Freewell 1.55x Neutral Streak Anamorphic Lens for 17mm Mount

In this review the Freewell 1.55x Neutral Streak Anamorphic Lens is assessed for mobile filmmakers who want a simple way to get cinematic widescreen looks from an iPhone or Samsung with a 17mm threaded mount. The bottom line: this lens delivers a pleasing oval bokeh and unmistakable neutral streak highlights while being very easy to install, making it a practical choice for creators who value image character without complex rigs. Installation and alignment are particularly straightforward, which is the main reason a mobile shooter would pick this up.

Key Features

• Effortless Installation: Threads into any compatible 17mm mount for a secure connection to the 1x main camera without special adapters.
• Neutral Streak Effect: Produces artistic horizontal streaks in highlights to introduce cinematic flair in night and backlit scenes.
• 1.55x Anamorphic Stretch: Expands the horizontal field of view for widescreen compositions that desqueeze cleanly in post.
• Built-in Level Gauge: Helps achieve professional horizontal alignment so shots avoid unwanted tilt and skew.
• Smooth Oval Bokeh: Renders soft, oval highlights that complement the streaks and help subjects stand out from backgrounds.
• Desqueeze Friendly: Compatible with common software workflows like Blackmagic Camera for straightforward post processing.

Who It's For

The lens is aimed at mobile videographers and social filmmakers who already use a 17mm threaded smartphone mount and want an affordable way to add anamorphic character. It is ideal for creators shooting narrative scenes, city nightscapes, or interviews where cinematic visuals and streak highlights improve production value.

Those who should look elsewhere include photographers seeking extreme optical precision for stills or users without a 17mm mount option, since the accessory requires a compatible case or rig and is optimized for video desqueezing rather than raw still-image performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Delivers distinctive neutral streaks and soft oval bokeh that elevate everyday footage.
• Simple threading installation keeps the lens securely attached to the 1x main camera.
• Built-in level gauge makes alignment faster and more consistent for handheld shoots.
• Plays well with desqueeze workflows in common mobile cinema apps.

Cons

• Some users report mixed functionality and occasional lens rotation that can knock alignment out of place.
• Requires a 17mm mount on the phone case or rig, so it is not universal without adapters.

Specifications

Model	1.55x Neutral Streak Anamorphic Lens
Mount Compatibility	17mm threaded mount for iPhone and Samsung
Stretch Factor	1.55x anamorphic
Primary Effect	Neutral streak highlights and oval bokeh
Alignment Aid	Built-in level gauge
Intended Use	Mobile videography with desqueeze workflow

Our Verdict

The Freewell 1.55x Neutral Streak Anamorphic Lens is a solid choice for mobile filmmakers who want an easy, reliable way to add anamorphic character to footage without heavy rigs. It offers good image quality, pleasing bokeh, and a useful streak effect, and when used with a 17mm mount and desqueeze software it represents strong value for creators focused on cinematic video rather than stills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this lens work on any smartphone?
It works with smartphones that can accept a 17mm threaded mount on the case or rig and is designed for use on the 1x main camera.

Do I need special software to desqueeze images?
You should use video software or camera apps that support anamorphic desqueeze, such as Blackmagic Camera, to restore the correct widescreen aspect.

Is alignment difficult?
The built-in level gauge simplifies horizontal alignment, but a few users noted possible rotation issues that can move the lens during use, so check alignment periodically.