In the context of film or video, "fall off" refers to the way the focus transitions from sharpness to blur in areas that are out of focus. When a camera lens or cinematography technique produces a greater fall off, it means that the transition from focused to unfocused areas is more pronounced or rapid.
By using a specific method or stepping up to higher-grade equipment, you can achieve a greater fall off in the unfocused areas of the image. This can result in a more pronounced blurring effect, creating a softer, dreamy, or visually pleasing aesthetic commonly associated with the "cinematic" look.
author, Glenn D. Cunanan