Laowa Proteus Zoom 2X 45-85mm T2.9 blue flare, metric scale, anamorphic PL/EF

Laowa Proteus Zoom 2X Anamorphic 45-85mm T2.9 PL/EF Blue Flare Metric Scale LWA4585PB29PLEFM

The Laowa Proteus 45-85mm T2.9 is one of the two zooms in the Proteus 2X Anamorphic Zoom series (26-45mm and 45-85mm), front anamorphic zooms for S35 sensors that bring the 2x squeeze look of the Proteus primes to a compact zoom of about 1.5 kg and 19 cm. Instead of relying on a heavy anamorphic adapter in front of or behind a spherical zoom, the series uses a dedicated optical design, which keeps size and weight down for handheld, gimbal and tripod work. Together the two lenses cover 26 to 85 mm.

The design is parfocal, so focus holds while zooming, which makes crash zooms and dolly zooms easier, and the T2.9 aperture stays constant across the zoom range. Sharpness is high even wide open, distortion is well controlled and the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas is smooth, with elliptical bokeh. This version has the blue flare with the classic sci-fi look; the flare colour is marked on the flare ring of the lens body. The 31.9 mm image circle covers Super35+ sensors, and with the Laowa 1.4X Full Frame Expander the zoom can cover full-frame sensors. The ARRI PL mount is fitted and an interchangeable Canon EF mount is included; RF, E and L mounts are available separately.

Key features

• Front 2X anamorphic zoom design
• Constant T2.9 aperture across the zoom range
• Parfocal design
• Constant 2x squeeze
• Blue flare
• Smooth transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas
• Well-controlled distortion and reduced focus breathing
• Super35+ coverage (31.9 mm image circle)
• Full-frame coverage with the Laowa 1.4X Full Frame Expander
• 0.8 mod gears, 270° focus throw
• Back focus adjustment
• Interchangeable mounts

Specifications

• Focal length: 45-85mm
• Aperture range: T2.9-T22
• Format: Super35
• Image circle: ø31.9 mm
• Angle of view: 45mm 59.9° x 27° / 85mm 33.9° x 14.5°
• Anamorphic squeeze: 2x
• Optical design: 20 elements in 14 groups
• Aperture blades: 11
• Ring rotation: focus 270°, zoom 100°, aperture 42°
• Minimum focus distance: 90 cm
• Focus scale: metric
• Focus mode: manual
• Gear: 0.8 mod
• Filter thread: ø77 mm
• Front diameter: ø80 mm
• Dimensions: ø84.8 x 193.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 1495 g
• Mount: ARRI PL (fitted), Canon EF (included); Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, L-Mount optional