Are PolarPro's Bluemorphic and Goldmorphic filters great, or a gimmick?
Anamorphic lenses are a favorite amongst many award-winning cinematographers due to their unique bokeh effects and stunning lens flares. While beautiful, these lenses are INSANELY expensive (we're talking 10s of thousands of dollars here).
Polarpro's quartzline fx filters propose a budget-friendly way to achieve similar results. They come in two varieties: Bluemorphic and Goldmorphic. These filters generate blue or gold streaks in your highlights, adding a touch of anamorphic magic - but are they worth it? I put them to the test.
In-Camera vs. Post-Production: Pros and Cons
One of the coolest things about these filters is that they create the effect directly in-camera. This means you get a natural-looking result without hours of editing in post. But there's a catch: what you see is what you get. Since the effect is baked in, you can't adjust it later.
Using Your Anamorphic Filters Like a Pro
Here are my best tips to get the most out of your anamorphic filters:
Rotate for Flare Control: Those lines on the filters? They control the direction of the flares. Want horizontal flares? Rotate the filter so the lines run vertically.
Pick Your Color: The filter color, not the light source itself, determines the flare color. Bluemorphic for a sci-fi vibe, Goldmorphic for those warm sunsets. If you mis-match them, the footage may look very unnatural. Choose wisely...
Anamorphic Filter Pros and Cons: A Breakdown
Pros:
Built to Last: These filters are high quality with super clear glass and smooth threading.
Awesome Case: They come in a nifty case that lets you attach and remove the filter without ever touching it. The back even doubles as a lens cap.
Adjustable Flares: The filter rotates independently, so you can fine-tune that flare direction for the perfect shot.
Cons:
Go Easy on the Flares: Compared to real anamorphic lenses, these filters create a stronger flare effect. Be mindful of how you use them, or you might go overboard.
Soft Light Blues: Big, soft light sources can cause these filters to create one big, blurry flare—not the best look.
Aperture Matters: To avoid seeing the filter lines in your footage, keep your aperture set below f/5.6.
The Final Verdict
Anamorphic filters are a fantastic addition to your filmmaking kit. They're a creative way to achieve that anamorphic look without emptying your wallet- but remember, like any tool, mastering them takes practice. Use them strategically, and you'll be well on your way to creating stunning visuals.
Bonus Tip: Feeling like a cityscapes and sci-fi kinda filmmaker? Grab the Bluemorphic. More of a nature and sunsets kinda vibe? The Goldmorphic is your golden ticket!
What did you think of my Polarpro Goldmorphic and Bluemorphic review? Lmk in the comments!
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