Beastgrip: New 1.55X Anamorphic Lens Coming to Kickstarter
Recently announced via BeastgripTV (YouTube), a new wider-than-wide anamorphic adapter for your smartphone. While anamorphic adapters for your smartphone are not new, they are all (as far as I know) around the 2.4:1 aspect ratio. But this new lens from Beastgrip will be the “legendary 2.76:1 Ultra Panavision” widescreen aspect ratio.
That is seriously wide. I’m excited to give it a try and I’m sure it will be fun. But, for practical purposes, I don’t think anyone would want to shoot such a wide ratio unless they were looking at a major cinema release.
Beastgrip are comparing it to such widescreen epics as Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight and Avengers: End Game.
Certainly, we’re no longer at peak smartphone conversion lens sales, after devices arrived with multiple lenses of their own. So lens making companies now need to look at fresh angles. Such as Moondog’s latest ND filter mount.
Although no phones ship with anamorphic lenses inbuilt (yet), the market has become somewhat saturated. Including plenty of low cost options, such as from Ulanzi. So it seems Beastgrip are hoping there’s a small gap in the market for something – to use that magic word – truly cinematic.
As I said, Moondog Labs and follow-up lenses produced 1.33X ratios. This lens will be a 1.55X. The lens will have a 37mm thread, compatible with the Beastgrip. A smaller version will work with the Beastcage.
Here’s what Beastgrip say about the lens:
1.55X SQUEEZE
100% natural 2.76:1 widescreen aspect ratio, with 100% of the resolution. True widescreen format without any cropping. More pixels = better-looking footage.
ULTRA-WIDE FIELD OF VIEW
Wider than any smartphone camera. Get closer to the action and share more of each scene with your audience.
UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
A look like no other lens. You have to see it to understand. The best parts of a wide angle lens, plus the cinematic anamorphic look – the perfect combo.
CINEMATIC LENS FLARES
Our special lens coating adds even more beauty to the classic anamorphic lens flares you know and love. That means bright, vibrant colors and more dramatic light artifacts (sic).
So, once more unto the Kickstarter dear friends… If you want to be informed of the launch day, you can subscribe to their email list here:
Beastgrip 1.55X ANAMORPHIC LENS
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