At Craft Creative, we recently conducted a test on lens distortion to better understand its effects on images and how to correct it.
Lens distortion refers to any deformities or abnormalities in the images produced by a camera lens. This can manifest as straight lines appearing bent or curved in photographs, and can be either intentional or unintentional. There are two main categories of lens distortion: optical and perspective.
Optical distortion is caused by the physical properties of the lens itself, and can be corrected by adjusting the lens or using software to fix the distortion. Perspective distortion, on the other hand, is caused by the relative positions of the camera and the subject, and cannot be corrected through lens adjustments or software.
In our test, we used a range of lenses with focal lengths from 16mm to 300mm to see how each lens affected the distortion in the images. We found that the higher the mm lens, the more compressed the image became. This is because a higher mm lens has a narrower field of view, resulting in a more focused image but also more distortion.
We also discovered that different lenses are better suited for different scenarios.
A wide-angle lens, for example, is great for capturing expansive landscapes or architecture, but can result in more distortion. A telephoto lens, on the other hand, is better for taking detailed shots of distant subjects, but will produce a more compressed image.
In conclusion, lens distortion can have a significant impact on the quality and appearance of an image. It’s essential to understand the different types of distortion and how to correct them to ensure that your photographs and videos look their best. By using the right lens for the job and knowing how to fix distortion, you can tell your story with greater clarity and accuracy.