Laowa was showing its new 28mm and 100mm T2 2x anamorphic Proteus lenses at IBC 2023. The new 28mm and 100mm focal lengths join the existing 35mm, 45mm, 65mm, and 85mm in the series. They were also showing their very unique Proteus Flex system which allows you to swap out the rear optical blocks to change the color of the flare.
It is nice to see that Laowa has been able to keep a T2 aperture for the 28mm and 100m so that all of the lenses in the series are the same. The minimum focusing distance for the 28mm is 48cm / 18.89″ and for the 100mm, it is 99cm / 38.97″.
Both lenses deliver a constant 2X squeeze and render the same anamorphic characters with oval bokeh and natural focus falloff as the other lenses in the series. Laowa claims that the image quality and sharpness are also consistent across the focal lengths.
Laowa also was showing a sneak peek of its Proteus Flex system which is essentially a way of being able to change out the rear optical block of the Proteus lenses if you want to change the flare color. For rental houses, this is a big deal because they will be able to buy the Proteus Flex system so that customers will be able to choose what flare option they want to use. This saves the rental house from having to buy three sets of the lenses. Each Flex rear optical block also doesn’t require shimming and can be changed over by the user in around 5-10 minutes.
I reviewed the Laow Proteus 2x anamorphic lenses on the site recently and you can see that review here.
Having a super 35+ sensor coverage allows the lenses to cover up to 21.6mm sensor height. The entire series is compatible with some full-frame cameras and most Super 35 cameras, including the latest Arri Alexa 35.
Just like all of the existing lenses in the series, the 28mm and 100mm are available in different flare color options.
The Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Lenses will be showcased at Hall 12 Stand H56 in IBC Amsterdam from 15-18th of September 2023.
Pricing & Availability
The Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series lenses are $4,999 USD each and $9,499 USD for a 2-lens set (Set A: 35mm & 60mm and Set B: 45mm & 85mm).
The Proteus Flex system pricing hasn’t been announced.
