Laowa Venus Optics Laowa Sunlight 2x Anamorphic Zoom Review
The Laowa Sunlight bundle offers top-tier anamorphic optics in a two-zoom set, but its $11,000 price and manual-only operation make it a tool for a very specific filmmaker.
The 30-Second Version
The Laowa Sunlight bundle delivers exceptional anamorphic image quality (99th percentile optics) in a relatively compact two-zoom set. But with a T4.5 max aperture, no autofocus, and an $11k price tag, it's a specialized tool only for filmmakers who need that specific widescreen look. Worth it only for its very niche target audience.
Overview
The Laowa Sunlight 2x Anamorphic Zoom bundle is a two-lens set designed for one thing: getting that classic, widescreen anamorphic look on a full-frame sensor. It gives you a 40-135mm range, a 2x squeeze, and those clear, blue anamorphic flares filmmakers chase. It's not trying to be a do-it-all lens. It's a specialized tool for a specific, cinematic style.
At over $10,000, this is a serious investment for working cinematographers or high-end indie filmmakers. You're paying for the anamorphic optics and the convenience of a zoom in a package that's relatively compact for what it is. Just know going in that this is manual focus only, with no stabilization, and a maximum aperture of T4.5.
Performance
Optically, this set is in the 99th percentile. That means the image quality is top-tier, with sharpness and character that justifies the price for its intended use. The bokeh, however, lands in the 48th percentile. With a 10-blade iris, you get nice elliptical bokeh, but it's not going to compete with the creamy, super-fast primes on the market. The big performance trade-offs are the T4.5 max aperture, which limits low-light shooting, and the lack of any autofocus or stabilization, making it a rig-only lens for most shoots.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong optical (99th percentile) 99th
Cons
- Below average build (7th percentile) 7th
- 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
Is it worth $11,000? That depends entirely on your needs. If you're a filmmaker who specifically needs a full-frame, 2x anamorphic zoom solution, there are shockingly few options, and this one delivers excellent optics. For everyone else, it's a hard sell. You're paying a massive premium for the anamorphic design and zoom convenience over standard spherical lenses. It's a niche tool priced for a niche professional.
vs Competition
This isn't really competing with the Meike 55mm or Viltrox 35mm primes listed. Those are cheap, fast autofocus lenses for stills and run-and-gun video. A fairer comparison is against other anamorphic options. Renting single-focus anamorphic primes might be more cost-effective for shorter projects. Or, you could look at spherical cinema zooms like the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8, which is faster, has IS and AF, and costs a fraction of the price—but you won't get the anamorphic look. The Laowa bundle's value is in being a dedicated, all-in-one anamorphic zoom solution.
| Spec | Laowa Venus Optics Laowa Sunlight 2x Anamorphic Zoom | Meike Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Lens High | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 Lens, X Mount 35mm F1.7 Auto | Canon Canon - RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Standard Zoom Lens | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 80mm | 55mm | 35mm | 28-70mm | 14-140mm | 25mm |
| Max Aperture | — | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Interchangeable Mount with Included ARRI PL | Sony E | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 2800 | 201 | 301 | 499 | 27 | 400 |
| AF Type | — | STM | STM | Autofocus | — | STM |
| Lens Type | Zoom | — | — | Standard Zoom | Telephoto | — |
Common Questions
Q: What's the minimum focus distance?
It's 0.8 meters (about 2.6 feet), which is decent for a cinema zoom but won't get you extreme close-ups.
Q: Is this good for low-light shooting?
Not really. The T4.5 maximum aperture is fairly slow, so you'll need good lighting or a higher ISO, which can introduce noise.
Q: Can I use this on a gimbal?
It's possible, but challenging. At 2.8kg for the set and with no internal stabilization, you'd need a very beefy gimbal and perfect balancing. It's really designed for a shoulder rig or tripod.
Who Should Skip This
If you shoot primarily photos, need autofocus, or work in unpredictable run-and-gun situations, look elsewhere. This lens demands a controlled, cinematic setup. Also, if you're on a tight budget or just curious about anamorphic, start with a much cheaper single prime or a front anamorphic adapter. This is pro-grade gear.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a professional cinematographer or a well-funded indie filmmaker who needs the specific look of a 2x anamorphic squeeze on a full-frame camera and values the flexibility of a zoom. You need to be comfortable with manual focus and building out a proper rig with follow focuses and supports. For this user, it's a powerful, unique tool.