Laowa teased its new Nanomorph 1.5X Anamorphic LF series that can cover the ARRI Alexa LF open gate sensor at IBC 2024. The lenses are now available to pre-order for $1,499 USD each.
Above you can see our interview from the show.
The new series consists of the following focal lengths:
- 32mm T2.9
- 42mm T2.9
- 55mm T2.9
- 85mm T2.9
The Nanomorph LF series offers more than full-format sensor coverage thanks to the large image circle (Ø44.71mm) reducing vignetting for improved image quality. This coverage will enable cinematographers to fully exploit the capabilities with a standard camera such as ARRI Alexa LF 4.5K Open Gate and get the maximum resolution.
With a 1.5x squeeze ratio, you will achieve a 2.66:1 aspect ratio on a 16:9 sensor after de-squeezing. Compared to a 1.33x anamorphic lens, the Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x Series delivers a much more pronounced anamorphic and cinematic look. With a 1.8x or 2x squeeze ratio, the size of the lens would also be significantly larger, and much of the image is wasted when paired with a 16:9 sensor.
Anamorphic lenses often exhibit significant distortion near the edges of the frame, making it challenging to position subjects or objects close to the frame’s borders. While this issue can be addressed in post-production, it often requires considerable effort and may not be fully correctable. The Nanomorph LF 1.5x Anamorphic Series offers improved edge distortion control, providing greater flexibility when composing shots across the entire frame.
Its interchangeable mount system allows users to switch between mounts, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of cameras. The lenses come with a default ARRI PL mount. Additionally, optional bayonets are available for purchase:
- PL
- Canon EF
- Canon RF
- Sony E
- Nikon Z
- DJI DL
- Leica L
Each lens weighs around 1kg / 2.2 lb which makes them incredibly lightweight for full frame 1.5x anamorphic lenses.
| | WEIGHT |
| 32mm T2.9 | 1.07kg / 2.34 lb |
| 42mm T2.9 | 1.03kg / 2.27 lb |
| 55mm T2.9 | 907g / 2 lb |
| 85mm T2.9 | 922g / 2.03 lb |
Above you can see how much the focal lengths weigh.
| | OPTICAL CONSTRUCTION |
| 32mm T2.9 | 17 elements in 15 groups |
| 42mm T2.9 | 17 elements in 15 groups |
| 55mm T2.9 | 15 elements in 13 groups |
| 85mm T2.9 | 15 elements in 13 groups |
Above you can see what the optical construction of the lenses consists of. They all have an 80mm front diameter and a 77mm front filter diameter.
Shimming is often a time-consuming task during production. With the Nanomorph LF series, you can easily adjust the back focus and calibrate your lens on-site, thanks to its built-in back-focus mechanism.
The series is available in blue, silver, and amber versions.
These very much look to be somewhat based on the existing Nanomorph 1.5X Anamorphic S35 lenses. That series consists of:
- 27mm T2.8
- 35mm T2.4
- 50mm T2.4
- 65mm T2.4
- 80mm T2.4
Pricing & Availability
The series is now available for pre-order through authorized Laowa retailers. In the US, the Laowa Nanomorph LF 1.5x Anamorphic lenses are priced at $1,499 USD each or $5,399 USD for a 4-lens set.
