Unwanted shift in field of view when focusing — minimized in cinema glass, often visible with photo lenses.
When the focus shifts from near to far and the framing visibly changes — as if the image were briefly inhaling and exhaling — that is lens breathing. During a rack focus in a dialogue scene, this looks like the camera is shaking, even though it is completely still.
Why Cinema Glass is More Expensive
Breathing is not an issue with a still photo lens because you only take individual pictures. In moving images, it is immediately noticeable. Cinema lenses are therefore constructed with internal focus groups that do not change the angle of view when focusing. This costs development and glass — one of the reasons why a Cooke S7/i costs €25,000 and a comparable photo lens costs €2,000.
Practical Tip
Photo lenses with low breathing: Canon FD 85mm, Nikon AI-S 50mm f/1.2. Always test beforehand.
News
In the cinematography community, lens breathing is increasingly evaluated with nuance: While it is accepted as unavoidable with anamorphic lenses, spherical prime lenses with visible breathing are considered unprofessional. Many DoPs consider such lenses to be "photo lenses" that are unsuitable for serious film productions.
Related terms
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Linsenatmung"?