For professional filmmakers, the Laowa Proteus 35mm T2 Lens 2X Anamorphic Silver Flare (Feet) Lens...For professional filmmakers, the Laowa Proteus 35mm T2 Lens 2X Anamorphic Silver Flare (Feet) Lens for PL-Mount/Canon EF is essential. Its anamorphic design delivers modern and vintage looks to your imagery, and its constant 2x squeeze ratio provides cinematic ultra-widescreen results. A fast T2 aperture works great in low-light conditions and user-friendly housing makes shooting effortless. The Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic 35mm T2 Lens with Feet markings and Silver Flare for Arri PL and Canon EF mount cameras, features anamorphic glass with a constant squeeze for professional cinema productions.
The Laowa Proteus 35mm T2 Lens is designed for professional filmmakers seeking to capture both modern and vintage cinematic looks. Its key benefit is the constant 2x anamorphic squeeze ratio, delivering ultra-widescreen aspect ratios with a distinctive silver flare. A potential caveat is its specialized nature, requiring a specific workflow for anamorphic shooting.
All features
Brand
Laowa
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the main advantage of using a 2x anamorphic lens?
The main advantage is achieving a true ultra-widescreen cinematic aspect ratio (typically 2.39:1 or wider) with a constant 2x squeeze, resulting in unique oval bokeh and characteristic horizontal lens flares.
Do I need special equipment to use this lens?
You will need a camera with either a PL or Canon EF mount. Crucially, you'll need to de-squeeze the footage in post-production or via a compatible monitoring solution.
How does the silver flare differ from blue flares?
The silver flare provides a brighter, more classic anamorphic flare effect, often perceived as more neutral or vintage-looking compared to the cooler tones of blue flares.
Is this lens suitable for still photography?
While technically possible on compatible cameras, this lens is specifically designed and optimized for professional cinema production due to its anamorphic properties and focus characteristics.
What is 'focus breathing' and is it an issue with this lens?
Focus breathing is the change in focal length (and thus field of view) when adjusting focus. Like many anamorphic lenses, some focus breathing may be present and can be noticeable during significant focus pulls. This is common in professional anamorphic lenses.
Can I use this lens on cameras with other mounts like Sony E-mount or Micro Four Thirds?
You can use it on other mounts if compatible adapters exist and the flange distance allows. However, ensure the adapter is robust and maintains perfect alignment. This lens is natively designed for PL and EF mounts.
Troubleshooting
Image appears vertically stretched.
This is normal for anamorphic lenses. The image needs to be de-squeezed in post-production software or using a compatible monitor.
Lens is difficult to mount.
Ensure you are using the correct mount (PL or EF) for your camera and that any adapter is properly aligned. Do not force the lens; check for obstructions.
Focus is soft or inaccurate.
Anamorphic lenses require precise manual focus. Use the focus ring and markings carefully, and consider using focus peaking or magnification on your monitor. Check for excessive focus breathing if pulling focus.
Silver flare is too intense or not present.
The intensity and appearance of flares are heavily dependent on the light source and angle. Experiment with lighting setups to achieve the desired flare effect. The lens is designed to produce flares, but their prominence varies with lighting conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Achieves a true cinematic ultra-widescreen aspect ratio with 2x anamorphic squeeze.
Produces a distinctive and attractive silver flare for enhanced visual storytelling.
Excellent low-light performance due to the fast T2 aperture.
Versatile 35mm focal length suitable for various shooting styles.
Wide compatibility with both PL and EF mount cameras.
Durable construction with user-friendly controls for professional use.
Cons
Requires de-squeezing in post-production to achieve the correct aspect ratio.
Anamorphic artifacts (like flares) may not be suitable for all types of projects.
Focus breathing can be noticeable during focus pulls, typical of many anamorphic lenses.
The lens is a specialized tool and may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Mounting: Carefully attach the lens to your camera body, ensuring it clicks securely into place for either the PL or Canon EF mount, depending on your camera's configuration. Use the appropriate adapter if necessary for your specific camera system.
Focusing: Utilize the feet markings for precise manual focus. Anamorphic lenses often require careful focus pulling to maintain sharpness, especially with the wide T2 aperture.
De-Squeezing: Remember that the image captured will appear vertically stretched. This requires a de-squeeze function in your camera's monitor or, more commonly, in your post-production workflow (e.g., DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro) to achieve the correct 2.39:1 or 2.66:1 aspect ratio.
Compatibility:
Camera Mounts: Compatible with cameras featuring Arri PL mount or Canon EF mount.
Aspect Ratio: Designed for cinematic aspect ratios, requiring post-production de-squeezing.
Care:
Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free lens cloth to gently wipe the lens elements. For stubborn smudges, use a lens cleaning solution sparingly on the cloth, not directly on the lens.
Storage: Store the lens in its protective case in a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent dust and moisture accumulation.
Handling: Avoid touching the lens elements with your fingers. Always handle the lens by its barrel.