The Ultimate Cheap Anamorphic Look Lens Test ($60 to $400)

Testing all the options for getting the Anamorphic look without an expensive anamorphic lens.
This is a cheap solution and it will never replace the beauty of real anamorphic lenses but it's a good way to get some cool cinematic effects when you are on a budget.

00:00 introduction
01:02 Chapter 1 Lens flare tests
06:23 Real anamorphic lenses
08:03 Chapter 2 footage samples
09:35 Chapter 3 DIY Solution

► M U S I C ♫
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N° 1 = reborn-one-hundred-years

My Gear :

Lens cleaning tools :

[PaganiTypeR]

Isn't actual anamorphic lenses gives you kinda more angle of view? by squeezing that picture into frame. If so, then I think that's more important characteristic rather than flares and bokeh.

[adelaide]

I have to admit they get really close to the real thing, good enough for my eyes, plus it is much cheaper. Very nice video, it really shows that you put a lot of work into your videos!

[antonioserrata]

I started with photography and videography a couple years ago, between you, Tito and a few others & my own engineering background, I shoot almost exclusively with vintage lenses (and Manually now) you recommended AND a few I found on my own as well (required modifications with a dremel lol). Thank you for all your excellent work and inspiration!

[jackiejustfilms]

Your music selection with all of your videos always put me in a good mood. Bless brother!

[rohithjnair]

Uploaded one minute ago. Hey Matheieu ! Love your work. Never stop . :)

[vaidehiarts]

I actually really like the Sirui's look, although their new 35 mm lens might give a more anamorphic-feeling field of view

[TRAC]

C'est très complet avec footage à l'appui, bravo ! pour les flares et le bokeh oval ça serait dommage de s'en priver, c'est ce que cherche beaucoup de filmmakers. Mais pour moi le plus important reste quand même le FOV obtenu avec un X2 et le ratio 2:39.1. Ta composition, cadrage et mise en scène sont beaucoup moins à l'étroit. J'ai commencé avec de l'anamorfake mais je suis vite dirigé vers les Kowa 8Z et B&H (merci Tito) bref, c'est très compliqué pour moi de tourner autrement qu'en anamorphique depuis que j'y ai goûté...^^ good work keep it up !

[IRudra]

I liked the DIY solution with vintage lenses more than with native anamorphic lenses. It looks more interesting than with the real ones😏
Helios lenses are great even the 28mm you tested a few month ago. Mine has some haze so at 2.8 it s naturally blurry 😋 except in the central area 🤣
Anamorfake even please me the most

[MrAcethesecond]

I didn’t even finish the video and went and bought the Helios addition. I got the 16 blade version for myself. Your video really sold that lens for me on the spot. That dude owes you a kickback for all this exposure.

[shawnbrynelson]

Those chrome lenses are beautiful! Very retro-futuristic looking.

[andrestomas]

Do you know the lens used in the shinning or in Barry Lyndon. I wonder if you would be able to find a way to make a video using that. Thanks for the video and also you are doing great.

[jpcalamaro]

Nice to see a well put together synthesis of the various solutions available and compare them. Well done.

[westyavro]

You can also buy an anamorphic projection lens and mount it to an 85mm lens. No bokeh lines and you get an exact anamorphic look.

[optimumfilms]

The lines in the bokeh are a bit of a bummer though.

[periklispld]

Really appreciate the quality of your content.

[tasteinparis]

Amazing results for way less money than the real deal !

[aZeddPrattFilm]

It’s not clear to me what to get. I don’t care about so much the flares but I really care about the bokeh but I don’t want the bokeh to have a line through it. Looking for something in the 50-$150 range. I shoot FD lenses

[RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Very in-depth, friend! 👍 I was actually browsing different ways to get an anamorphic look on a budget yesterday. Have you checked out the rainbow flare filters by Schneider? I can't find a real world video on them and was wondering if you would ever do a video on something like them? Very creative style like you enjoy. 😁

[aybee]

The Helios are stunning, but I don`t like the "coffee beans". So maybe modding without the flare string and just the oval.

[sheldonmurphy]

I love the warmth look from Tito F.

I would love to find a great anamorphic alternative for BnW photography, but also for a more unique style of oitdoor natural light photography.

Thank You For The Video!