Laowa Proteus Zoom 2X Anamorphic 26-45mm T2.9 Lens

The Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series stands out as the lightest, most compact and most affordable 2x Front Anamorphic Zooms designed for S35 sensors. 

Besides the unique 2x squeezed anamorphic look inherited from the Proteus Prime Series, these zoom lenses are now offering a versatile zoom range of over 3x with two lenses (26-45mm & 45-85mm) while weighing just 1.5kg and measuring 19cm in length, making them the lightest in their class. This compact size allows for easy maneuverability in tight spaces and reduces overall payload, enhancing mobility and versatility for cinematographers and camera operators. 

The Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series is the ultimate solution for achieving THE anamorphic look with a maximized portability.

Why Do You Need Anamorphic Zooms?

Portable
Having an average weight of 1.3kgs, Proteus Zooms can be used handheld or on a gimbal easily without hassles for quick and easy shooting, significantly reducing the crew size and the equipment needed for a typical 2x anamorphic production.

Multiple focal lengths offering rather than just one
Rather than a specific focal length, anamorphic zooms can provide multiple focal lengths for cinematographers to adjust framing & resulting perspective easily without switching lenses, greatly enhancing versatility on-set.

Zoom Capability
Cinematographers + camera operators can zoom in and out to achieve different kinds of zoom effects like crash zooms, dolly zooms, and slow zooms for creative prospect.

The benefits you have for Spherical Zoom lenses are now carried on to this lens series with an added 2x Anamorphic capability.

The Lightest & Most Compact 2x Front Anamorphic Zooms for S35 sensors

Taking cinematographers’ needs into account, the Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series (26-45mm & 45-85mm T2.9 Lens) stands out with its remarkably light average weight of approximately 1.5kg/3.3lbs and an average length of 19cm/7.48". This compact design not only reduces the payload for cinematographers, making it easier to move between scenes, but also positions it as the most compact option among similar 2x anamorphic zoom lenses available in the market.

Enhanced Portability for Dynamic Setups

The reduced payload of the Proteus Zooms allows cinematographers and camera operators to switch between a dynamic range of setups with ease. This freedom from heavy payload concerns enables them to maximize their creative freedom and explore various shooting styles and techniques without being hindered by equipment limitations.

Revolutionary Front Anamorphic Design
Unlike most anamorphic zooms on the market, which rely on heavy anamorphot attachments to either the front or the rear part of a cine zoom lens for achieving the desired anamorphic zoom result, the Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series offers a revolutionary optical design that results in an astonishing lightweight construction.

Laowa lens designers have developed a unique approach to ensure that the Proteus Zooms remain as compact and lightweight as possible, without compromising on the impressive imagery and the zoom function.

Over 3x Zoom Range Across 2 Lenses with Parfocal Design

• The Proteus Zoom Series offers a comprehensive zoom range from 26mm to 85mm, providing a total zoom range of 3.27x, ideal for capturing a wide variety of shooting scenarios.
• These lenses are constructed with a parfocal design, ensuring consistent focus throughout the zoom range. This feature allows cinematographers to execute dynamic shots like Tarantino's favored crash-zooms and dolly zooms effortlessly, all while maintaining the unique 2x squeezed imagery characteristic of anamorphic lenses.

 

Constant T2.9 Aperture Across Zoom Range
Both lenses in the Proteus Zoom Series feature a constant T2.9 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. This consistency in aperture helps prevent any loss of light, ensuring consistent brightness levels when switching focal lengths.

Expressive Anamorphic Look
The Proteus Zooms have inherited the highly acclaimed anamorphic characteristics from their sister prime lens series, making them an excellent alternative to the Proteus Prime Series with added portability and zoom functionality.

Excellent Sharpness even at T2.9 Wide Open
Having impressive sharpness and contrast even when used wide open, Proteus Zooms’ high level of optical performance not only meets the stringent requirements of film production, but also facilitates VFX work by providing clear, detailed images that make post-production tasks easier and more effective.

3 Cinematic Flares

• The Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series offers a range of classic sci-fi blue, warm and elegant amber, and neutral silver flare colour options. Cinematographers can choose the flare colours that best suit the desired mood and tone of their scenes.
• The silver flare version adapts its colours based on the light source, providing a versatile flare effect.
• The flare colours are conveniently indicated on the flare ring on the lens body, ensuring easy readability and selection.

