Anamorphic bokeh is a distinctive visual effect that can add a cinematic flair to your photos and videos. It is characterized by oval-shaped out-of-focus highlights that stretch horizontally across the frame. Anamorphic bokeh is usually achieved by using an anamorphic lens, which is a special type of lens that squeezes the image horizontally to create a wider aspect ratio. However, anamorphic lenses are often expensive, bulky, and hard to find.
Fortunately, there is a cheaper and easier way to create anamorphic bokeh effects with any lens you have. All you need are some custom lens inserts that you can make yourself with some basic materials and tools. In this article, we will show you how to create and use these lens inserts to produce stunning anamorphic bokeh effects in your photos and videos.
What are lens inserts and how do they work?
Lens inserts are thin pieces of material that are placed inside the lens hood or filter ring of your lens. They have a shape or pattern cut out in the center, which affects the shape of the bokeh in your images. By using different shapes and patterns, you can create various bokeh effects, such as stars, hearts, or letters.
The principle behind lens inserts is simple: they block some of the light rays that enter the lens, creating a smaller aperture with a different shape. This reduces the depth of field and changes the shape of the out-of-focus areas in the image. The shape of the lens insert determines the shape of the bokeh, while the size of the cutout determines the brightness and sharpness of the bokeh.
To create anamorphic bokeh effects, you need to use lens inserts that have a narrow horizontal slit cut out in the center. This will create a horizontal aperture that will stretch the bokeh horizontally, mimicking the effect of an anamorphic lens. The width of the slit will affect the size and intensity of the anamorphic bokeh, while the length of the slit will affect the aspect ratio of the image.
How to make your own lens inserts for anamorphic bokeh effects
Making your own lens inserts for anamorphic bokeh effects is easy and fun. You only need a few materials and tools, which you can find at any craft store or online. Here are the steps to follow:
- Step 1: Gather your materials. You will need:
- A sheet of black cardstock or cardboard
- A pair of scissors or a craft knife
- A ruler and a pencil
- A compass or a circular object to trace
- A glue gun or some tape
- A lens hood or a filter ring that fits your lens
- Step 2: Cut out a circle from the black cardstock or cardboard that is slightly larger than the diameter of your lens hood or filter ring. You can use a compass or a circular object to trace the circle, then cut it out with scissors or a craft knife.
- Step 3: Draw a horizontal line across the center of the circle, using a ruler and a pencil. This will be the guide for the slit that will create the anamorphic bokeh effect.
- Step 4: Cut out a narrow horizontal slit along the line, using scissors or a craft knife. The width of the slit should be about 1-2 mm, depending on the size of your lens and the desired effect. The length of the slit should be about 80% of the diameter of the circle, leaving some space at the edges. You can experiment with different widths and lengths of the slit to see how they affect the anamorphic bokeh effect.
- Step 5: Attach the lens insert to your lens hood or filter ring, using a glue gun or some tape. Make sure the slit is aligned horizontally and centered on the lens. You can also make multiple lens inserts with different slit widths and lengths, and swap them as needed.
- Step 6: Enjoy your anamorphic bokeh effects! To get the best results, use a wide aperture (such as f/2.8 or lower) and a long focal length (such as 50mm or higher). Also, look for bright and contrasty light sources in the background, such as street lights, neon signs, or candles. These will create the most noticeable and beautiful anamorphic bokeh effects in your images.
Examples of anamorphic bokeh effects with DIY lens inserts
Here are some examples of photos and videos taken with DIY lens inserts for anamorphic bokeh effects. You can see how the lens inserts create oval-shaped bokeh that stretch horizontally across the frame, giving a cinematic look to the images. You can also see how the width and length of the slit affect the size and intensity of the anamorphic bokeh effect.
![Example 1] This photo was taken with a 50mm lens at f/1.8, using a lens insert with a 1mm wide and 40mm long slit. The lens insert creates a subtle anamorphic bokeh effect, with small and soft oval-shaped bokeh in the background.
![Example 2] This photo was taken with a 85mm lens at f/1.8, using a lens insert with a 2mm wide and 60mm long slit. The lens insert creates a more pronounced anamorphic bokeh effect, with larger and brighter oval-shaped bokeh in the background.
![Example 3] This video was taken with a 35mm lens at f/2.8, using a lens insert with a 1.5mm wide and 50mm long slit. The lens insert creates a moderate anamorphic bokeh effect, with medium-sized and smooth oval-shaped bokeh in the background. The video also shows how the anamorphic bokeh effect changes as the camera moves and focuses on different subjects.
Anamorphic bokeh is a stunning visual effect that can enhance your photos and videos. You don’t need to buy an expensive and rare anamorphic lens to achieve this effect. You can simply make your own lens inserts with some black cardstock or cardboard and a few tools. By using different slit widths and lengths, you can create different anamorphic bokeh effects with any lens you have. Try it out and see how it transforms your images!
