What Today’s Anamorphic Cinema Lenses Are and Why They’re Changing
Anamorphic cinema lenses are specialized optics that squeeze a wider field of view onto the camera sensor, then rely on unsqueezing in post or projection to create a wide image with distinctive 2x horizontal stretch, oval bokeh, and exaggerated depth, giving filmmakers a recognizably cinematic look that differs from spherical lenses in both geometry and character. After decades of small, incremental updates, the format is now undergoing a faster shift driven by three trends: integrated, motorized anamorphic optics, full-frame anamorphic coverage, and a wave of new or evolving manufacturers entering the high-end space. Together, these developments point to anamorphic tools that are more connected to modern workflows, easier to rig, and available in a wider range of visual styles. They also hint at a slow but steady democratization of anamorphic storytelling for productions beyond the largest studio features.
Zeiss Horizon: Motorized Anamorphic Optics Meet Full-Frame 2x
Zeiss has pushed the category forward with Zeiss Horizon Anamorphic, a family of full-frame 2x anamorphic lenses spanning seven focal lengths from 35mm to 200mm. The lenses combine pronounced oval bokeh and stretched depth with fully integrated focus and iris motors, so productions no longer need external motors or separate encoders on the lens barrels. According to Zeiss, Horizon’s motors are whisper-quiet, factory-calibrated and compatible with established ARRI and Preston control systems via serial or LBUS connections. A notable innovation is the look-tuning back element: an interchangeable optical module that lets crews adjust contrast, sharpness and overall character without changing scale accuracy or metadata. Dual displays and touch panels on the lens show live focus distance and t-stop values and allow quick access to settings. Zeiss positions Horizon as a new reference platform, pairing full-frame anamorphic coverage with motorized anamorphic optics and unified on-lens metadata.
Glaswerk Optics: Ground-Up Design for High-End 2x Anamorphics
While Zeiss is modernizing established practice, Glaswerk Optics represents a new lens maker entering the top tier of 2x anamorphic lenses. Co-founders David Kellermann and Viola Evang began with rehousing old projection glass, then shifted to designing their own optics when they realized reworked elements would not meet their standards. Their Glaswerk ONE and ONE+ prime sets, now nearing shipment, were built from the ground up around ambitious specifications: full-frame and VistaVision coverage, a 2x squeeze ratio, low distortion, and consistent sharpness and bokeh across the frame. The team reportedly spent around a year and a half solving how to keep bokeh behavior stable at different focus distances, tackling issues like stretched “surfboard” shapes seen in many anamorphic cinema lenses. The result targets high-end productions that demand rigorous optical performance but still want a recognizable anamorphic look rather than a clinically perfect spherical image.
Lensworks NeoAO Version 2: Vintage Character, Modern Performance
Lensworks is taking a different route: refining an established line of 2x anamorphic lenses instead of starting from zero. The NeoAO Version 2 series builds on the company’s original NeoAO 2x anamorphic lenses, which were inspired by classic anamorphic systems such as Cineovision, Kowa and Todd-AO. Version 2 keeps that organic, textured rendering but updates the mechanical and optical platform for today’s production demands. Lensworks reports major gains in close-focus performance, letting cinematographers move much closer to subjects without diopters while maintaining anamorphic character throughout the focus range. The lenses are also said to offer enhanced edge-to-edge sharpness, more consistent imaging, smaller size and lower weight, making them easier to use on gimbals and handheld rigs. As Lensworks’ Stephen Gelb explains, the goal was to preserve everything people liked about the original NeoAO lenses while improving practical performance where it matters on set.
A More Accessible Future for Full-Frame Anamorphic Tools
Taken together, Zeiss Horizon Anamorphic, Glaswerk’s upcoming ONE and ONE+ primes, and Lensworks NeoAO Version 2 show how anamorphic cinema lenses are widening in scope. Motorized anamorphic optics like Horizon reduce rigging complexity and tie lenses directly into digital workflows. Glaswerk’s all-new designs show that even small teams can now pursue uncompromising, full-frame anamorphic specifications if they are willing to face long development cycles. Lensworks, meanwhile, shows how a vintage-inspired 2x anamorphic lens line can evolve to meet modern needs without losing its identity. The growing number of full-frame anamorphic options, across both established and newer manufacturers, points to rising demand beyond tentpole productions. While these lenses are still aimed at professional users, the broader choice of focal lengths, looks and feature sets signals a slow shift toward more accessible, versatile anamorphic tools across the industry.
