Unintended change in angle of view during focusing. The image appears to breathe as focus is pulled.
Lens Breathing
Lens breathing is the unwanted change in the field of view when adjusting the focus setting. The image appears to "breathe" – it subtly gets larger or smaller during a focus pull.
Cause
When focusing, optical elements inside the lens shift. This shift not only changes the focal point but also slightly alters the effective focal length.
Effects
- Visual: Subtle "pumping" of the image frame
- Narrative: Can distract from the focus pull
- Technical: Makes precise framing more difficult
Correction
Cinema Lenses:
- Internal focusing designs
- Specially corrected optical groups
- Floating elements
Still Photography Lenses:
- Often strong breathing
- Cost-effective but less professional
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