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

Sources & evidence · 10

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.