Filmlexikon.
Support
Laowa Nanomorph
Camera · Terms

Laowa Nanomorph

Murnau AI illustration
flow morph para roll take

Compact anamorphic lenses by Venus Optics with a 1.5x squeeze factor, producing characteristic lens flares and bokeh for a CinemaScope look.

Technical Details

Focal Lengths

2735506575
T2.8T2.4T2.4T2.4T2.4
0.85m1.00m1.00m1.00m1.00m
0.74kg0.82kg0.88kg0.92kg0.95kg
7777777777
90°72°54°42°36°
◀━━━━▶◀━━━▶◀━━▶◀━━▶◀━▶

PL/EF/RF/E · 77mm Front · 1.5x Squeeze · T2.4

History & Development

Venus Optics announced the Nanomorph series in 2021 as a response to the growing demand for affordable anamorphic lenses for independent productions. The first 35mm model was launched in the fall of 2021, followed by the other focal lengths through 2022. The development aimed to make anamorphic optics accessible for budgets below traditional providers like Cooke or ARRI. In 2023, Venus Optics expanded the series with additional mount options and improved coatings.

Practical Use in Film

The Nanomorph lenses are primarily used in independent films, music videos, and commercial productions where the anamorphic look is desired but the budget for more expensive systems is lacking. The 1.5:1 squeeze factor requires less extreme de-squeezing in post-production than classic 2:1 anamorphic lenses. Typical workflows involve shooting with Sony FX6, Canon C70, or RED Komodo. The lenses are particularly suitable for atmospheric night shots, as the characteristic blue flares from light sources are strongly emphasized.

Comparison & Alternatives

Unlike SLR Magic Anamorphot lenses, the Nanomorphs offer more consistent optical characteristics across all focal lengths. Compared to the significantly more expensive SIRUI Anamorphotes (1.33:1 squeeze), they produce a more pronounced anamorphic look. As a more affordable alternative to Cooke Anamorphic/i or ARRI Master Anamorphic, they achieve approximately 70% of the optical quality at 20% of the cost. For the highest image quality, established manufacturers remain the first choice, but for creative independent productions with limited budgets, the Nanomorphs represent a viable option.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Ich schätze den konstanten 77mm-Frontdurchmesser, der Mattebox- und Filterwechsel vereinfacht, sowie die einheitlichen Zahnkränze für schnelle Objektivwechsel mit dem Follow Focus. Die blauen Flares sind sehr charakteristisch, aber weniger kontrollierbar als bei teureren anamorphotischen Systemen – ich muss die Lichtführung entsprechend anpassen.

Director

Der 1,5:1 Squeeze-Faktor gibt mir das gewünschte Cinemascope-Format mit weniger extremer Gesichtsverzerrung als klassische 2:1 Anamorphoten, was bei Nahaufnahmen von Schauspielern wichtig ist. Die ovalen Bokeh-Kreise und horizontalen Flares verstärken die emotionale Wirkung von Nachtszenen und verleihen auch kleineren Produktionen einen professionellen Kinofilm-Look.

Producer

Mit etwa 1.500 Euro pro Objektiv kostet ein kompletter Satz Nanomorphs weniger als ein einzelnes Cooke Anamorphic/i – das macht anamorphotische Optik auch für Independent-Budgets planbar. Die kompakte Bauweise reduziert Transportkosten und ermöglicht längere Handheld-Drehtage ohne zusätzliche Stützsysteme.

More in the lexikon

Related terms

Test your knowledge

Quiz

1. Was beschreibt „Laowa Nanomorph" am besten?

2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Laowa Nanomorph"?

3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?

Report an error
From the Filmfarm ecosystem

Understand visual language, budget productions, connect crew.

The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.

FilmFarm FilmRadarComing soonFilmPulseComing soonFilmNumbersComing soonFilmCapitalComing soonFilmLabComing soonFilmBalanceComing soonFilmCircusComing soon