What is Chromatic Aberration? Definition & Examples

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Published: February 12, 2024 | Last Updated: May 21, 2025

The two primary types of chromatic aberration and their colors

There are typically two types of chromatic aberration, and the colors differ slightly between them:

1. Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration (LoCA) – This type of aberration creates color fringing around objects both in and out of focus. You’ll often see red, green, and magenta fringing, especially in areas with high contrast, like tree branches against a bright sky.
2. Lateral Chromatic Aberration (LaCA) – This occurs around the edges of the frame and usually appears as blue and purple fringing. It’s most noticeable when you zoom in and look at high-contrast edges, like buildings against a bright background.

Purple fringing is particularly noticeable because the shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are more prone to separation in typical lens designs.

Modern lenses often incorporate special glass elements like Extra-low Dispersion (ED), Ultra-low Dispersion (UD), or Fluorite elements to reduce chromatic aberration. Also, stopping down the aperture slightly can help minimize this effect.

What to do about Chromatic Aberration

Chromatic aberration can be corrected in post-production using software like Adobe Lightroom, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve for digital photography and cinematography.

While chromatic aberration is often seen as a flaw, some cinematographers intentionally use it to create a surreal or dreamlike effect. Films that aim for a vintage or experimental aesthetic may leave chromatic aberration uncorrected, embracing its imperfections for stylistic purposes.

Use Chromatic Aberration Creatively

A notable example of intentional chromatic aberration can be found in Annihilation (2018, Paramount Pictures), where the effect is used to heighten the sense of otherworldliness in the “Shimmer.” The subtle color fringing adds to the surreal distortion of reality, making the environment feel both beautiful and unsettling.

But it wasn’t just about lens choice. The production team took it further in post. They broke down the lens flares and aberrations, expanding them and integrating the elements back into the visual effects during grading. This gave the Shimmer its distinct prismatic look, stretching colors in ways that feel both alien and unsettling.

So, the chromatic aberration effect you see in Annihilation isn’t purely optical. It’s a mix of practical lens work and precise post-production, layered to create that otherworldly vibe.

Summing Up

Chromatic aberration is both a technical challenge and a stylistic choice in cinematography. Understanding how it works and when to use or minimize it can affect a film’s visual quality and mood. With modern technology, it’s easier than ever to control, but sometimes, leaving it untouched can add a layer of authenticity and atmosphere to your shots.