The Split Diopter is a specialized optical tool that allows cinematographers to achieve 'Deep Focus' by placing a half-lens over the primary lens, effectively creating two distinct focal planes in a single frame.
| Available Sizes | 77mm, 82mm, and 4x5.65" (Matte Box compatible). |
| Diopter Strengths | +0.5, +1, +2, +3. |
| Material | High-grade optical glass with anodized aluminum housing. |
| Filter Type | Special Effects / Diopter. |
It is used to keep both a very close foreground subject and a distant background subject in sharp focus at the same time, which is normally impossible with standard lens physics.
The 'split' line is best hidden by aligning it with a natural vertical or horizontal edge in the scene, such as a pillar, wall, or tree, and using a wider aperture to blur the transition.
While it works, the split line becomes much more noticeable on wide-angle lenses. It is most effective on focal lengths of 35mm or longer.