GoPro has officially started shipping its Anamorphic Lens Mod, a $129.99 accessory that enables creators to record in a wider field of view with a cinematic twist. The lens mod, compatible with the Hero 13 Black camera, uses an optical squishing technique to shoot in a 21:9 aspect ratio, capturing cinematic-style lens flares and automatically switching to the corresponding camera mode when attached.

The anamorphic lens mod was first announced in September last year, alongside a $100 Ultra Wide lens and a $130 Macro lens, which launched with the GoPro Hero 13 Black. To further expand its creative possibilities, GoPro will also release a $349.99 HB-Series Lens Collection bundle next week, containing all three lenses, the ND Filter 4-Pack for motion blur, and a protective case. Additionally, a $699.99 bundle will be available in Q2, which includes both the HB-Series Lens Collection and the $399 Hero 13 Black.

Vjeran Pavic, a writer for The Verge, has had hands-on experience with the anamorphic lens mod and shares his initial impressions. He finds the lens mod to be a fun way to modify GoPro footage, giving it a fresh, cinematic look. Pavic notes that the lens is slightly larger and heavier than other attachments but not to the point of being bothersome. He also emphasizes the importance of handling the lens with care, as the front glass element is exposed.

In terms of performance, the anamorphic lens mod is compatible with many of GoPro's filming modes, including 5.3K up to 60fps and 4K up to 120fps for slow-motion clips. It also supports filming in GP-Log in 10-bit, a feature that will appeal to videography enthusiasts. Pavic's only concerns are the lens's softness when capturing close-up subjects and GoPro's overall struggles with low-light performance, where the anamorphic lens is most enjoyable.

The release of the anamorphic lens mod marks a significant expansion of GoPro's creative capabilities, catering to the growing demand for high-quality, cinematic-style footage. With its competitive pricing and user-friendly design, the lens mod is poised to become a popular accessory among content creators and videographers.

As the action camera market continues to evolve, GoPro's commitment to innovation and creative freedom is likely to resonate with its loyal customer base. The anamorphic lens mod's availability is a testament to the company's dedication to providing users with the tools they need to push the boundaries of storytelling and visual expression.

With the anamorphic lens mod now available for purchase, GoPro enthusiasts and content creators can experiment with new cinematic styles and techniques, further blurring the lines between amateur and professional videography.