First Impressions of Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens promises to bring cinematic widescreen magic to our pockets, turning everyday smartphones into powerful filmmaking tools. Marketed by Moment as their most cinematic mobile anamorphic lens yet, it boasts a wider aperture and enhanced glass for superior image quality. I was eager to see if this lens could truly deliver on its promise of transforming ordinary phone footage into professional-looking cinematic masterpieces, especially with the increasing demand for high-quality mobile content creation.
I’ve always been fascinated by the anamorphic look – that distinct widescreen aspect ratio and those dreamy lens flares. As a gear specialist, I’m constantly searching for ways to elevate the quality of mobile footage, and the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens piqued my interest with its promise of a true cinematic experience. My goal was to find a mobile lens that could deliver professional-grade results without the bulk and expense of traditional filmmaking equipment.
Unboxing the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens, I was immediately struck by its solid build quality. It felt hefty and well-made, crafted from what appears to be high-grade metal. The glass elements looked pristine, hinting at the quality of optics within.
Compared to other mobile lenses I’ve used – mostly clip-on wide-angle or macro lenses – the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens felt like a different breed. Those other lenses often felt cheap and produced noticeable distortion. I chose the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens because of its reputation for quality, the anamorphic effect it offered, and the Moment ecosystem known for supporting professional mobile filmmaking.
My first impression was one of excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. Could this relatively small lens truly replicate the look and feel of anamorphic cinema? I was eager to put it to the test and find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens during a weekend camping trip in the mountains. I wanted to capture some scenic landscapes and campfire moments with a cinematic flair. The variable lighting conditions of the outdoors provided a perfect testing ground.
The lens performed remarkably well in both bright daylight and lower-light conditions around the campfire. The wider aperture seemed to make a noticeable difference, allowing more light to hit the sensor. This resulted in brighter and clearer images, even as the sun began to set.
Mounting the lens onto my iPhone 15 was straightforward, thanks to the T-Series interface. I did need to download the Moment Pro Camera App for proper desqueezing, which took a bit of getting used to. The initial learning curve was small, but worthwhile to understand how the app and lens work together to achieve the correct aspect ratio.
The biggest surprise was the lens flare. The blue flare, in particular, was incredibly prominent and gave a very stylized, almost sci-fi look to my campfire shots. While I initially found it distracting, I quickly learned to appreciate its artistic potential.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens on various projects, I can attest to its durability and overall reliability. It has become an integral part of my mobile filmmaking kit. It’s been used for shooting everything from product demos to outdoor adventures.
The lens has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite being tossed into my gear bag countless times. The metal construction feels robust, and the glass elements remain scratch-free. Occasional smudges on the lens are easily cleaned with the included microfiber cloth.
Maintaining the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is a breeze. Keeping the lens clean is the only maintenance I’ve needed.
Compared to my previous experiences with other mobile lenses, the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is in a completely different class. It consistently outperforms any other mobile lens I’ve used. The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens delivers professional-grade results that rival those achieved with much more expensive equipment.
Breaking Down the Features of Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens
Specifications
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens, crafted by Moment, emulates a 2.40:1 Cinemascope aspect ratio, providing a true widescreen cinematic look. It weighs in at a mere 43.5 g, making it highly portable for on-the-go filmmaking.
- Aperture: Boasts a 20% wider aperture compared to the Moment M-Series, allowing more light to hit the sensor. This is crucial for low-light performance and capturing full-frame images without vignetting.
- Glass Elements: Features larger glass elements, meticulously hand-polished, ensuring sharper on-axis images and enhanced low-light performance. The use of high-quality glass is paramount in achieving professional-grade image clarity.
- Mount: Designed to mount seamlessly over the Wide lens on most camera phones, and over the Tele lens on some models. This versatility allows you to utilize different focal lengths with the anamorphic effect.
