Summary
Highlights
Vandis reflects on the different viewing environments for films shot with anamorphic lenses versus his YouTube content. While Hollywood films are often viewed in controlled environments like movie theaters, YouTube videos can be watched on various devices, making a versatile aspect ratio like 4x3 (which he loves) more suitable for broader enjoyment.
The video introduces anamorphic lenses as special lenses that horizontally compress a wider field of view onto a camera sensor, typically by a factor of 1.3, 1.6, or 2.0. When desqueezed in post-production, this footage creates a widescreen image with unique cinematic characteristics.
The creator, Vandis, shares his candid experience and feelings about anamorphic lenses. While acknowledging their cinematic look and unique characteristics, he personally gravitates towards spherical lenses for his filmmaking approach as it aligns more with how he visualizes his creative work. However, he appreciates that anamorphic lenses have become more accessible and affordable over the years.
The video focuses on the LAOWA T2.9 anamorphic zoom lenses (26-45mm and 45-85mm). Vandis highlights that these are zoom lenses, a departure from his usual preference for prime lenses, and notes their compact and lightweight design (though still cumbersome to him due to his preference). He praises their constant T2.9 aperture and par focal design, which simplify shooting for solo creators by maintaining focus and aperture across the zoom range. He also mentions their sharpness, controlled anamorphic look, and availability in blue, silver, and amber flare options, with him owning the blue variant.
Vandis discusses common anamorphic characteristics like distortion, which he has grown to appreciate for its uniqueness, and how these LAOWA lenses manage to keep it somewhat controlled. He also points out their low focus breathing and impressive minimum focus capabilities of up to 50cm, which is a significant advantage compared to other anamorphic lenses he has used.
The video addresses the high cost of these lenses, with both combined costing around $11,000, making them largely inaccessible for the average 'run and gun' YouTuber. Vandis suggests they are designed for professional productions with crews rather than individual creators, but acknowledges the value in seeing diverse creators utilize such equipment.
The creator expresses profound gratitude for reaching 500,000 subscribers. This milestone held special significance as it occurred on the same day he was diagnosed with leukemia a year prior, marking a powerful full-circle moment of overcoming adversity and seeing his career continue.