Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series 80mm T2 Review
We've aggregated 14 high-signal reviews and 2 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series 80mm T2
Laowa continues its mission to make specialized optics accessible with the Proteus 2X Anamorphic series. The 80mm T2 model is a key part of this strategy, bringing sought-after 2x anamorphic compression to the independent and budget-conscious filmmaking market. These lenses deliver a genuine cinematic character that was once the exclusive domain of high-end rentals, successfully capturing the widescreen aesthetic without an astronomical budget. For filmmakers looking to own a true anamorphic set, the Proteus series represents a major and welcome disruption.
The optical performance punches well above its price class. The 80mm produces sharp, clean images with minimal chromatic aberration and well-controlled distortion, which is an impressive technical achievement. Aesthetically, it delivers exactly what cinematographers want from an anamorphic lens: beautiful oval bokeh and attractive, controllable flares. The mechanical construction is robust and professional, with the inclusion of user-interchangeable PL and EF mounts providing excellent versatility for working shooters. While some minor inconsistencies have been noted in the feel of the aperture rings across the set, this is a small critique in the face of such a strong overall value proposition.
- Delivers true 2x anamorphic character with authentic flares and oval bokeh
- Impressively sharp and clean optics with minimal distortion for the price
- Highly affordable compared to competing 2x anamorphic lenses
- Solid, professional-grade mechanical construction
- User-interchangeable PL and EF mounts add significant versatility
- Inconsistent resistance reported on aperture rings across the lens series
- Limited to Super35 sensor coverage
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
Best reviews
The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.
Video reviews
Editorial reviews
Venus Optics announced a new anamorphic lens series for full-frame cameras. The Laowa Sunlight 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom Series brings the anamorphic look from Laowa’s Proteus series to a broader audience and makes anamorphic filmmaking more accessible.
The newly announced Laowa PROTEUS 45mm cine lens is the first one in the 2x anamorphic series from Venus Optics. In the future, there will be 35mm, 60mm, and 85mm PROTEUS 2x anamorphic lenses all with T2 aperture and similar size and weight. The 45mm lens covers Super35 image sensors and comes with user-interchangeable EF and PL lens mount. It is supposed to be available by the end of 2022 / beginning of 2023. The price is unknown yet.
For 2x anamorphics, the Proteus series from Laowa are highly affordable. They are well-made and engineered, with consistent focus resistance, but the aperture rings show some inconsistency. The optics are sharp and clean, with minimal chromatic aberration and no geometric distortion. They create pleasant oval bokeh and attractive flaring with true 2x anamorphic character which is hard to achieve at this price point.
Laowa expands their anamorphic capabilities with the new Proteus 2x Anamorphic Series. This new set of lenses includes focal lengths of 35mm, 50mm, 80mm, and 135mm and come in either a PL or EF mount.
More than a year after first showing off its prototypes, Venus Optics has announced the release of its new Laowa 1.33x Rear Anamorphic Adapter and Laowa 1.4x Full Frame Expander, both of which are PL to PL adapters.
Community ratings
Real ratings from people who own the gear.
No written reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
About this product
The Venus Optics Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic 45 & 85mm T2 Lens Bundle includes 45mm and 85mm T2 2x anamorphic cinema lenses. Each lens captures high-definition video with 2x anamorphic squeeze on S35+ sensors. They feature interchangeable PL and EF lens mounts and amber color lens flares.
Specs
- Lens Mount
- Canon EF, ARRI PL
- Flare Color
- Amber
- Iris Blades
- 10
- Focal Length
- 45mm, 85mm
- Filter Thread
- 105 mm
- Aperture Range
- T2 to T22
- Front Diameter
- 114 mm
- Anamorphic Squeeze Ratio
- 2x
- Minimum Focus Distance 45mm
- 21.6"
- Minimum Focus Distance 85mm
- 32.3"
- Horizontal Field Of View 45mm
- 59.9°
- Horizontal Field Of View 85mm
- 33.9°
Where to buy
Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.
More Cine Lenses
Other gear in Cine Lenses, ranked by score.
More from Venus Optics
Other Venus Optics gear, ranked by score.
