Laowa, a house-hold name for a manufacturer of unique lenses has once again released something that promises to bring big screen worthy gear into the hands of the everyday filmmaker. Enter the Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zooms. Covering an almost 3x zoom range across the 26-45mm T2.9 and the 45-85mm T2.9 is meant to give filmmakers plenty of versatility to tackle any creative project head on. Again, Laowa has made lens options like anamorphic zooms available to the masses. Now, let’s zoom out to get the full picture.
Compact Design for the Modern Filmmaker
At the heart of the Proteus Zoom Series is its incredible portability. Weighing in at just 1.5kg (3.3 lbs) and measuring only 19cm (7.48 inches) in length, these lenses are among the lightest and most compact 2x anamorphic zooms available today. They aren’t as small as their Nanomorph siblings, but for a true 2x anamorphic they are lightweights. For reference, a Cooke Anamorphic 35-140mm T3.1 comes in at 16.93″ and nearly 23lbs! That makes these Proteus perfect for tight spaces, handheld shots (if you’ve been hitting the gym between projects), and possibly gimbal work, reducing the overall payload and making your setup much more manageable.
Unlike other anamorphic zooms that rely on bulky anamorphic attachments, Laowa has engineered a unique optical design that delivers the signature 2x squeeze without the extra weight and size. The Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series offers a flexible zoom range of over 3x and they are even compatible with Laowa’s 1.4x expander for use on full-frame sensors which just adds to their already enticing features list.
Exceptional Image Quality and Performance
The Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zooms don’t just excel in size and weight—they also deliver solid image quality. With a constant T2.9 aperture across the entire zoom range, they are going to be useful across various scenarios. The lenses also feature minimal distortion and well-controlled focus breathing, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your shots, especially during dynamic zoom or rack focus sequences.
The anamorphic look that filmmakers crave is front and center here. These lenses inherit the same rich visual characteristics from the Proteus Prime Series, offering organic focus roll-offs and the famous elliptical bokeh. The sharpness is precise, even in the corners of the frame, making sure every part of the image is crystal clear.
Flare Options: Express Yourself
One of the standout features of the Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series is the selection of three cinematic flare options: Amber, Blue, and Silver. These flares help set the mood and tone of your scene, whether you’re going for a cool, sci-fi look or a warm, classic feel. The silver flare adapts to the light source, offering a versatile option that complements various lighting setups. We feel as though the Amber and Silver versions might be the most popular options due to the fact that it isn’t as jarring as blue flares can be. Not that blue isn’t a great option, but it does feel as though you’re locked in to one type of film genre compared to the other two.
Built for Flexibility and Durability
If you’re at all familiar with the Proteus primes, then you shouldn’t be surprised to know that these zooms are also built like tanks. The lenses come with a sturdy cine housing that ensures smooth operation, while the parfocal design allows for consistent focus throughout the zoom range.
The lenses come in ARRI PL mount as standard, with a Canon EF interchangeable mount included, making them compatible with a wide range of camera systems. If you need additional mounts, they’re available for just $50, allowing you to adapt the lenses to different setups easily. I, like others, am very appreciative of manufacturers that allow for easily swappable mounts because going between systems happens more often than not these days. At this point if any lens in the $2k+ price point comes out without the ability to swap between mounts, it is seriously dinged in my book. Adapters are fine, but the more you put between a lens and a camera is just an additional point of possible failure.
Anyway, lets get back to the Proteus Zooms. And like always, below is a handy spec table for all you lens geeks.
| Proteus Zoom 26-45mm | Proteus Zoom 45-85mm | |
| Aperture Range | T2.9-22 | T2.9-22 |
| Format | S35 | S35 |
| Image Circle | Ø31.9mm | Ø31.9mm |
| Iris Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Minimum Focus | 1’7″ | 2’11” |
| Filter Thread | 77mm | 77mm |
| Front Diameter | 80mm | 80mm |
| Weight | 3.38lbs/1533g | 3.30lbs/1495g |
Conclusion
The Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series is a welcomed new addition to the world of cinematic lenses. With its lightweight, compact design, excellent image quality, and versatile zoom range, these lenses make the iconic anamorphic look accessible to filmmakers of all levels. Whether you’re shooting handheld, on a gimbal, or with a full camera rig, these lenses provide the performance and flexibility you need to bring your vision to life.
The 26-45mm and 45-85mm lenses are priced at $5,999 each, and if you’re looking to grab the full two-lens kit, you can get both for $10,999. Each lens comes with a Canon EF mount, and if you need extra mounts, they’re available for just $50.