2X front scope anamorphic that can zoom, is affordable, lightweight, portable and has a close working distance? The Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Zoom Series is exactly this. A new star to steal the show in the Super35 Cine world.
This 2-lens set spans 26-85mm at T2.9 and delivers classic but well controlled 2X anamorphic character.
Key Specifications
- Lens Mount(s): Arri PL (interchangeable EF mount included)
- Sensor Coverage: Super35 / APS-C
- Image Circle Ø: 31.9mm / 1.26"
- Available Focal Lengths: 26-45mm & 45-85mm
- Maximum Aperture: T2.9 (constant for both lenses)
- Unique Flare Colour Options: Blue, Amber or Silver
- Front Anamorphic 2X Squeeze Ratio
- Minimum Focus Distance:
- 26-45mm: 50cm / 19.7"
- 45-85mm: 90cm / 35.43"
- 26-45mm: 50cm / 19.7"
- Geared Focus & Aperture Rings: 0.8mm pitch
- Unified Housing Diameter: 80mm
- Unified Filter Thread: 77mm
- Focus Throw: 270º
- Weight:
- 26-45mm: 1533g / 3.38lbs
- 45-85mm: 1495g / 3.3lbs
- 26-45mm: 1533g / 3.38lbs
- Imperial Focus Scale Markings
** Optional adapter for Full-Frame compatibility: Laowa 1.4x FF Expander - available via special import request **
** Metric focus scale option only available via special import request **
Unlike other anamorphic zooms, which rely on heavy anamorphic attachments, these lenses feature integrated front anamorphic squeeze throughout their zoom range. This approach maintains consistent optical performance while achieving unprecedented size reduction—averaging just 1.5kg and 19cm in length, making them the lightest 2X anamorphic zoom lenses available for Super35 sensors.
Each lens delivers authentic anamorphic characteristics despite its compact dimensions. The constant 2X squeeze ratio creates classic widescreen composition with distinctive oval bokeh and organic focus roll-off. Three flare options (Blue, Amber, and Silver) provide creative flexibility for establishing visual tone. If the Silver flare option is chosen, the lens will flare in the colour of the light source.
A bright T2.9 maximum aperture as well as focus accuracy is guaranteed throughout the 3.2x zoom range in this parfocal design. Both lenses share identical gear positions, filter threads, and outer diameters, streamlining accessory compatibility and lens changes.
The built-in back focus adjustment mechanism eliminates time-consuming calibration procedures, while the extended 270-degree focus throw provides precise control for critical focus work. Despite their compact size, these lenses maintain excellent close focusing capability down to 50cm, enabling intimate framing options while preserving their signature anamorphic look.
Notable features include
- Lightest and most compact 2X front anamorphic S35 zooms available
- Comprehensive 3.2X zoom range across the two-lens set
- Constant T2.9 max aperture throughout zoom range
- Three distinctive flare options (Blue, Amber, Silver)
- Authentic oval bokeh and organic focus roll-off
- Parfocal performance with minimal breathing
- Exceptionally close 50cm minimum focus capability
- Unified housing dimensions and gear positioning
- Built-in back focus adjustment mechanism
Whatever the shooting environment, these lenses deliver distinctive aesthetics of 2X anamorphics in a modern approach while maintaining mobility and efficiency. Their efficient design and accessible price point bring professional anamorphic zoom capabilities within reach of productions at all levels.
Credits: Gian Carlo Stigliano, Taylor Edwards, Nikolas Moldenhauer, Ed Prosser, Kola Bello, Thomas English, Patrick Tomasso
The Lightest & Most Compact 2X Anamorphic Zooms
Credits to Taylor Edwards
Designed with cinematographers in mind, the Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series (26-45mm & 45-85mm T2.9 Lens) stands out for its exceptional portability. Weighing approximately 1.5kg (3.3lbs) and measuring 19cm (7.48″) in length, it offers a remarkably compact form factor. This lightweight design minimizes payload, enhancing mobility on set and enabling seamless transitions between scenes. Among comparable 2x anamorphic zoom lenses, it stands as the most compact front anamorphic option available, delivering both convenience and professional performance.
Over 3x Zoom Range Across 2 lenses (26-85mm)
The Proteus Zoom Series delivers a versatile 3.27x zoom range (26mm to 85mm), making it ideal for diverse shooting scenarios. These lenses maintain sharp focus throughout the zoom range, enabling cinematographers to execute dynamic techniques such as crash zooms and dolly zooms with precision. All this is achieved while preserving the distinctive 2x anamorphic squeeze, ensuring the signature cinematic look remains intact.
