You’re a serious phone videographer; otherwise, you wouldn’t be interested in the Moment Anamorphic lens.
Moment’s phone videography offering is like a real cinema camera. Well, without the cumbersomeness and steeper price tag.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a budding cinematographer considering mobile or a phone photographer looking to try videography – the Moment Anamorphic lens could very well be the one for you.
The Moment Anamorphic Lens Review
The first thing worth noting is that Moment – the company – is legit. If you’ve never heard of Moment, then give this a read.
They’ve been specializing in phone videography and photography equipment for some time now, and their latest videography lens is their best lens.
According to the brass at Moment, it’s:
“the holy grail of filmmaking.”
You’d trust a product a little more knowing that it’s made from aerospace-grade metal and the high-quality glass utilized for 4K film lenses, right?
Well, Moment uses these superior products to build their Anamorphic Lens. On top of that, they guarantee all their products with a lifetime warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
There’s no risk in giving Moment lenses a try!
Their lenses compatible with all phones provided there’s an M-Series case for it. The Moment Anamorphic Lens can be attached to any lens on a dual-lens or tri-lens phone.
What Is An Anamorphic Lens? Why’s it perfect for phone videography?
For starters, what is an anamorphic lens? It’s much different than the spherical lenses – it’s square.
The anamorphic lens was created with videography in mind. As a result, the lens’ Field of View is widest horizontally.
Consider a photo’s aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9, 4:3, etc.) – the ratio of horizontal to vertical in an image – before thinking of what film’s might be. Film gets shot in a different ratio, right?
See, the aspect ratio applies to anamorphic lenses too (kind of). You see, cropping film to change the aspect ratio would result in damage to the film itself. But filmmakers had to find a way to change the aspect ratio without actually changing the physical film.
So, the anamorphic method was created. Instead of cropping, the lens acts as an image stretcher. The image gets squeezed horizontally to get the most out of the field of view – the result is beautiful widescreen and crisp portraits.
The anamorphic effect is what we know as the cinematic widescreen look we love today.
Movie theatres create an anamorphic look with their projectors, and you can do the same with a smartphone and an anamorphic lens. Moment did it by creating a 2.40:1 Cinemascope.
Have one of 2020s iPhones? Learn why adding an anamorphic lens to your iPhone is liking adding three lenses to your phone videography repertoire.
What sets the Moment Anamorphic Lens apart?
Well, Moment’s Anamorphic lens gets cinema-quality results first off.
Standard anamorphic lenses are 2x multiplier, but Moment chose to be different.
They use a wide 16:9 frame aspect ration for all their lenses, but that ratio wouldn’t work for their videography lens. So, Moment decided on a smaller 1.33x anamorphic multiplier.
Why?
Well, 16:9 is already pretty wide. Using a multiplier of 2x would’ve created an unappealing super widescreen.
Moment also stands out with their unique long-tail lens flares. Some cinematographers and videography lens producers fear the flare, but not Moment – they embraced it.
And hey, if you don’t love the flares, then tone them down with a smartphone camera lens filter.
In addition to lens flares, this lens will also help stabilize your phone video.
It’s worth noting that you will have to purchase a Moment case to mount your anamorphic lens to your phone.
Improving the Videography on your Phone
So, you’ve read through our videography guide, you’ve got your new lens for phone videography, and now you’re ready to shoot.
Hold on just a second; there’s just a bit more information for you to learn.
- The Best Photo Apps for Social Media
- How and Why to Keep Your Videos Steady
- The Pros of Adding a Phone Camera Lens Filters
- Take a Smartphone Videography Course
Phone Videography Tip #1 – Try the Moment Pro Camera App
Are you looking for the option of full manual controls but still want the ability to shoot automatic?
Well, the Moment Pro Camera App can do just that.
The app also works exceptionally well for both phone photography and phone videography.
If you want to compare the Moment Pro Camera App against our go to pro camera app, then click here.
Tell the app which of Moment’s lenses your shooting with and watch it do the rest. It’s worth noting that the app is no longer getting updated on Android.
Phone Videography Tip #2 – Good Video is Stable Video
You need to do more to keep your phone stable when taking video – it’s the key to capturing action.
If you’re relying on a steady hand, then you’re already making some serious mistakes.
While any sort of phone handheld will help with camera steadiness, when shooting video, it’s ideal to have a gimbal. A phone gimbal is built to keep your mobile steady while you run around shooting awesome content.
There are some great phone gimbals available here.
Phone Videography Tip #3 – Add a Phone Camera Lens Filter
Another easy way to take your Moment Anamorphic lens to the next level is to add a phone camera lens filter.
If you want to learn more about Phone Camera Lens Filters before deciding whether investing in one is for you, then click here!
Moment takes the stress out of the decision by offering a kit. It includes some lens filters for your phone in addition to the mount for your Moment case.
Moment – 37mm Cine Filters + Phone Mount – Neutral Density 16
Neutral density filters are like sunglasses for your phone. So, it would make sense to tote Moment’s ND filters as the Oakley of the phone camera lens filter industry.
- More control over exposure than ever before
- Slower shutter speeds
- Pro-quality Fused Silica glass
- Anti-static coating limits dust
- Aluminum Featherlight™ construction
- Low 1.46 refractive index glass
Moment – 37mm Cine Filters + Phone Mount – Circular Polarizing Filter
Polarizing light is a phone photography and videography killer. Seriously, it’s like an over-exposed lens blur, and that’s less than ideal
- The removal of polarized light through the lens filter results in greener grass, bluer skies, clearer waters, and grants you the ability to shoot through transparent objects
- Features 2/3 stop adjustment instead of usual 1.5 or 2
- Pro-quality Fused Silica glass
- Aluminum Featherlight™ construction
- 1.71 filter factor and low 1.46 refractive index glass
Moment 67mm Variable ND Phone Filter Set
If you’re even more serious about your videography, then consider Moment’s new Variable ND filter set. With it, you’ll never have to lug around extra filters again!
- Get a lens filter made with premium Schott B270 Pro Cinema Glass
- Take note of your ND number from the viewfinder (results from the unique flared geometry of the lens filter)
- The variable feature is excellent for saving time
- Hard stops at the extremes help in stopping unwanted cross-polarization
- Lifetime warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee
All you have to do to adjust the Moment Variable ND Filter is to twist the filter ring. Did videography on your phone just get even more effortless?
Yes, it did. So, say, “thanks, Moment!”
Phone Videography Tip #4 – Take a Smartphone Videography Course
Hands-on teaching is a great way for you to improve your phone videography. So, enroll yourself in a smartphone videography course.
You can find options online, you can just choose Moment, or you can also search for videography teachers near you. Having a teacher that can critique your work in real-time is an invaluable tool for improving your work.
Do some Youtube searches for inspiration. Then, find a teacher whose expertise parallels what inspired you!
