Venus Optics has launched a brand new 20 mm focal size in its Laowa Proteus sequence of 2x anamorphic lenses. The sequence already consists of 28 mm, 35 mm, 45 mm, 60 mm, 85 mm and 100 mm lenses, with a 135 mm choice due by the tip of the 12 months. Out of the field, the Proteus lenses have a PL lens mount however include an interchangeable EF mount.
2x anamorphic
The Laowa Proteus anamorphic lenses ship a 2x squeeze issue. In case you shoot with a digicam with a 4:3 side ratio sensor, you’ll get a 2.66:1 side ratio video after de-squeezing the picture. Alternatively, with a 6:5 side ratio sensor, you’ll find yourself with a 2.4:1 picture after de-squeezing. That is very near the usual 2.39:1 widescreen side ratio.
As well as, Venus Optics says that the 2x squeeze ratio is fixed at any focus distance. With some anamorphic lenses, the squeeze issue can differ as you alter focus, resulting in optical distortions often called anamorphic mumps.
Optical design
Picture courtesy: Venus Optics
The Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic lenses characteristic a entrance anamorphic design for a strong optical composition. Venus Optics says that the lenses ship the picture sharpness of recent high quality lenses whereas retaining the classic look of anamorphic traits. These anamorphic options embrace elliptical bokeh and signature flares. You may select between amber, blue or impartial silver flare shade choices. There’s additionally a Flex model of the lens the place you possibly can swap the flare shade your self.
Focus
The Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic 20mm lens comes with both an imperial or metric focus scale. It’s a completely guide lens, however, as a cinema lens, it additionally includes a geared focus ring. The 20 mm lens focuses all the way down to solely 18.9 inches (480 mm). Mixed with the lens’s 104.7-degree subject of view, you will get very dramatic close-up photographs of your topics.
Moreover, the extensive most aperture of T2 means that you may obtain a shallow depth of subject with these photographs. Venus Optics says that the Laowa Proteus lenses characteristic low focus respiratory as effectively, so your picture gained’t change dimension as you pull focus.
Construct
The Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic lenses are designed for Tremendous 35mm sensors. Nonetheless, you possibly can add a 1.4x expander to make use of the lenses with a full-frame digicam. The 20 mm lens additionally has a entrance outdoors diameter of 114 mm and a 105 mm filter thread. Plus, the geared focus and aperture rings share a constant place throughout all focal lengths within the sequence. Because of this you don’t want to regulate your setup when switching between lenses.
What we predict
It’s nice to see Venus Optics including such a wide-angle lens to the Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic sequence. The 20 mm anamorphic has a horizontal subject of view equal to a ten mm spherical lens. Mixed with the brief shut focus distance, the brand new lens opens up the probabilities for some very inventive and inventive photographs. With a T2 most aperture, additionally, you will be capable to obtain a shallow depth of subject with these close-ups for much more fascinating photographs. The Laowa Proteus lenses aren’t low cost however ship high-quality anamorphic photographs that justify their value.
Pricing and availability
The Laowa Proteus 2x anamorphic 20mm T2 lens is priced at $4,999 and is on the market to order now. The 1.4x full-frame adaptor is $599.
