Camera
Lens Breathing Database
Reference of focus-breathing behaviour across common cine and photo lenses.
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use
- Search for a lens or filter by cine and photo.
- Read its breathing control rating, five dots is minimal.
- Sort the table to find the steadiest options.
Examples
- High-end cine primes show near-zero breathing, so focus pulls hold framing.
- Many fast photo primes breathe noticeably, which can distract on a slow pull.
- Vintage glass often breathes heavily, part of its character.
Frequently asked questions
What is focus breathing?
It is the slight change in framing as you rack focus, the image seems to zoom in or out. Cine lenses are designed to minimise it so pulls stay invisible.
When does breathing matter?
On visible focus pulls and on locked-off shots where a rack should not shift the frame. For run-and-gun work it matters far less.
Are the ratings exact?
They are a practical guide. Breathing varies by focal length and copy, so test a pull before the day if it is critical to the shot.
