ultrawide

Ultrawide is a term used to describe imaging systems that have a broader horizontal field of view than standard widescreen formats. It is most commonly used to describe two related domains: displays with unusually wide aspect ratios and photographic or cinematic lenses with very wide fields of view.

In displays, ultrawide typically refers to aspect ratios wider than 16:9, commonly 21:9, with some models reaching 32:9 for even wider spans. Ultrawide monitors range from about 29 to 49 inches and can be flat or curved. Common resolutions include 2560x1080 and 3440x1440, with higher-density options such as 5120x1440 on larger models. Benefits include extended desktop space for multitasking and immersive gaming and film viewing; drawbacks include larger physical footprint, higher hardware demands, occasional letterboxing or stretched UI in 16:9 content, and compatibility issues with some apps and video content.

In photography and videography, ultrawide refers to lenses with very wide angles of view, typically 16–35mm equivalent on full-frame, with common ultrawide ranges around 14–24mm. These lenses enable expansive landscapes, architecture, and tight interiors. Distortion is a consideration; rectilinear ultrawides aim to keep straight lines straight, while fisheye ultrawides produce pronounced curvature. In addition, smartphone cameras increasingly include ultrawide modules to capture wide-angle scenes without moving.

Usage and terminology vary and are partly marketing-driven, but the core idea is a broader horizontal field of view than conventional wide formats, applied to both displays and imaging lenses.