Anamorphic Lens vs. Wide Lens: Which One Should You Use?
Comparing SANDMARC Lenses
As an iPhone filmmaker, choosing the right lens can elevate your content. The SANDMARC Anamorphic and Wide lenses are both popular, but which one is right for you? Deciding between the two can shape the overall look and feel of your project. With this quick breakdown of their core differences and ideal uses, we’ll help eliminate any uncertainty for your next shoot.
Section 1: Quick Lens Overview
Anamorphic Lens
- Designed for cinematic video
- Captures ultra-wide aspect ratio + horizontal lens flares
- Popular for filmmaking, cinematic storytelling
Wide Lens
- Expands field of view (2x wider than iPhone)
- Edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal distortion
- Ideal for landscapes, architecture, travel, and vlogging
Section 2: Key Feature Comparison Table
Section 3: Use Case Breakdown
Choose Anamorphic If You…
- Want to create professional-looking mobile films
- Love dramatic flares and a wide cinematic look
- Don’t mind editing workflows (desqueeze, color grading)
- Are focused more on storytelling through video
Choose Wide If You…
- Prefer clean, natural-looking photos
- Travel often and want to fit more in the frame
- Want something easy and fast to shoot & share
- Need versatility for both photo and video
Section 4: Can You Use Both?
Yes, and many creators do. The Anamorphic and Wide lenses both offer a wider field of view. The Anamorphic lens is ideal for cinematic storytelling, while the Wide lens excels at documentation and quick, on-the-go clips. Depending on the project, your creative vision may call for one or the other. The examples above showed the Anamorphic lens used for a more cinematic video and the Wide lens used as a vlogging tool, but the Wide lens can also capture cinematic shots, as demonstrated in the video below.
Which One Should You Use?
After comparing both lenses, let your creative goals guide your decision.
If you’re aiming for cinematic storytelling, the Anamorphic lens is your go-to. Prefer flexibility and a quicker setup? The Wide lens is ideal. Every project may call for something different and that’s perfectly normal. If you’ve been unsure about which lens to choose, we hope this guide brought some clarity.
If you’re aiming for cinematic storytelling, the Anamorphic lens is your go-to. Prefer flexibility and a quicker setup? The Wide lens is ideal. Every project may call for something different and that’s perfectly normal. If you’ve been unsure about which lens to choose, we hope this guide brought some clarity.
Author's Bio
Born on the California coast, SANDMARC designs gear for those who live life in motion—travelers, photographers, and filmmakers. Every SANDMARC product is thoughtfully designed to elevate how you capture, carry, and experience the world. With a focus on quality and functionality, their blog offers tips, guides, and inspiration to enhance the creative journey.
