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

Anamorphic Lenses

Anamorphic lenses are becoming increasingly popular among filmmakers due to their ability to capture various subjects and scenes. In this article, we will examine two of the most popular anamorphic aspect ratios,1.33x and 1.55x, and discuss further topics around corresponding specs, focal lengths, and filmmaking gear.

By the end, you should better understand how to choose the best anamorphic lens for your next project, including additional insight on building the dream filmmaker kit with added accessories to take your footage to the next level.

1. What Does 'Aspect Ratio' Mean?

An aspect ratio is a term used to describe the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image. They're typically expressed with two numbers separated by a colon, such as 16:9. Aspect ratios are essential when creating digital video content, as various ratios affect how a scene appears on the screen.

Aspect ratios are defined slightly differently for anamorphic lenses. These lenses are a specific type of tool that compresses the width of images to appear more narrow, compared to using a standard widescreen lens. This compression allows filmmakers to capture more of the picture vertically than possible with a standard aspect ratio. Anamorphic lenses are widely used to add visual interest and composition to images that would be difficult to achieve with conventional lens types.

The most common aspect ratios for filmmakers using an anamorphic lens are 1.33x (commonly referred to as "Scope") and 1.55x (or "Ultra Panavision"), although many filmmakers use the 1.85x ratio as well. These lenses provide a wide angle of view and a significant amount of cinemascope-style distortion.

2. Anamorphic vs. Spherical Lenses

Anamorphic lenses compress the image horizontally, allowing filmmakers to capture wide-angle shots with standard-sized sensors. This effect creates a more immersive aspect ratio of 2.39:1 on most cameras. Anamorphic lenses produce an oval-shaped bokeh and don't generally have as many aberration issues as spherical lenses, along with a distinct horizontal stretch look.

Spherical lenses are designed to capture images in a customary format, meaning no perspective distortion. Cinematographers using prime lenses can achieve a very shallow depth of field from this setup, but zooms tend to have less depth of field. Spherical lenses also have round bokeh and are often plagued by chromatic aberration issues.

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.

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 continues beyond an anamorphic lens! Additional accessories like mics, lights, or gimbals are what ultimately set apart the professionals from the hobbyists. Stable footage happens with a quality gimbal, moody lighting comes from modifying LED sources, and audio is essential to crafting a professional-grade short film.

And while we offer a variety of mobile accessories for mobile shooting, our whole store is curated with goodies for the big cameras, too.

Be sure to check out our entire online publication for continued education—what gear is right for you, detailed technical information behind our popular filmmaking gear, and more. Our YouTube channel is also available for visual learners and is a super fun way to get to know our film-making community.