Lenses & optics · Core
Anamorphic lens
Also called: anamorphic
ELI5
A lens that squeezes a wide image while filming, then expands it again for viewing.
Used in conversation
“Let’s test the anamorphic lens before we commit to the flare and edge distortion.”
Definition
A lens that optically squeezes a wider field onto the sensor and is later unsqueezed for display.
Here “Anamorphic lens” means: A lens that optically squeezes a wider field onto the sensor and is later unsqueezed for display.
Pitch context
This term helps a treatment describe how the camera or light will shape the viewer's experience.
Why it matters: Explains what the image should look like and how it can be framed, captured and lit.
Connected terms
- LensAnamorphic lens is a narrower kind of Lens.
Sources & evidence · 10
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — Academy Color Encoding System DocumentationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Adobe — Adobe Premiere Pro User GuideDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- AICP — Suggested Best Practices for Bidding and Bidding Reference GuideDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Directors Guild of America — DGA Creative Rights HandbookDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Epic Games — In-Camera VFX Best PracticesDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers — SMPTE Time Code StandardsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- ARRI — Lens and Camera Technical ResourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences / ACES — ACES Glossary and User GuidesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- ScreenSkills — Online Learning Glossary and Job ProfilesSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Epic Games — In-Camera VFX OverviewSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14