8. Conclusions Our conclusions from this basic comparison of spherical and anamorphic lenses are simple: * From the same camera position, and with the same horizontal frame, anamorphic lenses can offer less depth of field than spherical lenses, enabling filmmakers to isolate a character from the environment. * Anamorphic lenses allow filmmakers to achieve shots that combine a closeup isolation with a wide-shot composition. * Anamorphic bokeh has a progressive vertical elongation that creates a distinctive and mysterious aesthetic, which can be seen as magical or unnatural, or both. * Zoom lenses with rear anamorphs do not have the same bokehs as lenses with front anamorphs, and the depth of field of rear anamorphs is closer to spherical lenses. * Anamorphic lenses tend to have more linear flares than spherical lenses. * Anamorphic is an optical process that is no longer necessarily tied to a specific aspect ratio. These tests mark only the beginning. We hope to continue to explore this complex cinema format in future installments. To see video footage of these tests, visit thefilmbook blog on www.theasc.com. ● 67http://nila.com http://www.theasc.com http://store.ascmag.com