Description
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
Outstanding Sharpness
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.
300° Focus Throw – Support a finer and more accurate degree of change in focal distance.
Lens Support – Included in the package.
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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