- Interface: Utilizes the T-Series interface for a simple twist-and-secure design, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. This interface is compatible with iPhones (iPhone 12 and newer), Pixels (Pixel 7 and newer), and Galaxy (S22 and newer) camera phones.
- Construction: Made with aerospace-grade metal, providing exceptional durability and a premium feel. The rugged construction ensures the lens can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the quality and versatility of the final footage. The wider aperture and high-quality glass contribute to brighter, sharper images, while the robust construction ensures the lens can withstand demanding shooting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens excels at delivering a true cinematic widescreen look, adding a professional touch to mobile footage. It consistently produces stunning visuals with its unique anamorphic characteristics. The wider aperture improves low-light performance, while the lens flare adds a distinctive artistic touch.
One of the strengths of the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is its ability to create a visually stunning widescreen effect, mimicking the look of high-end cinema lenses. However, the lens flare can be overpowering in certain situations and requires careful control. Further, you will need to use the Moment Pro Camera App or other compatible app to desqueeze the footage.
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens meets my expectations and even exceeds them in some areas. Its ability to transform ordinary phone footage into cinematic masterpieces is truly impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens boasts a robust build quality, thanks to its use of high-quality materials like aerospace-grade metal and hand-polished glass. The lens feels substantial in hand without being overly bulky. This translates to confidence in the field.
The T-Series interface makes mounting and unmounting the lens quick and easy. The twist-and-secure design ensures a stable connection, preventing any unwanted movement during shooting.
There’s a slight learning curve associated with using the Moment Pro Camera App to desqueeze the footage and fine-tune settings. Once you become familiar with the app, however, the process becomes intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is built to last, thanks to its rugged construction and high-quality materials. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable performance.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with the included microfiber cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints. Storing the lens in the provided microfiber bag when not in use will help prevent scratches.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens comes with a lens cap for protection, a microfiber carrying bag for safe storage, and a hex tool for adjusting the lens mount.
The Moment ecosystem offers a range of compatible accessories, including filters and phone cases designed to work seamlessly with the T-Series lenses. While the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is primarily designed for use with the Moment Pro Camera App, it is compatible with other apps that support anamorphic lenses and desqueezing. This allows you to customize your shooting experience and achieve your desired look.
Pros and Cons of Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens
Pros
- Cinematic Widescreen Effect: Emulates the 2.40:1 Cinemascope aspect ratio, adding a professional touch to mobile footage.
- Wider Aperture: Captures more light, improving low-light performance and allowing for full-frame images without vignetting.
- High-Quality Glass: Features larger, hand-polished glass elements for sharper images and better clarity.
- Durable Construction: Made with aerospace-grade metal, ensuring long-lasting performance and ruggedness.
- Easy to Use: Simple twist-and-secure design for quick and reliable mounting.
Cons
- Lens flare can be overpowering in some situations.
- Requires using the Moment Pro Camera App or other compatible app for proper desqueezing.
Who Should Buy Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens?
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is perfect for:
- Mobile filmmakers looking to elevate their footage with a cinematic widescreen look.
- Content creators wanting to add a professional touch to their videos.
- Anyone interested in experimenting with anamorphic lenses without investing in expensive equipment.
Who should skip this product? If you are looking for a simple point-and-shoot solution without any post-processing, the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens may not be the best choice. If you dislike lens flare, this is not the product for you.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A solid phone case with a T-Series mount is essential. A variable ND filter can help control lens flare and exposure in bright sunlight.
Conclusion on Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens
The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is a game-changer for mobile filmmakers, offering a true cinematic widescreen experience in a compact and affordable package. Its wider aperture, high-quality glass, and durable construction make it a standout product in the mobile lens market. While it requires some post-processing and the lens flare may not be for everyone, the results are undeniably impressive.
At $150.00, the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens represents excellent value for the money. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to take their mobile filmmaking to the next level.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens to anyone serious about mobile filmmaking. It’s a powerful tool that can transform ordinary phone footage into cinematic masterpieces. Experience the magic of anamorphic cinema for yourself.