Venus Optics Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic 85mm T2 Lens (PL/EF, Feet, Blue Flare) Review

The Laowa Proteus series is Venus Optics' confident and impressive push into the professional anamorphic market. These lenses are not dabbling. They are serious filmmaking tools designed to deliver the coveted 2x squeeze factor sought by cinematographers for a classic widescreen look. The 85mm T2, like its siblings in the Proteus line, produces beautiful anamorphic characteristics, from distinct oval bokeh to the signature horizontal flares, which are available in blue, amber, or silver options to suit the project's mood. The optical performance consistently punches above its weight, delivering sharp, pleasing images that have genuinely impressed industry professionals.

Built specifically for the Super35 format, the Proteus lenses are a fantastic match for a huge range of digital cinema cameras. Their relatively compact and lightweight construction is a significant practical advantage for smaller crews and more dynamic shooting styles. These are professional tools, and they come with professional considerations. Users should be prepared for the possibility of making technical adjustments, such as calibrating the back focus, to get perfect results. While the series is still expanding, the existing primes and zooms represent a remarkably capable and valuable option for productions seeking authentic anamorphic quality without the stratospheric rental costs of legacy brands.