Venus Optics has introduced the Laowa Sunlight 2x Full Frame Anamorphic Zoom Series, designed to make anamorphic filmmaking more versatile and accessible for full-frame users. Building on the success of the Laowa Proteus primes, these new zooms deliver the classic anamorphic look in a compact and lightweight form factor that’s easier to manage on set.
Overview
The Sunlight Series covers focal lengths from 40mm to 135mm across two zooms, 40-80mm T4.5 & 70-135mm T4.5, offering more than a 3x range combined. This flexibility means fewer lens changes, whether moving from sweeping landscapes to tight portraits or transitioning quickly during a fast-paced shoot.
Each lens features a constant T4.5 aperture, maintaining exposure throughout the zoom range. They’re not going to be winning any drag races, but they’re decently fast for something in this category. When paired with the dual and triple base ISO cameras available nowadays, you can work comfortably even when there isn’t a whole lot of light. With a front anamorphic design and consistent 2x squeeze, the Sunlight Series brings an authentic widescreen aesthetic. They also have predictable and reliable image characteristics similar to the rest of Laowa’s catalog.
Available in PL mount by default, the lenses also support interchangeable mounts (Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount), allowing easy adaptation across a variety of camera systems. This is quickly becoming the norm for new lenses and have come to expect. Still, as great as it is, users should still take care whenever they switch between mounts as we have explained in our previous article about shimming and back-focus. Coverage extends to ARRI ALEXA LF Open Gate, making the lenses suitable for today’s large-format productions.
Key Features
The Sunlight Series combines performance and character in true Laowa fashion ensuring reliability for virtually any production. Both zooms are parfocal, keeping focus sharp throughout the zoom range. A true 2x squeeze ratio maintains a consistent widescreen look, while minimal focus breathing ensures framing remains stable during pulls. In that way, the Sunlight zooms are tame for being anamorphic. They give you the base characteristics of what a 2x anamorphic is. Oval bokeh, stretched look, but then leave you to add in the funk you want. For that I really praise them for challenging cinematographers to not use anamorphic as just a crutch for uninteresting story or composition.
Creative control is given through four interchangeable flare options: Blue, Amber, Silver, and Clear allowing filmmakers to set the tone for each project without swapping glass. The lenses also deliver impressive close-focus performance (0.61m for the 40–80mm and 0.78m for the 70–135mm), making them equally effective for intimate close-ups and wide establishing shots. With industry-standard 0.8 Mod gears, dual-scale markings, a 105mm front diameter, and built-in back focus adjustment, the Sunlight Series integrates easily into professional workflows while remaining flexible for different rigs and camera systems.
Pricing & Availability
The Laowa Sunlight 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom Series is available now through our shop. You can snag a single lens for $5,999 or pick up the two-lens set with case for $10,999. Each interchangeable mount is $50.