GoPro Anamorphic Lens Overview: Truly Price It?

That is the GoPro anamorphic lens, introduced final September and at last transport as of at the moment, March 26, 2025. In this video, I’ll stroll you thru all the things that you must find out about this lens—from the {hardware} and the way it works to the software program facet of issues. I’ll additionally examine it to the GoPro Max Lens Mod, the common lens, and extra. Most significantly, on the finish, I’ll inform you whether or not it is best to get this lens—and the reply may shock you. So, hold tight!

Function of an Anamorphic Lens

Let’s begin with the purpose of an anamorphic lens. Primarily, it’s to offer you that cinematic look with a 21:9 facet ratio, as proven on the display screen—that includes black bars on the high and backside, mimicking a movie show expertise. The important thing distinction from merely cropping footage (which isn’t splendid, as you may see) is that the anamorphic lens captures a a lot wider area of view and conforms it to that 21:9 ratio with out producing a fisheye impact or different distortions. One other attribute of the anamorphic lens is lens flares, which we’ll cowl shortly.

Pricing and Packaging

Traditionally, anamorphic lenses have value absurd quantities of cash. This one retails for $129, or $13 should you’re a GoPro subscriber (the paid subscription type). I’d guess most patrons are subscribers, however you do you. It is available in a small bundle with a lens cowl, which I exploit religiously—uncommon for me, as I usually skip lens covers. I’m attempting to maintain this factor scratch-free. GoPro claims it’s scratch-resistant however doesn’t specify the glass materials, so long-term sturdiness is unclear. It’s waterproof, although—as much as 10 meters (33 ft), identical to the remainder of the digital camera. You’ll be able to see me swimming with it right here.

Fast Notice

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Attaching and Detaching the Lens

Attaching and detaching it really works like every other GoPro lens: rotate it, pop it off, and put it again on. It solely matches a method—marked “anamorphic” on the facet. A locking pin ensures it gained’t connect incorrectly or match older fashions just like the Hero 11, 12, or 10. These are GoPro’s HB Sequence (Hero Black Sequence) lenses, that includes a tag that routinely tells the digital camera which lens is connected and adjusts settings accordingly. That is solely appropriate with the Hero 13, blocked bodily by a locking ring and through software program detection.

I’d count on GoPro to assist these lenses for no less than two to 3 years—doubtless for a Hero 14, Hero 15, and so forth. That is no completely different from DJI altering drone lenses yearly, breaking ND filter compatibility. Three years of latest digital camera assist appears honest to me—perhaps three years for the lens itself, too, who is aware of?

Weight and Design

As soon as connected, it’s a little bit of a beefcake, each in dimension and weight. It provides 43 grams to your GoPro—160 grams base weight turns into 203 grams. You gained’t discover this on a chest mount or selfie stick, however you may on a helmet, the place it feels weightier. You’ll undoubtedly discover it on an FPV drone. Now, let’s discuss software program—resolutions and modes.

Software program Options and Modes

The facet ratio is mounted at 21:9, horizontally or vertically—it doesn’t matter. For video, you’ve gotten 4 “digital lenses” (GoPro’s time period): Linear (no fisheye), Extremely Linear (wider area of view, no fisheye), Extensive (some fisheye, extra area of view), and Extremely Extensive (extra fisheye, even wider area of view). Decision choices embrace 5.3K at 60 fps or 4K at 120 fps throughout all modes, with log mode, 10-bit, and excessive bitrate choices out there—no restrictions there.

Comparability to Max Lens Mod

In comparison with the Max Lens Mod, which prioritizes the widest perspective (fisheye included, besides in Linear mode), this lens excels in Extremely Linear mode—providing a super-wide area of view with out distortion. I examined this on a tripod with a scene that includes a submit, signal, bike, and stones. The anamorphic lens cycles by Linear, Extremely Linear, Extensive, and Extremely Extensive, whereas the Max Lens Mod contains Linear, Extensive, Extremely Extensive, SuperView, and HyperView (no HyperView on the anamorphic). The inventory lens gives Linear, Extensive, SuperView, and HyperView. HyperView on the inventory lens matches Extremely Linear’s width however with distortion, in contrast to the clear, straight strains of the anamorphic lens.

For side-by-side photographs (identical width), the anamorphic lens captures much more horizontal vary with out distortion. Verify the linked 21:9, 5.3K 60 fps footage reel (about three minutes) within the description, plus a downloadable full-resolution model to keep away from YouTube compression. All footage right here is unedited.

Recording and Sensible Use

While you hit report, it captures immediately in 21:9, desqueezing routinely—no post-processing wanted (although log mode requires coloration grading). Usually, I toss my digital camera in a pocket or backpack with out a lens protector—15 years, no points. With this lens, I’m paranoid about scratches (regardless of just a few drops with no harm) and mud specks, which present up quick, particularly in daylight. I’m continuously cleansing it. Lens flares seem as streaks or strains—not all the time superior. They’re first rate in FPV nook photographs however much less so with the solar immediately forward. Sundown footage in Extremely Linear seems higher, particularly with calmer winds for drone photographs after stormy climate.

Night time footage stays GoPro’s weak spot—lagging behind DJI and Insta360—although mild streaks are faintly seen. A Hero 14 may enhance this sometime. Time Warp and time-lapse work as with video (5.3K or 4K, 4 digital lenses). For photographs, you’re restricted to Commonplace mode—no Tremendous Picture or RAW export, oddly.

Ought to You Purchase It?

GoPro’s HB Sequence lenses, with computerized detection and specialty choices, are tremendous cool. I really like the macro lens for area of interest situations, like in images, the place specialty lenses aren’t each day drivers. The anamorphic lens is comparable—nice for 21:9 cinematic photographs however not for on a regular basis use. I spent a month attempting to suit its footage into YouTube or social media timelines, continuously cropping it. When you’re taking pictures solely for a 21:9 timeline with that black-bar cinematic look, it’s superior for the worth. In any other case, the Max Lens Mod 2.0 or macro lens gives extra versatile bang on your buck.

I hope this doesn’t discourage GoPro from exploring extra lenses—a zoom lens, for example, could be superb for quirky, static placements needing focal size in tight spots. That’s the place I’m excited in regards to the HB Sequence. For now, should you want an anamorphic lens, that is onerous to beat for worth and high quality.

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