A look at some anamorphic lenses

[Brain Sturgeon]

I posted this in my gallery thread, but thought I'd share it here as well for those that might be interested in anamorphic lenses for CIH setups.

I am in the process of swapping out my current projector (Marantz 11s2) and anamorphic lens (Panamorph UH440) for a Sim2 Lumis and an ISCO III.

I just received the ISCO today, and here are some comparison pics to the Panamorph:



The Blu-ray case is for scale. These are both large lenses, the Panamorph on the left and ISCO on the right. The ISCO is slightly heavier, but they are not dramatically different. The Panamorph is a combination prismatic/cylindrical lens, whereas the ISCO is purely a cylindrical lens.

The ISCO has a front focus ring with the lens extending forward with focusing, whereas the Panamorph is a fixed lens.




A view through the front of the lenses. You can see the anamorphic effect looking back through the lens. The square aperture of the Panamorph is a tall rectangle, and the round aperture of the ISCO is a tall oval.




A view through the back of the lenses. The aperture of both lenses are large, making these lenses pretty much universal for any projector. These are the largest aperture anamorphic lenses out there. Either of these could be "the last anamorphic lens you'll ever buy".




A side view. The Panamorph is obviously longer but the ISCO is taller.

I had to have my lens sled mod'ed for use with the ISCO, and it should get back to me next week. I will try to compare images through the Panamorph to the ISCO, although I am expecting the differences to be subtle. It is generally accepted that the ISCO III is the best anamorphic lens out there, but the price difference between the ISCO and other lenses (including the Panamorph) is substantial. I've loved the image of the Panamorph since I've had it, but if you're going all-out-assault on video quality, then the ISCO is top of the heap.

I will post updates on my gallery thread and probably here too once I get the ISCO and the Sim2 running.