Venus Optics has just announced the Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series. The goal here was to create top-notch 2X anamorphic glass for professional use and to compete with other high-quality anamorphic glass, like the Atlas Mercury series. Was the mission accomplished? Read on.

Breaking into the professional anamorphic market

As stated by Venus Optics: “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”.

Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series

Venus Optics introduces the Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series for Super 35 sensors. Just half a year ago, Laowa launched the world’s smallest anamorphic lenses – Nanomorphs. “Following the huge breakthrough in the anamorphic world, the Proteus Series is their substantial step to exemplify the classic anamorphic characters with modern image quality for professional productions and filmmaking” Venus Optics states.

Focal lengths: 35mm, 45mm, 60mm, and 85mm

The Proteus comes in 35mm, 45mm, 60mm, and 85mm featuring a universal T2 aperture. Built with optimized optical design and reliable anamorphic glass, the lenses are able to create sharp close-ups shots at a 1.8 feet distance, smooth elliptical bokeh, and signature flares including blue, amber, and silver options. PL mount in default and an interchangeable EF bayonet is included in the package. A hard case is included. Imperial / Metric versions are available. The Proteus lens is selling at $4,999 each and a 2-lens set price for $9,499. All details are below:

These are the key features of the Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic lenses:

• Patented anamorphic design
• Constant 2X squeeze ratio
• T2 Large Aperture
• Outstanding sharpness
• Close focusing distance
• Pleasant oval bokeh
• Amber, blue & silver flare colors
• Low Focus-breathing
• User-friendly cine housing
• Full-frame coverage with 1.4X expander

Patented Anamorphic Design

Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series adapted 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

Laowa Proteus Series is 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 it to a 2.39:1 with minimal loss of resolution. As mentioned by Laowa: “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”.

T2 Large Aperture

The iris ranges from T2 to T22 for the entire series, supporting filming in all light conditions and dynamic on-set needs. According to 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

Laowa Proteus Series has a minimum focusing distance of 55cm (1.8 feet), super close-up shots can be easily captured, cinematographers can have more variety in framing for storytelling. Also, the close-up shots usually generate a shallower depth of field to the image, which adds aesthetic and cinematic vibes to the frame.

Pleasant oval 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.  Furthermore, the lenses have the option of amber, blue, and silver flare colors. This means they come 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.

User-friendly cine housing

Built with modern convenience, all Proteus lenses have a wide array of tailored cine features to support demanding production needs and efficiently pair with other cine gears.

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 Alexa 35. Furthermore, for full full-frame coverage, you can use the 1.4x Full Frame Expander that is tailor-made for the OOOM to expand the coverage from Super35 into full-frame without affecting its image quality. There will be a 1-stop light down and 1.4x impact on the focal range, making OOOM a 35-140mm T4 lens. A quick switch button is designed on the OOOM to allow easy conversion of focal length & t-stop scale.

Pricing & Availability

Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics’ official website and authorized resellers (Explore the Product List at the end of the article). The US price for Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series is USD4,999 each and USD9,499 for a 2-lens set (Set A: 35mm&60mm and Set B: 45mm&85mm). 

Test footage

Here’s all the test footage available shot on the Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series:

What do you think about the footage? Is it worth the price? Can the Proteus be compared to the Mercury?