x and 1.55x, breaking down what they mean, how they affect your shots, and how to pair them with the right filmmaking gear. After reading, you’ll know exactly which anamorphic lens fits your next project. Plus, we’ll share tips for building out your ultimate mobile filmmaker kit, complete with accessories to level up your videos, whether for short films or TikToks.

1. What Does 'Aspect Ratio' Mean?

Aspect ratio might sound fancy, but it’s just a way of describing the shape of your frame: the width compared to the height. You’ve probably seen it written as numbers like 16:9, which is the standard for widescreen videos. Aspect ratios are super important because they shape how your video looks on screen, from the overall vibe to how much of the scene fits in the frame.

When it comes to anamorphic lenses, aspect ratios work a little differently. These lenses compress the image horizontally, letting you squeeze more of the scene vertically into the frame than you could with a regular lens. This magic trick not only creates that ultra-wide cinematic feel but also makes your shots look more dynamic and visually striking.

The most common anamorphic aspect ratios are 1.33x (aka “Scope”) and 1.55x (sometimes called “Ultra Panavision”), with some filmmakers also using 1.85x. Each one offers a wide field of view and adds a bit of that classic cinemascope distortion for a unique, movie-like look.

2. Anamorphic vs. Spherical Lenses

Anamorphic lenses work their magic by compressing the image horizontally, which lets you capture those ultra-wide shots even with a standard-sized camera sensor. This gives yoru that super nice 2.39:1 aspect ratio that feels immersive and cinematic. These lenses also create beautiful oval-shaped bokeh and tend to handle distortions and aberrations better than spherical lenses.

Spherical lenses, on the other hand, keep things more traditional. They don’t mess with perspective, so what you see is what you get: clean and distortion-free. If you’re shooting with prime lenses, you can still achieve a dreamy, shallow depth of field. However, zoom lenses, while super nimble, usually don’t offer quite the same level of depth. Spherical lenses are known for their round bokeh and can sometimes struggle with chromatic aberration, but they’re a dependable choice for straightforward, no-fuss filmmaking.

3. How To Get the Anamorphic Look on Your Phone

Our 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.

Our 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. Also, when converting the captured footage for display on a standard-size monitor, the widescreen footage may appear more 'pillar-boxed'. But, many filmmakers prefer a larger ratio due to its way-deeper cinematic look.

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 transports you back to the days of 1960s movies. 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.

How To Use Mobile Lenses:

Begin by putting your phone in a compatible Moment Phone Case or using the universal lens mount. Align the white line on the lens with the corresponding mark on the case or mount, insert the lens, and rotate it clockwise 90 degrees to lock it in place. Viola, you're ready to shoot.

But double-check to make sure the lens is properly oriented for your shooting mode. For landscape videos, the lens should be horizontal; for portrait shots, it should be vertical. Trust me; you'll know immediately if it looks off. If you attach your lens to the smartphone and realize it didn't orient correctly, we have a hex tool to adjust the bezel. This tool is great 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: With any Pro iPhone Model — make sure you're recording with the lens attached to the smartphone's primary lens to yield optimal visual results. Unfortunately, Apple's tele or ultrawide cameras won't deliver great results with our Anamorphic Lens design.

4. Download Apps to Support Mobile Anamorphic Footage

While attaching the Anamorphic lens to your phone is all it takes to start shooting, we highly recommend downloading a third-party app to optimize the footage for those ultra-wide anamorphic aspect ratios. Otherwise, you might have funky-looking squeezed videos that need extra adjustments.

• Native App: You'll notice the black section in the frame at the top; that's Macro Mode. Tap it OFF before you start recording, and be sure to film on the 1X standard lens for optimal results. Your footage will look squeezed, which is perfectly normal; please read this article on how to de-squeeze your footage. It's easier than you think!

• Moment Pro Camera App: A much faster way to shoot! Download the app; although you must pay for it, it's a quicker and worry-free way to shoot anamorphic without the extra adjustments. Tap the small circle to indicate the Anamorphic lens, but be sure to tap either 1.33x or 1.55x, depending on your lens. Footage will automatically download into a de-squeezed frame. Viola! You're ready to rock.

5. Attach a Filter to Your Mobile Anamorphic Lens

Use our filter adapter to attach 67mm filter rings for ultimate manual control. It's easier than ever — screw on the filter mount to the Anamorphic lens, then screw in your 67mm filter ring. Be sure to rotate tightly to not smudge your glass.

6. Build The Ultimate Filmmaker Rig

Your filmmaker rig isn’t complete with just an anamorphic lens; it’s the extras that take your setup from hobbyist to pro. Accessories like mics, lights, and gimbals make all the difference. A solid gimbal keeps your shots buttery smooth, adjustable LED lights bring the perfect mood to your scene, and high-quality audio transforms a good video into a great one.

We’ve got you covered with mobile accessories for shooting on your phone and a full lineup of gear for big cameras, too. And if you’re looking to level up your filmmaking game, check out our online publication for deep dives into the best gear, expert tips, and everything you need to know to craft your next YouTube hitter. Prefer learning by watching? Our YouTube channel is packed with tutorials and behind-the-scenes insights to inspire and connect with our creative community.