Anhui, China—Venus Optics released the Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x anamorphic lens series for Super 35 and Micro Four Thirds sensors. The patented anamorphic optical structure makes the lens compact.
Moreover, the line includes three focal lengths: 27mm T2.8, 35mm T2.4 and 50mm T2.4. In addition, the lenses’ front anamorphic design provides a 1.5x constant squeeze ratio at all focusing distance.
Venus also launched two flare options—amber and blue. Anamorphic lenses with blue flares fit perfectly with films featuring a sci-fi, cool vibe. However, blue flares do not necessarily go well with skin tones.
“The new amber option we introduced, could deliver a warmer and passionate vibe that is suitable for narrative and day/night shots,” Venus Optics announced.
The series is available in the following mounts: Canon EF/R, PL, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, DJI DL, Nikon Z, L and X. The mounts are also interchangeable. Furthermore, in addition to the three released focal lengths, the company plans to launch 65mm and 80mm versions in late 2022.
Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x Anamorphic Series Features
The Laowa Nanomorph lenses offer a close focusing distance from the subject to sensor that helps render strong bokeh. It also creates a stronger compression. Consequently, filmmakers can obtain close-up shots that render a much shallower depth of field and stronger bokeh. This also offers higher flexibility in framing.
The closest focusing distances of the lens are: Nanomorph 27mm T2.8 1.5x Cine, 16.9 inches; 35mm T2.4 1.5x Cine, 23.6 inches; and 50mm T2.4 1.5x Cine, 27.5 inches.
Further, the lenses are extremely compact, measuring 3.5 inches Moreover, while anamorphic lenses are usually heavy, these “nano-sized” lenses weigh less than 0.7 lb. As a result, they are portable enough for every setup; e.g., handheld, on a gimbal, on a slider, through tight spaces, or on a drone.
In addition, anamorphic lenses with a synchro focus design add anamorphic blocks at the front. However, a major drawback is the failure to maintain the same squeeze ratio at close distance. This can cause anamorphic mumps, often making the lens unusable for real shooting because the variable squeeze is impossible to correct in postproduction.
However, Venus Optics guarantees that the Laowa Nanomorph lenses provide a constant 1.5x squeeze ratio at all focusing distances. The company developed this patented anamorphic design to guarantee a uniform squeeze ratio, “promising optical quality, tiny size and affordable price points.”
The anamorphic lenses also feature a widescreen cinematic perspective. Venus Optics decided to adopt a 1.5x squeeze ratio because it “strikes a perfect balance between the lens size and anamorphic look.”
With a 1.5x squeeze, a 2.66:1 ratio on a 16:9 sensor is obtained after de-squeeze. Compared to a 1.33x anamorphic lens, Laowa Nanomorph lenses deliver a more pronounced anamorphic and cinematic look.
Pro Cine Specs
Laowa currently offer two versions of Nanomorph lenses: mirrorless and PL/EF versions. For the PL/EF versions, both bayonets are included in the box, and the mounts are interchangeable. For the mirrorless versions, Canon RF, Sony E, MFT, DJI DL, Nikon Z, L and X mounts are also interchangeable. Each lens comes with a single mount bayonet. Extra bayonet mounts for use on multiple cameras are $50 each.
Moreover, the lenses’ professional cine housing integrates unified gear positions. As a result, users can switch lenses quickly without readjusting the focus gear. In addition, an industry standard 0.8 mod gear is installed on both aperture and focus rings. And imperial as well as metric scales are printed on the lens body.
What’s more, filmmakers can fine–tune the back focus with a 0.9mm hex key (included in the package). This ensures the scale is accurate and aligned after changing cameras.
Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x anamorphic lenses are now available to order at discounted price on Indiegogo. The normal retail prices for a single lens are $999 with a mirrorless mount and $1,499 for EF/PL mounts.
Venus will also offer a three-lens bundle with a hardcase for $2,699 (mirrorless) and $3,999 (EF/PL). The company plans to ship the lenses in August.
