Anhui, China—Venus Optics added more focal lengths to the compact Nanomorph 1.5x Anamorphic series: the Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x Anamorphic 65mm T2.4 and 80mm T2.4. The lenses have a patented design that boasts a 1.5x constant squeeze ratio at all focus distances and maintains sharpness.
Moreover, both lenses offer the same amber, blue and silver cinematic flare options as before. With a maximum T2.4 aperture, the lenses create an organic oval bokeh effect and greater control of depth of field. The two also feature a short close-focusing distance of 2.3 feet. Thus, cinematographers can convey more dramatic close-up shots.
In addition, Venus released its new 1.33x front anamorphic adapter. Cinematographers can use the adapter with the existing Nanomorph lenses to achieve a constant 2x squeeze ratio. Or they can pair it with spherical lenses to give it a Nanomorphic touch. The minimum focus distance for the adapter is 2.3 feet. Furthermore, it comes with step-up rings of 55mm, 62mm and 77mm for adaptation on the Nanomorph mirrorless and PL/EF versions or other spherical lenses.
Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x Anamorphic 65mm T2.4 & 80mm Features
The Nanomorph series is known for its tiny size. The new 65mm and 80mm adopt this concept. Moreover, their compact form factor makes them a solution for a range of setups and shooting styles. This includes handheld, gimbal as well as car rigs.
To achieve a constant 1.5x squeeze with no anamorphic mumps (squeeze ratio variations across different focus distances), Laowa developed a patented anamorphic design. The design also keeps the lenses compact.
Furthermore, the Nanomorph series is compatible with Super 35 (APS-C) and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras. What’s more, the 65mm and 80mm lenses cover 4K 16:9 UHD resolution on cameras such as the Sony FX3, A7S3 and FX6, with only slight vignetting due to their larger image circle.
The anamorphic lenses also offer a cinematic widescreen perspective. The Nanomorph features the 1.5x squeeze ratio to achieve a balance between the lens size, the desired anamorphic look and the use of the sensor image. De-squeezing the footage shot with this lens produces a 2.66:1 ratio on a 16:9 sensor. Compared to other ratios, the Nanomorph is said to provide a more pronounced anamorphic look to 1.33x.
The new Nanomorph lenses are available in amber, blue as well as silver flare options. The blue flare is great for creating a sci-fi or vintage look. The amber and silver options offer warmer and more neutral flares respectively. With the silver flare option, cinematographers can also adjust the flare color according to the color of the light source.
Other Features
In addition, the Nanomorph lenses distinguish themselves by boasting one of the shortest close-focusing distances, for more flexibility in framing. In particular, the 65mm and 80mm lenses’ 2.3-foot close-focusing distance enables filmmakers to capture close-up shots with a shallower depth of field. Consequently, they can accentuate the organic and oval bokeh effect—a sought-after cinematic feature.
Moreover, Venus Optics currently offers two versions of the Laowa Nanomorph lens. A mirrorless version accommodates the Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, DL, L and MFT mounts. All mounts are interchangeable and are available as separate purchases of $50 each.
The PL/EF version includes both bayonets in the package. They are also interchangeable.
Laowa 1.33x Front Anamorphic Adapter
Furthermore, Venus Optics also released a 1.33x front anamorphic adapter. It allows the Laowa Nanomorph lenses to achieve a constant 2x squeeze ratio. However, the adapter works best with 4:3 or 6:5 sensors for creating 2.66:1 or 2.4:1 aspect ratio footage after de-squeezing.
When paired with the new Nanomorph 65mm/80mm lenses, it can cover full-frame sensors; 50/65/80mm for Super 35; and 27mm for the MFT format. The adapter also has a minimum focusing distance of 2.3 feet and a ø86mm filter thread to apply filters for creative uses. It comes with step-up rings for 77mm, 62mm and 55mm threads.
Currently, Laowa Nanomorph 65mm and 80mm lenses are available for ordering on Indiegogo. The normal retail price for a single mirrorless version of the 65mm or 80mm is $1,099. The price of the EF/PL version is $1,499.
In addition, there’s a five-lens bundle that also includes the previously released 27mm, 35mm and 50mm Nanomorphs. It has an SRP of $4,599 for the mirrorless version and $6,749 for EF/PL version.
The 1.33x front anamorphic adapter has a suggested retail price of $699. All of the products will ship in September.
