Laowa Venus Optics Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic 20mm T2 Review
The Laowa Proteus 20mm T2 offers a true 2x anamorphic squeeze for filmmakers, but its $5,000 price tag comes with some frustrating compromises in build and close-focus performance.
The 30-Second Version
The Laowa Proteus 20mm T2 delivers genuine 2x anamorphic quality and sharp optics in a compact form, but its cheap build and long minimum focus are hard to swallow at $5,000. Only buy if you need that specific cinematic squeeze and can't rent.
Overview
The Laowa Proteus 20mm T2 is a niche tool for a very specific filmmaker. It's a compact, 2x anamorphic prime built for Super35 sensors, offering that classic cinematic squeeze and signature blue flares in a surprisingly small package. Don't mistake it for a general-purpose lens, though. This is a specialized piece of glass for creating a very particular look, and it makes some serious trade-offs to hit its $5,000 price point.
Performance
Optically, this lens is sharp where it counts, landing in the 95th percentile for its type. That means your anamorphic footage will be clean and detailed. But the performance story is a mixed bag. The minimum focus distance is a whopping 18.9 inches, which is pretty limiting for close-up work, and the build quality sits in a shockingly low 8th percentile. It feels like a lot of the budget went into the glass, not the housing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Delivers a true 2x anamorphic squeeze and classic blue flares. 94th
- Exceptionally sharp optics for a dedicated cine lens.
- Compact size for an anamorphic, easier to rig on smaller cameras.
- Interchangeable PL and EF mounts add some setup flexibility.
Cons
- Build quality feels cheap for a $5k professional lens. 7th
- Massive 18.9" minimum focus distance limits creative shots. 29th
- No autofocus or stabilization, which is expected but worth noting.
- Heavy at 5.5 lbs, which is significant for its compact size.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 20 |
| Focal Length Max | 20 |
| Elements | 17 |
| Groups | 15 |
Aperture
| Diaphragm Blades | 10 |
Build
| Mount | Interchangeable Mount with Included ARRI PL/Canon EF |
| Format | Super35/APS-C (25.9 x 21.6 mm Sensor) |
| Weight | 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 105 |
AF & Stabilization
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 480 |
Value & Pricing
At five grand, the value proposition is tough. You're paying for the anamorphic optical design and the Laowa name. For a indie filmmaker who absolutely needs a compact 2x anamorphic look and can't rent, it might make sense. For everyone else, that's a lot of cash for a lens with mediocre build quality and limited close-focus ability. You're buying the look, not the luxury.
vs Competition
This isn't really competing with those standard photo lenses listed. Its real rivals are other entry-level anamorphics like the Sirui or Great Joy lines. Compared to those, the Laowa offers sharper optics and a more authentic 2x squeeze, but you'll pay a premium. If you don't need anamorphic, a set of sharp, fast spherical cine primes from brands like DZOFilm or Irix will give you more creative flexibility for the same money, without the squeeze.
| Spec | Laowa Venus Optics Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic 20mm T2 | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z) | Viltrox VILTROX 23mm F1.4 Auto Focus APS-C Frame Lens for | Canon Canon L Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens (Canon RF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 20mm | 17-70mm | 55mm | 16-50mm | 23mm | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | — | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Mount | Interchangeable Mount with Included ARRI PL/Canon EF | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 2500 | 544 | 281 | 329 | 499 | 544 |
| AF Type | — | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | — | Zoom | — | Zoom | — | Zoom |
Common Questions
Q: What cameras is this lens compatible with?
It covers Super35 and APS-C sensors. It comes with interchangeable ARRI PL and Canon EF mounts, so it'll work with a wide range of cinema cameras and DSLRs/mirrorless with those mounts, like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras, Canon C series, or adapted Sony bodies.
Q: Is the anamorphic squeeze really 2x?
Yes, it's a true 2x squeeze ratio. This gives you that classic, ultra-widescreen cinematic look when you de-squeeze the footage in post, which is the main reason you'd buy this over a standard spherical lens.
Q: How are the lens flares?
They're a signature feature. The lens produces distinct blue horizontal flares, which is a classic anamorphic characteristic that many filmmakers actively seek out for stylistic effect.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you shoot stills, run-and-gun video, or need close-focus capabilities. The 18.9-inch minimum focus distance kills any hope for intimate detail shots, and the lack of AF or stabilization makes it a poor choice for solo operators. If you just want a sharp wide-angle for video, get a spherical cine prime and save your money and your back—this thing is heavy.
Verdict
Buy this only if you're a dedicated indie cinematographer or documentarian shooting on Super35 cameras and you're committed to the 2x anamorphic aesthetic on a budget. You need to want those blue flares and that widescreen look badly enough to overlook the plasticky build and long minimum focus. For narrative work where that look is non-negotiable, it's a tool that gets the job done.