Laowa has announced four more focal lengths in the Proteus 2X anamorphic lens series on top of the existing focal length. The new lenses in the series are the 20mm T2, 28mm T2, 100mm T2.1 and 135mm T2
The Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic series now consists of the following lenses:
- 20mm T2*
- 28mm T2
- 35mm T2
- 45mm T2
- 60mm T2
- 85mm T2
- 100m T2
- 135mm T2*
The lenses cover Super 35 sensors. The new focal lengths are expected to be ready to ship in late 2023.
*We are unsure at this stage if the 20mm and 135mm are T2.
We first saw a prototype of one of the lenses at Interbee 2022 in Japan.
According to Laowa, the Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series was designed to be the most accessible professional anamorphic lens for Super35 sensors that features a constant 2X squeeze ratio. The Proteus Series is said to exhibit classic anamorphic characters with modern image quality.
The lenses will cover an image circle diameter of 25.92mm x 21.6mm.
The 35 and 45mm have a minimum focusing distance of 21.6″ / 54.9cm. They are claimed to feature smooth elliptical bokeh and signature flares including blue, amber, and silver options.
The lenses are available in PL mount, but they also come with a user interchangeable EF mount.
Key features
- Patented anamorphic design
- Constant 2X squeeze ratio
- T2 Large Aperture
- Outstanding sharpness
- Close focusing distance
- Pleasant oval bokeh
- Amber, blue & silver flare colors
- Low Focus-breathing
- User-friendly cine housing
- Full-frame coverage with 1.4X expander
Size & Weight
The Proteus lenses are not lightweight and compact lenses. They have the following weights:
| WEIGHT | |
| 35mm | 2.4kg / 5.29 lbs |
| 45mm | 2.4kg / 5.29 lbs |
| 60mm | 2.3kg / 5.07 lbs |
| 85mm | 2.95 kg / 6.5 lbs |
Anamorphic Design
Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series adapted a front anamorphic design for a robust optical composition. It can deliver the image sharpness of modern quality while retaining the vintage look of anamorphic characteristics including elliptical bokeh and signature flares.
Constant 2X squeeze ratio
The 2X squeeze ratio allows you to create the classic wide-screen anamorphic look and it pairs well with 4:3 or 6:5 sensors which are usually defaulted in professional cinema cameras to deliver a 2.66:1 or 2.4:1 image after de-squeeze. You can also crop to a 2.39:1 with minimal loss of resolution.
With the optical design, the 2X squeeze ratio can be achieved at any focus distance. Laowa also states that the lenses maintain the relative shape of the object and avoid anamorphic mumps.
The iris ranges from T2 to T22 for the entire series.
According to Laowa, the optical performance has been fine-tuned to deliver excellent color rendition and contrast.
Close Focus
The Laowa Proteus Series has a minimum focusing distance of 55cm (1.8 feet). This is fairly close for a 2x anamorphic lens.
Flare Options
As I mentioned earlier, the lenses are available in either blue, amber, or neutral silver flare color options. If you are looking for something with a more neutral flare then the silver flare option will change color according to the light source.
Other Features
All of the lenses feature unified gear positions so that they can be switched quickly between focal lengths to work with the same set of gears.
They also all have a Back focus Adjustment Mechanism so that you calibrate the back focus with the lens mounted on the camera directly without going through a tedious shimming process.
The lenses feature a Ø 114mm outer diameter and a Ø 105mm filter thread.
Price & Availability
The Proteus 2x anamorphic lenses retail for $4,999 USD each and a 2-lens set is $9,499 USD.
For those who have already pre-ordered the existing focal lengths, the shipping will begin in May this year. Currently, the deposit amount for the Proteus Series is $600 USD for a single lens, $1,200 USD for set A (35mm and 60mm) and set B (45mm and 85mm), $2,400 USD for a full set. There is a #ProteusOnSet cash rebate program of $1,200 USD for the first 100 sets of customers with successful submissions. According to Laowa, the first 100 sets were sold out quickly and they decided to extend the cash rebate program for more customers to enroll. They are pleased to announce that every customer who has purchased a set before 30th April will be entitled to join and submit their short film and BTS for the cash rebate.
