Laowa has unveiled their latest anamorphic offering, the Proteus Flex Series, which introduces a new level of flexibility with interchangeable flare modules. As I sat down to write about this new series, I took a trip through The Cine Lens Archive to see what I had written about the original Proteus lenses. To my surprise, I never published anything on that launch—so I’m making sure not to miss the opportunity this time. The Proteus Flex series offers a unique combination of modular design and high-end performance, and it’s certainly a step forward for cinematographers seeking versatile anamorphic tools.
Interchangeable Flares: Practical Customization for Every Production
The Proteus Flex introduces four user-interchangeable flare modules—Blue, Amber, Silver, and the new Clear flare—which provide an impressive level of customization. The Clear flare in particular minimizes horizontal flaring for a cleaner, more refined look, which is a great option for projects where you want the anamorphic stretch without the distraction of heavy flare effects. This flexibility allows filmmakers to achieve various stylistic looks without needing multiple sets of lenses.
The quick and easy flare swapping, which takes about 10 minutes with no need for optical recalibration according to Laowa (we’ll see about that), is a practical feature that could save time for rental house technicians. Some of Laowa’s press material implies this is a swap that can be done on-set, but as a lens technician I’d probably advise against that in most situations.
Optical Performance: Solid and Reliable
The optical formula of the Proteus Flex series remains practically the same as the original Proteus anamorphic primes and covers six focal lengths—28mm, 35mm, 45mm, 60mm, 85mm, and 100mm—with a T2 aperture across the range, making it a versatile tool for a variety of shooting conditions. The constant 2X squeeze ratio ensures that signature widescreen anamorphic look that filmmakers love, and the series covers Super35 with full-frame capability via a 1.4X extender.
With a 300° focus throw and low focus breathing, the series is clearly designed for smooth, precise focus adjustments, which is essential for maintaining sharp, steady compositions during complex shots. The smooth bokeh and overall optical sharpness are other highlights that make this series stand out in practical use.
Here’s a breakdown of some key specs:
- Aperture Range: T2–22
- Front Diameter: 114mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: From 48cm on the 28mm to 99cm on the 100mm
- Weight: 2.3kg to 2.95kg depending on focal length
- Mounts: ARRI PL (default) and interchangeable Canon EF option
Lens Tuning: A Growing Trend
Customization in lenses has become increasingly popular, and Laowa is tapping into this trend with their interchangeable flare system. Filmmakers today are often looking to create unique, stylized looks, whether through lens tuning, vintage lenses, or customized modifications. The Proteus Flex allows for some of that flexibility right out of the box, offering a range of visual possibilities without needing to invest in multiple sets of lenses.
While Laowa’s system is convenient, there are still times when more specialized lens tuning is required to bring out a lens’s full potential or to achieve a more distinctive look. At Duclos Lenses, we’ve worked on a variety of tuning and modification projects for filmmakers who want to enhance a lens’s unique character, and it’s clear that demand for these services is on the rise.
Who Should Consider the Proteus Flex Series?
The Proteus Flex lenses are positioned as high-end anamorphic tools, with a price of $9,999 per lens or $24,999 for a three-lens set. For rental houses, the ability to offer four different flare options from a single lens set is a compelling value proposition, allowing them to cater to a wide range of creative demands without stocking multiple sets of lenses.
For individual filmmakers, the decision will come down to whether this modular design meets their needs. The Proteus Flex series offers strong optical performance, flexibility, and ease of use, which makes it a solid investment for those looking to add high-quality anamorphic capabilities to their kit. Whether you’re shooting narrative features, music videos, or commercials, these lenses can adapt to different visual styles quickly and efficiently.
Final Thoughts: A Versatile Addition to Any Cinematographer’s Toolkit
Laowa has taken a thoughtful approach with the Proteus Flex Series, offering practical flexibility with their interchangeable flare modules and strong optical performance across a range of focal lengths. This modular design is particularly appealing for rental houses and productions that need to switch between looks on the fly, but it’s also a versatile option for cinematographers who want more control over the visual style of their anamorphic shots.
The Proteus Flex doesn’t reinvent the anamorphic wheel, but it offers smart, well-executed features that make it a valuable tool for any cinematographer looking for flexibility, quality, and ease of use. With its sharp optics, smooth bokeh, and user-friendly cine housing, this series is definitely one to consider for your next project.