Laowa Venus Optics Laowa Sunlight 40-80mm T4.5 2x FF Review
The Laowa Sunlight 40-80mm is a sharp, full-frame anamorphic zoom built for a specific filmmaker. We dig into whether its elite optics are worth the trade-offs.
The 30-Second Version
A sharp, compact full-frame anamorphic zoom with classic silver flares. Optical quality is elite, but it's slow at T4.5 and build quality is a question. At $6k, it's a niche tool for filmmakers all-in on the anamorphic look.
Overview
The Laowa Sunlight 40-80mm T4.5 is a full-frame anamorphic zoom lens. It's built for filmmakers who want that classic 2x squeeze and silver flare look without the size and cost of a traditional cinema zoom.
It's part of a two-lens system with the 70-135mm, giving you a 40-135mm range. That's a solid kit for a lot of narrative work. Just know you're buying into a specific, manual-focus-only ecosystem.
Performance
Optical performance is its superpower, landing in the 99th percentile. That means sharp, clean images with minimal distortion. The trade-off? It's slow at a constant T4.5, and the build quality scores surprisingly low in our database. It's a compact lens, but it might not feel as tank-like as some competitors. The 10-blade iris gives you nice elliptical bokeh, though that score is just average.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong optical (99th percentile) 99th
Cons
- Below average build (6th percentile) 6th
- Below average aperture (30th percentile) 30th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 80 |
| Focal Length Max | 80 |
| Elements | 23 |
| Groups | 15 |
Aperture
| Diaphragm Blades | 10 |
Build
| Mount | Interchangeable Mount with Included ARRI PL |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 2.8 kg / 6.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 600 |
Value & Pricing
At $6,000, this isn't a casual purchase. You're paying for specialized anamorphic optics in a manageable package. Compared to renting high-end anamorphic primes or a massive zoom, it could make financial sense for an owner-operator. But if you don't need the anamorphic look, a standard spherical cine zoom will give you more speed and features for the money.
Price History
vs Competition
This lens lives in its own niche. The listed competitors like the Meike 55mm or Nikon Z 35mm are autofocus photo lenses—they're not playing the same game. For a real alternative, look at the Sirui Saturn series or used Cooke anamorphics. The Sirui's are more affordable but cover smaller sensors. Used Cookes have the pedigree but cost way more. The Laowa's trick is offering full-frame anamorphic in a two-lens zoom kit, which is still pretty rare.
| Spec | Laowa Venus Optics Laowa Sunlight 40-80mm T4.5 2x FF | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Sirui Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 80mm | 55mm | 24-70mm | 24mm | 17-70mm | 56mm |
| Max Aperture | - | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Interchangeable Mount with Included ARRI PL | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Sony E Mount | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 2800 | 281 | 676 | 269 | 544 | 422 |
| AF Type | - | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Zoom | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | - |
Common Questions
Q: What's the difference between the 'Clear' and 'Silver' flare versions?
The 'Clear' version has more translucent, colorless flares, while the 'Silver' version (reviewed here) produces the classic, silvery-blue anamorphic streaks. It's an aesthetic choice.
Q: Can I use this on my mirrorless camera with an adapter?
Yes, but you need a specific adapter. The lens has an interchangeable ARRI PL mount. For example, a MOFAGE POCO Leica L to PL adapter would work to mount it on a compatible mirrorless body.
Q: Does it come with other lens mounts like EF?
No. It ships with the ARRI PL mount only. You'd need to purchase other compatible mounts from Laowa separately if you need EF or another connection.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you shoot photos, need autofocus, or work in run-and-gun documentary. The manual focus, slow aperture, and anamorphic workflow are hurdles. Also, if you're on a tight budget, more affordable anamorphic options from Sirui cover smaller sensors but cost a fraction of the price.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a dedicated filmmaker building a compact, full-frame anamorphic kit and the silver flare look is non-negotiable. It's a tool for a specific job. Pair it with the 70-135mm, and you've got a great narrative range in a bag-friendly size.