Venus Optics has launched a new 20 mm focal length in its Laowa Proteus series of 2x anamorphic lenses. The series already includes 28 mm, 35 mm, 45 mm, 60 mm, 85 mm and 100 mm lenses, with a 135 mm option due by the end of the year. Out of the box, the Proteus lenses have a PL lens mount but come with an interchangeable EF mount.
2x anamorphic
The Laowa Proteus anamorphic lenses deliver a 2x squeeze factor. If you shoot with a camera with a 4:3 aspect ratio sensor, you will get a 2.66:1 aspect ratio video after de-squeezing the image. Alternatively, with a 6:5 aspect ratio sensor, you will end up with a 2.4:1 image after de-squeezing. This is very close to the standard 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio.
In addition, Venus Optics says that the 2x squeeze ratio is constant at any focus distance. With some anamorphic lenses, the squeeze factor can vary as you change focus, leading to optical distortions known as anamorphic mumps.
Optical design
The Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic lenses feature a front anamorphic design for a robust optical composition. Venus Optics says that the lenses deliver the image sharpness of modern quality lenses while retaining the vintage look of anamorphic characteristics. These anamorphic features include elliptical bokeh and signature flares. You can choose between amber, blue or neutral silver flare color options. There’s also a Flex version of the lens where you can swap the flare color yourself.
Focus
The Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic 20mm lens comes with either an imperial or metric focus scale. It’s a fully manual lens, but, as a cinema lens, it also features a geared focus ring. The 20 mm lens focuses down to only 18.9 inches (480 mm). Combined with the lens’s 104.7-degree field of view, you can get very dramatic close-up shots of your subjects.
Additionally, the wide maximum aperture of T2 means that you can achieve a shallow depth of field with those shots. Venus Optics says that the Laowa Proteus lenses feature low focus breathing as well, so your image won’t change size as you pull focus.
Build
The Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic lenses are designed for Super 35mm sensors. However, you can add a 1.4x expander to use the lenses with a full-frame camera. The 20 mm lens also has a front outside diameter of 114 mm and a 105 mm filter thread. Plus, the geared focus and aperture rings share a consistent position across all focal lengths in the series. This means that you don’t need to adjust your setup when switching between lenses.
What we think
It’s great to see Venus Optics adding such a wide-angle lens to the Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic series. The 20 mm anamorphic has a horizontal field of view equivalent to a 10 mm spherical lens. Combined with the short close focus distance, the new lens opens up the possibilities for some very creative and artistic shots. With a T2 maximum aperture, you will also be able to achieve a shallow depth of field with those close-ups for even more captivating images. The Laowa Proteus lenses aren’t cheap but deliver high-quality anamorphic images that justify their price.
Pricing and availability
The Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic 20mm T2 lens is priced at $4,999 and is available to order now. The 1.4x full-frame adaptor is $599.