Parfocal Design
Subject stays focused when adjusting the focal range, thanks to the parfocal design.
Expressive Anamorphic Look
The Proteus Zoom Series inherited the unique 2x anamorphic look from its sister lens series – Proteus Prime Series. So now you can shoot anamorphic with the added portability and versatility.
Organic Focus Roll-off
Filmmakers often seek an organic focus roll-off to create a more aesthetically pleasing viewing experience for the audience. Designed to deliver a smooth and natural transition from focused to out-of-focus areas, the lenses can create the beloved elliptical bokeh with a shallow depth of field.
3 Flare Colors
The Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series offers a range of classic sci-fi Blue, warm and elegant Amber, and neutral Silver flare color options. Cinematographers can choose the flare colors that best suit the desired mood and tone of their scenes. The silver flare version adapts its colors based on the light source, providing a versatile flare effect.
Elliptical 2X Bokeh
Smooth and natural transition from focused to out-of-focus areas, creating the beloved elliptical bokeh with an aesthetically shallow depth of field.
Constant 2x Squeeze
The Laowa Proteus Zooms maintain a constant 2x squeeze ratio, delivering the iconic widescreen anamorphic look sought after in cinema. Optimized for 4:3 and 6:5 sensors—common in professional cinema cameras—they produce a 2.66:1 or 2.4:1 image after de-squeezing. Filmmakers can use the full image or crop to the industry-standard 2.39:1 aspect ratio with minimal resolution loss, ensuring maximum flexibility in post-production.
Min. Focusing Capability up to 50cm/1'7″
Credits to Media Division
Compatible with 1.4X Expander
When using with the Laowa 1.4X Full-frame Expander, both 26-45mm and 45-85mm T2.9 lenses can cover full-frame sensors and deliver stunning image quality.
Sensor Coverage
The Proteus zoom lenses have an image circle of Ø31.9mm, seamlessly support the usage of cameras such as RED V-Raptor in 7K 6:5 format and Alexa 35 in Open Gate 6:5 crop format.
Ergonomic & Intelligent Cine Housing
77mm Filter Thread – Allowing attachment of filters and step-up rings for matte box accessories.
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.
Visual Demo
"The Ride" – Sony Venice with Laowa Proteus Anamorphic Zooms
Gian Carlo Stigliano
REVIEWS
SPECIFICATIONS
| Series Name | Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Zoom Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 26-45mm | 45-85mm |
| Aperture Range | T2.9-22 | |
| Format | Super 35 | |
| Image Circle Diameter | Ø31.9mm | |
| Angle of View | 26mm: 89.8°x45.1° / 45mm: 59.9°x27° | 45mm: 59.9°x27° / 85mm: 33.9°x14.5° |
| Lens Structure | 21 elements in 15 groups | 20 elements in 14 groups |
| Aperture Blades | 11 blades | |
| Focus Throw | 270° | |
| Zoom Throw | 100° | |
| Aperture Throw | 42° | |
| Min. Focusing Distance | 50cm/1'7" | 90cm/2'11" |
| Focus Indicator | Metric / Imperial | |
| In-focus Driving Mode | Manual (MF) | |
| Gear Mod | 0.8M | |
| Dimensions for Filter Thread | Ø77mm | |
| Front Diameter | Ø80mm | |
| Dimensions | Ø84.8mm*189.5mm / Ø3.34"x7.46" | Ø84.8mm*193.5mm / Ø3.34"x7.6" |
| Weight | ~1533g/3.38lbs | ~1495g/3.30lbs |
| Mounts | ARRI PL | |
| Optional Interchangeable Mount (Bayonets Only): |
Canon EF (Included in the package), Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, L mount | |
11X Full Frame Zoom range
11X Full Frame Zoom range
immersive storytelling at every scale
immersive storytelling at every scale
Triple perspective ♦ Triple production
Triple perspective ♦ Triple production
One lens, 4 signature flares
One lens, 4 signature flares
Vista Vision ▼ Zero Distortion
Vista Vision ▼ Zero Distortion
Crafted with 20+ years of expertise by industry veterans and photography enthusiasts in our Hefei manufacturing facility
Crafted with 20+ years of expertise by industry veterans and photography enthusiasts in our Hefei manufacturing facility
