Venus Optic’s Laowa-branded lenses have innovated been innovators in the anamorphic space for years, and their new line of Proteus 2x Anamorphic T2.9 Zoom Lenses, consisting of 26-45mm and 45-85mm lenses at launch, represents an exciting step forward. Laowa promises these PL-mount lenses exhibit minimal focus breathing, impressive sharpness even when wide open, and excellent parfocal abilities, a must for cine zooms. Each lens weighs just over 3.3 lb, is about 7.5” long, and has a minimum focus distance of 1’7” for the 26-45mm and 2’11” for the 45-85mm.
The Proteus lenses will only cover sensors that are Super35-sized or smaller, but that trade-off is necessary to keep them so compact, and they are compatible with the Laowa 1.4x Full-Frame Expander. Their zoom range can save time and money on-set by allowing for quick focal length changes, and their 2x squeeze factor can produce super widescreen images with organic focus roll-off and distinctive oval bokeh. These new Proteus zooms pair well with the existing Proteus Prime series, which actually has a bit less range on the wide end but goes further on the telephoto side with the 100mm T2.
The relatively small size of the Proteus zooms means they can work on certain gimbal and drone set-ups, though likely ones that sit more on the professional tier than the prosumer end. The anamorphic zoom market is still relatively small, but the Proteus zooms do have the distinction of being the lightest offerings available with a 2x squeeze factor and true front anamorphic elements instead of rear adapters.
Other key specs include 77mm filter threads, an 80mm front diameter, 270° focus throw, a 31.9mm image circle, and a back focus adjustment mechanism that will be handy when using the optional RF, E, Z, and L-mount bayonet converters. The lenses are available with “sci-fi blue, elegant amber, and neutral silver” flares, and can be purchased in a 2-lens bundle or individually. Both versions come with a protective case and a Canon EF interchangeable bayonet if you want to swap the native PL mount for EF.
For more information about the new Proteus anamorphic zooms, including features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages.
