英文

Anamorphic lenses have a significant impact on commercial shooting and cinematography, contributing both to the aesthetic qualities of the images and the technical workflows involved in production. Here’s an overview of their effects:

 

       1. ASPECT RATIO AND WIDE-SCREEN CINEMATIC LOOK

• Wider Aspect Ratios: One of the impacts of primary anamorphic lenses is the creation of wide-screen aspect ratios, typically 2.39:1 or 2.40:1, without losing resolution. The lens squeezes the image horizontally during capture, and it is later"unsqueezed" in post-production to achieve a wider, more cinematic frame. This wide format is highly associated with the grand, cinematic look in commercial and feature films.
• Quality and feeling: The wider field of view created by anamorphic lenses is ideal for landscape shots, cityscapes, or any scene where spatial context is important. This helps create a sense of scale and immersion, making the imagery feel more epic and expansive, which is often desirable in high-end commercial shoots

 

 

         2. Unique Lens Characteristics

• Lens Flares: Anamorphic lenses produce distinct, often horizontal flares when bright light sources like the sun or practical lights hit the lens. These flares are visually striking and have become iconic in sci-fi, action, and high-budget commercials, lending a futuristic or stylized feel to the imagery. This look is often used for creative effect.    
• Bokeh Shape: The out-of-focus areas (bokeh) produced by anamorphic lenses tend to be elliptical rather than round, giving a distinct look to the defocused lights or elements in the background. This characteristic adds an artistic quality to the visuals and can make the image feel more textured and unique.
• Barrel Distortion: Anamorphic lenses often create a sense of curvature at the edges of the frame, which can add a natural sense of depth to the image, drawing the viewer's eye to the center of the composition.

 

 

       3. Depth of Field and Subject Isolation

• Shallower Depth of Field: Anamorphic lenses tend to have a shallower depth of field, especially when shooting at wide apertures, which can isolate the subject from the background and foreground more effectively. This results in a more immersive and visually captivating frame, where the subject stands out sharply against softer backgrounds. This is a technique commonly employed in commercial advertising to focus attention on products or people.
• Perception Depth: The optical compression created by anamorphic lenses often gives a sense of greater depth and spatial relationships between objects in the frame, enhancing the perception of the scene’s scale, which is particularly useful in large-scale commercial productions.

 

 

         4. Enhanced Image Quality and Resolution

• Maximized Sensor Use: Since anamorphic lenses squeeze the image, they take full advantage of the camera sensor’s height, providing higher resolution and more detail in the final image. This maximized use of the sensor makes anamorphic an attractive choice in commercial
  productions where high-quality, ultra-detailed footage is essential, particularly for 4K, 6K, or 8K video production.
• Large Image Format Compatibility: With high-resolution cameras becoming the standard in commercial work, anamorphic lenses are well-suited to match these advancements ensuring that the final output is as sharp and detailed as possible, even when projected on large screens or used in digital signage.

 

 

        5. Emotional and Narrative Impact

• Emotional Weight and Storytelling: The wide, cinematic look of anamorphic lenses often contributes to a sense of grandeur, drama, or emotional weight. In commercials, this can be used to create an emotional connection with the audience, particularly in campaigns focused on brand storytelling, luxury, or high-end products.
• Subjective Aesthetic Appeal: The imperfections, such as slight distortions, lens flares, and chromatic aberrations, that anamorphic lenses naturally introduce can evoke a more nostalgic, filmic quality. These aesthetic traits are used intentionally in commercials to create a sense of
  authenticity or evoke specific emotional responses.

 

 

        6. Technical Considerations in Production

• More Complex Rigging and Setup: Anamorphic lenses are generally larger, heavier, and more expensive than their spherical counterparts, which impacts how a commercial shoot is planned. They require more robust camera support, precise focus
  pulling, and may add to the time and cost of production due to their complexity. 
• Post-Production Workflow: Shooting with anamorphic lenses often requires additional steps in post-production, such as unsqueezing the footage to restore the correct aspect ratio. This can make the post-production process slightly more time-consuming but is generally
  considered worthwhile for the resulting visual impact.

 

        7. Commercial Branding and High-End Aesthetic

• Premium Feel for Luxury Products: The distinct aesthetic qualities of anamorphic lenses—wide cinematic look, unique flares, shallow depth of field—are often used in commercial work for luxury brands. The association with high-end Hollywood productions helps reinforce a sense
  of prestige and exclusivity.
• The difference from Standard Commercials: In a highly competitive advertising space, anamorphic lenses allow commercial filmmakers to create visuals that stand apart from more typical, spherical lens shot content. This difference can give brands a visual edge by making their
  commercials more memorable and visually impactful.

 

       

 

      Conclusion:

Anamorphic lenses in commercial shooting and cinematography introduce a distinctive and cinematic visual language. From wide aspect ratios and unique lens flares to shallow depth of field and enhanced visual storytelling, these lenses offer both technical and aesthetic advantages that help create fantastic, high-quality images. However, they also require more careful handling and planning, especially in terms of rigging and post-production workflow, making them a choice for productions aiming for high visual impact.

"The Pavo anamorphic lenses from DZOFilm are known for their excellent value for money, delivering outstanding image quality at a competitive price. These lenses have been widely used in commercial productions, short films, and music videos due to their cinematic look, featuring high resolution, vibrant colors, and carefully balanced contrast. Their horizontal compression allows for capturing wide panoramas while preserving fine details, with signature oval bokeh and light flares that add a unique visual style. Additionally, their robust build and smooth focusing ensure professional-grade performance, making them a popular choice for a variety of production types at an affordable price."
- ERIC GORON / OWNER/ CINEMATOGRAPHER/ ARRI
ACADEMY TRAINER ESRA COTE D’AZ

 

"I recently had the pleasure of using DZO Pavo lenses in a short film project at Esra Film School. The lens exceeded my expectations and contributed significantly to the visual quality of the film. The lens delivered excellent contrast, and beautiful anamorphic bokeh, all of which
contributed to the visual storytelling. Its performance, especially in tandem with the Alexa 35, created a seamless blend of technical excellence and artistic expression.”
- ABDULLAH ESKUBI / DOP / ESRA INTERNATIONAL
STUDENT 2023- 20