Laowa’s 2X Proteus Anamorphic Lenses Are Now Available as T2.9 Zooms

Mar 10, 2025

Kate Garibaldi

Close-up of three black Proteus camera lenses with gold text, displaying focal lengths: 26-45 T2.9 and 45-85 T2.9. The lenses have various adjustment rings and are set against a dark background.

Laowa announced new Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom lenses for cinematographers. The Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zooms, available in 26-45mm and 45-85mm focal lengths, feature a constant T2.9 aperture.

Venus Optics describes its latest lenses as the “lightest, most compact, and most affordable 2x anamorphic zoom lenses designed for S35 sensors.”

As PetaPixel reported in January 2023, Laowa introduced a set of prime anamorphic lenses 35mm, 45mm, 60mm, and 85mm, aimed at professional cinematographers. Shortly after, in April, Laowa bolstered the line-up with additional 20mm, 28mm, 100mm, and 135mm focal lengths. The jump to zooms now adds versatility for anamorphic filmmakers who prefer to seldom switch lenses.

Light and compact for their class, this latest Proteus duo are each 7.48 inches (19 centimeters) long and weigh 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms).

Two black camera lenses labeled "Proteus," with focal lengths of 26-45mm T2.0 and 45-85mm T2.0 respectively, shown against a dark gradient background. Both feature various adjustment rings and markings.

Close-up of a black lens with "PROTEUS" branding. It features markings for 45-85mm focal length and T2.9 aperture. The lens has measurement indicators and adjustment rings, and is described as "2x Anamorphic.

A black camera lens marked with "Proteus 26-45 T2.9" lies on a dark surface. Next to it, there's a separate rear mount piece. The lens features silver dials and markings for focus and zoom.

The two lenses cover Super 35 sensors and works across various mounts, including Arri PL (Default), Canon EF, Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, and L. The lenses ship in a hard case with the Arri PL mount standard, plus an included interchangeable EF bayonet. Other mount types are available via additional interchangeable mount bayonets for an extra charge.

Other helpful features include imperial and metric focus marks and various flare options, including amber, blue, or silver. As is characteristic of anamorphic lenses, the Proteus lenses will display oval bokeh, organic focus roll-off, exaggerated flares, and horizontal compression “2x squeeze.” The lenses also feature a constant T2.9 aperture across the entire zoom.

Venus Optics claims that its Laowa Proteus lenses “maintain sharp focus throughout the zoom range, enabling cinematographers to execute dynamic techniques such as crash zooms and dolly zooms with precision. All this is achieved while preserving the distinctive 2x anamorphic squeeze, ensuring the signature cinematic look remains intact.”

Close-up of a person holding a professional camera with a large Proteus 26-45mm T2.9 lens. The camera is mounted on a rig, with detailed controls and a small monitor screen visible. Green foliage is blurred in the background.

Close-up of a person holding a professional camera outdoors. The camera has a large lens with "Proteus 45-85 T2.9" written on it, and various accessories attached. The background is blurred green foliage.

Pricing and Availability

Venus Optics’ new Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom lenses are available for purchase now. They are $6,000 each, or $11,000 for the pair, providing a $1,000 discount. Additional options, such as the interchangeable mount bayonets, are $50 each and the company also offers a $600 1.4x full-frame expander that enables users to cover a full-frame image sensor with the Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Zooms.

Image credits: Venus Optics / Laowa