For the first few years of my photography I wasn't really sure what anamorphic lenses were. Then, when I knew, I didn't really get all the fuss. Now, a decade later, and without ever owning one, I am a disciple. It's difficult to narrow down what it is I like about them so much. Really, it isn't unique to anamorphic lenses though — I like lenses with character.
I know the shine has rubbed off of things like radial bokeh, but I still adore it and for me, anamorphic lenses in cinematography add a dimension I just can't get enough of. The barrier has always been price, but with many companies looking to resolve that one way or another, we probably aren't far off truly attainable options for indie filmmakers.
What do you make of spherical versus anamorphic lenses? Is the fuss about anamorphic lenses unjustified? Or, are you an addict to the results and just wish the lenses were a little cheaper? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
