“Seek & Hide” is a short film directed by Antonio Negret and shot by Armando Salas, ASC, with the entire Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series paired with the ARRI ALEXA 35. The goal was to demonstrate the full characters of the Proteus lenses on the most advanced Super 35 cinema camera. Check out the results below.
Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic
In January 2023 Venus Optics introduced its flagship anamorphic lenses for Super 35+ sensors. These lenses are titled Proteus 2X Anamorphic (great name BTW). The goal was to create top-notch 2X anamorphic glass for professional use and to compete with other quality anamorphic glass, like the Atlas Mercury series. The Proteus Anamorphics were developed for two years based on the feedback of professional cinematographers. The Proteus comes in 35mm, 45mm, 60mm, and 85mm featuring a universal T2 aperture (Recently, Venus Optics added 28mm and 100mm to the set). The Proteus is built with optimized optical design and reliable anamorphic glass and can create sharp close-up shots at a 1.8-foot distance, smooth elliptical bokeh, and signature flares including blue, amber, and silver options. PL mount in default, an interchangeable EF bayonet is included in the package. The Proteus lens is selling at $4,999 each and a 2-lens set price for $9,499. That’s a pretty affordable price for a glass that was designed to treat as top-notch anamorphic. Key features are:
- 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 and specialized features
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. 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. Furthermore, the Laowa Proteus Series has a minimum focusing distance of 55cm (1.8 feet). Additionally, compared 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. Moreover, the Proteus comes with a classic sci-fi blue, warm and elegant amber, and neutral silver flare color options, so 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.
Pairing the Proteus with ARRI 35
Having a Super 35+ sensor coverage that 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. That’s the reason a short film was shot to test how this glass performs when combined with the mighty ARRI ALEXA 35. “Seek & Hide” is a short film directed by Antonio Negret and shot by Armando Salas, ASC, with the entire Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series paired with the ARRI ALEXA 35. The goal was to demonstrate the full character of the Proteus lenses on the most advanced Super 35 cinema camera. If there’s a camera that can 100% utilize anamorphic glass, that would be the ARRI 35. And indeed, the results are very appealing. Watch “Seek & Hide” below:
And here’s the BTS:
Let us know what you think about the combination of the Proteus with the ARRI 35.
Product List
Here are the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Venus Optics Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic 45 & 85mm T2 Lens Bundle
Deals & Specials for filmmakers
Here are some updated and selected deals and specials for filmmakers offered by top dealers (B&H and Adorama).
- Deals & Specials – Digital Cinema Cameras on B&H
- Deals & Specials – Digital Cinema Cameras on Adorama
- Special gift for filmmakers
