1 What is lens distortion?

Lens distortion is the deviation of the shape and size of objects in your video shots from their actual appearance in reality. It occurs when the light rays passing through the lens are bent or distorted by the optical elements of the lens. Lens distortion is more noticeable at the edges and corners of the frame than at the center, and it varies depending on the focal length, aperture, and zoom level of the lens. Lens distortion can be either intentional or unintentional, and it can have both positive and negative effects on your video shots.

2 Types of lens distortion

There are two main types of lens distortion: barrel distortion and pincushion distortion. Barrel distortion is when the edges and corners of the frame are curved outwards, making the image look like it is wrapped around a barrel. This type of distortion is common in wide-angle lenses, especially fisheye lenses, and it can create a dramatic or exaggerated effect on your video shots. Pincushion distortion is when the edges and corners of the frame are curved inwards, making the image look like it is pinched by a pincushion. This type of distortion is common in telephoto lenses, especially zoom lenses, and it can make your video shots look compressed or distorted.

3 How to avoid lens distortion

If you want to avoid lens distortion, you need to choose the right lens for your video shots and pay attention to the distance and angle of your subject. Generally, the wider the lens, the more distortion you will get, and the closer you are to your subject, the more distortion you will notice. To minimize lens distortion, you can use a normal or standard lens, which has a focal length similar to the human eye, or a prime lens, which has a fixed focal length and fewer optical elements. You can also try to keep your subject near the center of the frame and avoid tilting or angling your camera too much.

4 How to correct lens distortion

If you cannot avoid lens distortion, you can correct it in post-production using video editing software. Most video editing software have tools or presets that can automatically or manually adjust the distortion parameters of your video shots based on the lens profile or the type of distortion. You can also crop or resize your video shots to remove the distorted edges or corners of the frame. However, correcting lens distortion may also affect the quality or resolution of your video shots, so you should always try to shoot with the best possible settings and composition.

5 How to use lens distortion creatively

Lens distortion is not always a bad thing. Sometimes, you can use lens distortion creatively to enhance the mood, style, or message of your video shots. For example, you can use barrel distortion to create a sense of depth, movement, or energy in your video shots, or to emphasize the size or shape of your subject. You can also use pincushion distortion to create a sense of tension, isolation, or distortion in your video shots, or to draw attention to the center of your frame. The key is to use lens distortion deliberately and sparingly, and to match it with the tone and purpose of your video shots.

6 Lens distortion tips and tricks

When shooting with lenses, it is important to be aware of their distortion characteristics and limitations. Test your lenses before shooting and use a grid or a level on your camera or monitor to check the alignment and symmetry of your video shots. Additionally, using a tripod or a stabilizer can help avoid camera shake or movement that could worsen lens distortion. Experiment with different lenses, distances, and angles to find the best combination for your video shots. Finally, review your video shots and make notes of any lens distortion issues that need to be fixed or enhanced in post-production.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?