 

Organic Focus-Rolloff
Hollywood filmmakers often seek an organic focus roll-off to create a more aesthetically pleasing viewing experience for the audience.

The Proteus Zoom Series is designed to deliver this desired effect, producing a smooth and natural transition from focused to out-of-focus areas, creating the beloved elliptical bokeh in the meanwhile with a shallow depth of field.

This characteristic adds a cinematic quality to the images, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the footage.

Well-Controlled Distortions
The Proteus Zoom Series is designed with well-controlled distortion and excellent corner sharpness. This minimal distortion ensures that framing is made much easier, particularly at the edges of the frame.

Minimal Focus Breathing
The Proteus Zoom Series is designed with well-controlled distortion and excellent corner sharpness. This minimal distortion ensures that framing is made much easier, particularly at the edges of the frame.

Min. Focusing Capability up to 50cm/1'7"
With the ability to focus at a minimum distance as close as 1'7"/50cm from the sensor to the subject, the Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series empowers filmmakers to effortlessly capture sharp and immersive close-up cinematic scenes.

Super35+ Coverage
The Proteus Zoom Series features a 31.9mm image circle diameter, making them compatible with cameras of varying sensor sizes.

These lenses can seamlessly support the usage of cameras such as the RED V-Raptor in 7K 6:5 format, making the Proteus Zooms one of the most adaptable Super35 anamorphic zoom lenses available today.

Compatible with 1.4X Expander
Both Proteus zoom lenses can be mounted on the Laowa 1.4X Full-frame Expander to cover full-frame sensors with minimal effect on resolution.

Ergonomic & Intelligent Cine Housing

1. Ø77mm Filter Thread
2. Imperial + Metric Version Available
3. 270° Focus Throw
4. Compact Housing (~3.3 lbs / 1.5kg & ~20mm in length / <1 inch)
5. Back Focus Adjustment Mechanism

Features:

• The Lightest & Most Compact 2x Front Anamorphic Zooms for S35 sensors
• Over 3x Zoom Range Across 2 lenses (26-85mm)
• Constant T2.9 Aperture Across Zoom Range
• Excellent Sharpness even at T2.9 Wide Open
• Parfocal design
• Expressive Anamorphic Look
  - 3 Cinematic Flare Options (Amber/Blue/Silver)
  - 11 Aperture Blades for Smooth Oval Bokeh
  - Mild/Well-Controlled Distortions
  - Constant 2x Squeeze
• Low Focus Breathing
• PL Mount Available in Default (Canon EF interchangeable mount bayonet included)
• Optional RF/E/L mount bayonets are available for purchase on website
• Min. Focusing Capability up to 50cm/1'7"
• Ergonomic & Intelligent Cine Housing
  - Ø77mm Filter Thread
  - Imperial + Metric Version Available
  - 270° Focus Throw
  - Compact Housing (~3.3 lbs/1.5kg & ~20mm in length / <1 inch)

Specifications:

Series Name	Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Zoom Series
Focal Length	26-45mm	45-85mm
Aperture Range	T2.9-22
Format	Super 35
Image Circle Diameter	Ø31.9mm
Angle of View	26mm: 89.8°x45.1° / 45mm: 59.9°x27°	45mm: 59.9°x27° / 85mm: 33.9°x14.5°
Lens Structure	21 elements in 15 groups	20 elements in 14 groups
Aperture Blades	11 blades
Focus Throw	270°
Zoom Throw	100°
Aperture Throw	42°
Min. Focusing Distance	1’7”/50cm	2’11”/90cm
Focus Indicator	Metric / Imperial
In-focus Driving Mode	Manual (MF)
Gear Mod	0.8M
Dimensions for Filter Thread	Ø77mm
Front Diameter	Ø80mm
Dimensions	Ø3.34”x7.46” / Ø84.8mm*189.5mm	Ø3.34”x7.6” / Ø84.8mm*193.5mm
Weight	~3.38lbs/1533g	~3.30lbs/1495g
Mounts	ARRI PL
Optional Interchangeable Mount (Bayonets Only):	Canon EF (Included in the package), Canon RF, Sony E, L mount

Package Contents:
1x Laowa Proteus Zoom 2X Anamorphic 26-45mm T2.9 Lens
1x Canon EF interchangeable Bayonet
1x Protective case