Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Lens Series

[NEW 28 & 100mm are now available!] 

The Laowa Proteus Series is the latest and the most accessible professional anamorphic series for Super 35 sensors with a 2X constant squeeze ratio. This series comes in 8 focal lengths (28 /35 /45 /60 /85 /100 ready to order, 20 / 135 due Early 2025) and features a universal T2 aperture, delivering excellent image quality and consistent classic anamorphic characteristics including elliptical bokeh and signature flares with blue, amber and silver options.

It supports close-up shots with a 55cm minimum focusing distance and offers modern conveniences to meet dynamic on-set needs.

PL mount in default, an interchangeable EF bayonet is included in the package. A hard case is included. 6-lens set will be delivered in 3 hard cases.

The scale of this lens is Imperial.

How to use manual Laowa lenses on your camera?
->Read the FAQ.

Estimate Delivery Time is 6-8 weeks.
All orders are final sale, non-returnable and non-refundable.


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Description

Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Lens Series

Proteus 2X Series Showreel Featuring 28&100mm

“Seek & Hide”, a short film directed by Antonio Negret and shot by Armando Salas, ASC, with the entire Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series. Check out the video below how Antonio and Armando demonstrated the full character of the Proteus lenses.

Classic Anamorphic x Modern Quality

For the last 2 years, we have been working closely with cinematographers and taking their opinions seriously. We are able to adapt state-of-the-art technology, to provide classic anamorphic characters with remarkable image quality. 

Regardless of the resolution or aspect ratio, the Laowa Proteus series can always support any kind of cinematic production.    

Patented Anamorphic Design

Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series adopted 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

Delicately designed with a constant 2X squeeze ratio to exemplify the classic wide-screen anamorphic look for cinema use. It works comfortably 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. Cinematographers and filmmakers can use the footage entirely or crop to a 2.39:1 with minimal loss of resolution.

With the precision in optical design, the 2X squeeze ratio can be achieved in any focus distance, maintaining the relative shape of the object and avoiding anamorphic mumps. 

Large Aperture

The iris ranges from T2 to T22 for the entire series, supporting filming in all light conditions and satisfying dynamic on-set needs. Ravishing shallow depth of field can be created at a large aperture and the lenses can render organic waterfall focus roll-off in the background, one of the distinct anamorphic characteristics that are wildly desired by the film industry.

Outstanding Sharpness

The optical performance is fine-tuned to deliver excellent color rendition and contrast. The Proteus Series can reproduce high image quality and sharpness even when shooting wide open, the chromatic aberration is also well-controlled.

Close Focusing Distance

Pleasant Bokeh

Compare to 1.5X or 1.8X Anamorphic lenses, the Proteus Series can create elliptical bokeh in the out-of-focus that are thinner and longer, providing a more prominently anamorphic look to the shots.

Amber, Silver & Blue Flare Options

Comes with a classic sci-fi blue, warm and elegant amber and neutral silver flare color options, cinematographers can choose the right flare color to set the tone for the film. The silver flare will change color according to the light source.

Low Focus Breathing

The Proteus lenses have a subtle change in the angle of view when the focusing distance is altered. It supports filmmakers to depict a scene by shifting the focus between subjects.

Sensor Coverage

Having a super 35+ sensor coverage and can 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.

Work Proteus with Ease

Unified Gear Position — All Proteus lenses can be switched quickly between focal lengths to work with the same set of gears.

Back focus Adjustment Mechanism – Calibrating the back focus with the lens mounted on the camera directly without going through a tedious shimming process.

0.8 Mod Gear – For both aperture and focus gear to work with the pitching.

300° Focus Throw – Support a finer and more accurate degree of change in focal distance.

Lens Support – Included in the package.

 
Ø 114mm Outer Diameter & Ø 105mm Filter Thread – Designed to accommodate common matte box or filters.
 


“Shooting with the Proteus for the first time I was impressed by their optical and mechanical performance. They were a perfect match for the Alexa 35 covering 2.39:1 in open gate, even the 28mm at a T2. The image characteristics were consistent across the set and I could shoot into bright sources while maintaining good contrast. This allowed my lighting to dictate the overall characteristics of the image without fighting the lens. We included several long focus racks and I was impressed by the lack of distracting lens breathing and magnification changes that are typical of many anamorphic lenses.

The Proteus are also unique in that they have a distinct flare combined with minimal veiling glare, allowing for greater control. Further, they perform like modern lenses while being gentle and pleasing on skin tones.”

Armando Salas, ASC

“When projected, the Proteus lens produces incredibly sharp images with superb contrast. The captured images have vivid colors with a painterly bokeh.

In addition, the focus transition is velvety and natural. Finally, the flare characteristics are nuanced but not muted. As a result, it has considerably more character than other optics of a similar price range.

Overall, the Proteus will impress you!”

David Jean Schweitzer, S.O.C

“Laowa have made a serious entry to the anamorphic world with these lenses.

Being able to shoot wide open at T2 with the Proteus is a great test of its sharpness and performance at 7K 6:5 2X on the RED V-RAPTOR.”

James Tonkin, Cinematographer

“The proteus has beautiful vintage character wide open while maintaining sharpness. Let a little light in and the most incredible horizontal and vertical flares take shape. I especially like the amber coating.”

Justin Jones, Director of Photography

“I think this is a really nice anamorphic line-up.

I was very impressed with the close focus distance, which made it easier to get detailed close-ups of nature and people.

They are built like tanks, having robust bodies with smooth focus and aperture rings.

And they are really good wide open at T2.0 with nice oval bokeh.”

Kristoffer Davidsson, Cinematographer

“Having only 45mm at my disposal, I’ve managed to shoot a whole music promo with it. The close focus distance 1.8 ft allowed me to get right into the action without worrying about diopters.

The silver coating meant that I had full customization of the flare, meaning I just had to adjust the colour or gel of the light and it would create the preferred colour of the flare. It had nice characteristics, but they were subtle and not over the top. And last but not least,

I truly enjoyed working with a clean, almost-zero vignette lens; it allowed me to shoot in open gate mode without compromising on anything.”

Dima Kalenda, Cinematographer
 

News & Review

During InterBEE 2022, CineD chatted with Li Dayong from Laowa about the company’s upcoming new product, the Laowa Proteus 45mm 2X anamorphic lens.

This Laowa Proteus Lens Review features cinematic Proteus footage shot on ARRI Alexa Mini in 4k. See the head to head comparison with Atlas anamorphic lenses.

Get ready to meet “A Tomorrow’s Classic” on January 17, 2023, 9AM EST / 6AM PT. Stay tuned for the official release of the Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series. #LaowaProteus

Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Lens Test / Comparison to Atlas Orion Anamorphics – by Habibi Film Rentals

 


Technical Data