Unleash your mobile creative spirit with these amazing tools

Disillusioned with the conventional appearance and limitations imposed by the numerous “Looks & Luts” (L&Ls) available for video editing, I have discovered several remarkable tools that have ignited my creative spark. These tools are Moment lenses. 

In the digital marketplace, there is an abundance of inexpensive, clip-on, multi-functional plastic or plexiglass lenses available. However, Moment lenses stand out as a superior option.

The construction of Moment lenses is unparalleled. The lens bodies are meticulously crafted from aerospace-grade metal and feature hand-polished glass, comparable to that used in high-end 4K film lenses. These lenses seamlessly integrate with the latest Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus devices.

To utilize Moment lenses, a Moment case is necessary. The case is reasonably priced and boasts a solid build, providing the T-Mount connection that enables the lenses to be securely attached.

My preferred lens type is the Anamorphic lens. Its remarkable ability to capture a wide field of view, accompanied by distinctive black bars at the top and bottom (cinemascoping) that create visually appealing lens flares in either blue or gold, offers a plethora of creative shooting options.

Anamorphic lenses are meticulously designed to compress the image horizontally, resulting in a wider field of view when viewed on a screen. This de-squeezing process restores the original aspect ratio, enhancing the cinematic appearance of the footage.

However, Anamorphic lenses are typically expensive, with costs ranging into the thousands of dollars. Consequently, they may not be readily accessible to the average creator.

In response to this, Moment has introduced a premium alternative for mobile device creators, encompassing not only Anamorphic but also wide, macro, and other advanced lens capabilities.  

Key Features of the Anamorphic Lens:

• Compatible with a 67mm filter and our Lens Filter Mount.
• Mounts over the wide-angle lens on most camera phones and over the telephoto lens on some.
• Provides a 1.33x anamorphic effect, resulting in an organic and cinematic look.
• Emulates a 2.40:1 Cinemascope aspect ratio.
• Offers the option to capture a model with a gold flare or blue flare, reminiscent of Michael Bay’s films.

Prerequisites and Processing:

• The Moment app or other software is required to process the video, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of aspect ratios and resolutions.
• Failure to do so may result in unflattering, vertically compressed video.

Tips for Shooting Video with an Anamorphic Lens:

• Ensure camera settings are correctly configured using the app. Anamorphic lenses capture a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is de-squeezed into a 16:9 aspect ratio, effectively cropping the image at the top and bottom to provide a wider horizontal view.
• Maintain accurate focus on the center of the frame, as this area experiences the least distortion. A wider aperture may be necessary to compensate for the additional glass in the lens, potentially reducing image sharpness.
• Utilize a tripod or gimbal for stabilization, especially in low-light conditions.
• Embrace lens flares, as anamorphic lenses are known for producing them. However, excessive lens flares can distract from the narrative.

The introduction of this anamorphic lens and its Moment siblings has prompted me to reevaluate my approach to video shooting. I am now considering utilizing it to enhance the emotional impact of videos or introduce alternative angles to convey points more effectively.

Finally, the Pro Camera App by Moment is a must-have companion for all of their lenses. This comprehensive camera application seamlessly integrates with your phone’s capabilities, providing both video and photo editing tools. Notably, it efficiently handles the complexities of lens correction and de-squeezing anamorphic lens data, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Prior to shooting, simply select the lens you intend to use, and the software will ensure that any necessary corrections are applied automatically.

In essence, with the appropriate lens, camera settings, focus, accessories, and creative decisions, you can elevate the creation of captivating and enduring footage that captivates audiences.