Venus Optics anamorphic lens series with 5 prime focal lengths (24–85mm), T2.0, 2:1 compression, and signature blue/gold flares; approximately $2,500 per lens.
The series comprises five prime lenses: 24mm, 35mm, 45mm, 60mm, and 85mm, all with a consistent T2.0 aperture. The front filter diameter is uniformly 77mm, while the focus gear has a 300° rotation range. The lenses weigh between 1.4kg (24mm) and 1.8kg (85mm) and feature a robust all-metal housing with an industrial PL mount. The minimum focusing distance varies between 0.6m (85mm) and 0.8m (24mm). The optical construction uses 12-16 lens elements depending on the focal length, with multiple ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glasses minimizing chromatic aberrations.
Venus Optics first announced the Laowa Proteus series at NAB 2021, after the company had already garnered attention with extreme wide-angle and macro lenses. The first units reached the market in the fall of 2021, with only the 35mm and 85mm focal lengths initially available. By 2022, Venus Optics completed the series with the remaining focal lengths. The development aimed to create an affordable alternative to established anamorphic series like Cooke Anamorphic/i or ARRI Master Anamorphic, without compromising on professional image quality.
The Proteus series is primarily used in independent productions and music videos where the budget for more expensive anamorphic sets is not available. Cinematographers appreciate the consistent imaging performance across all focal lengths and the characteristic flare, which produces blue and golden streaks. In the workflow, the lenses require a de-squeeze function on the monitor or in post-production to correctly display the 2:1 compressed image. The robust construction allows for use on gimbals and Steadicam systems, with the moderate size being an advantage over larger anamorphic lenses.
The Laowa Proteus is positioned between entry-level anamorphics like the SLR Magic Anamorphot and high-end series like the Cooke Anamorphic/i. Compared to the significantly more expensive ARRI Master Anamorphic (approx. €40,000 per lens), the Proteus (approx. €2,500 per lens) offers an economical alternative with acceptable image quality. The Atlas Orion Series competes in the same price range, with the Proteus scoring points for its lower price and greater availability. For productions with the highest image quality demands, established series like Hawk V-Lite or Cooke Anamorphic/i remain the first choice.
Als DoP schätze ich an den Proteus die konsistente T2.0-Lichtstärke über alle Brennweiten, was meine Beleuchtungsplanung vereinfacht. Die charakteristischen blauen Flares entstehen bereits bei moderaten Lichtquellen und müssen nicht in der Post hinzugefügt werden. Der einheitliche 77mm-Filtergewinde spart mir Adapter und Wartezeiten am Set.
Die Proteus-Objektive geben mir das authentische Anamorphic-Look ohne Kompromisse - die ovalen Bokeh-Kreise und horizontalen Flares verstärken die cineastische Wirkung meiner Szenen erheblich. Besonders bei Nachtaufnahmen und Gegenlichtszenen schaffen die Objektive eine emotionale Tiefe, die sphärische Linsen nicht erreichen können. Das 2.39:1-Format nach dem Entsqueeze betont die epische Bildsprache.
Mit einem Tagesmietsatz von etwa 150€ für das komplette 5er-Set liegen die Proteus deutlich unter vergleichbaren Anamorphic-Serien und ermöglichen mir auch bei kleineren Budgets den Premium-Look. Die hohe Verfügbarkeit bei Rental Houses reduziert meine Planungsunsicherheit, während die moderate Größe weniger Grip-Equipment und kleinere Transportkosten bedeutet.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Laowa Proteus"?
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