Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic 85mm T2 - Silver - Arri PL/Canon EF

Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic 85mm T2 – Telephoto anamorphic perspective for cinematic portraiture

The Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic 85mm T2 delivers a telephoto anamorphic perspective designed for cinematic portraiture, intimate close-ups, and detail-driven storytelling. It uses a true 2X anamorphic squeeze to produce the widescreen feel filmmakers expect, while offering pronounced depth compression, oval-shaped bokeh, and character-rich anamorphic flares.

Optical character and aperture

This lens features a bright T2 aperture that performs well in low-light situations and gives you fine control over depth of field. As a result, you can isolate subjects, shape background separation, and achieve visual intimacy in tight framing. The optical design emphasizes sharp, color-accurate results while preserving the specific anamorphic character—oval bokeh and distinctive flare behavior—suitable for narrative and cinematic work.

Designed coverage and extender compatibility

The Proteus 85mm is designed specifically for Super 35 sensors. For projects that require full-frame coverage, you can pair the lens with a 1.4X extender to achieve that compatibility. This gives you flexible deployment across sensor formats while maintaining the lens’s anamorphic identity when used with the extender.

Build, handling and mounts

Laowa built the Proteus 85mm with professional filmmakers in mind. The lens provides robust construction and precision manual controls for consistent operation on set. It ships with a default PL mount and includes an additional Canon EF bayonet, which expands mounting options across different camera systems and workflows.

Creative options and flare variants

The Proteus lens comes in three flare variants: amber, blue, or silver. You can select the variant that best complements your visual style and on-set lighting. These options let you tailor the lens’s flare and highlight rendering to match your project’s aesthetic.

Typical use cases

• Portrait and head-and-shoulders cinematography where subject separation and compression matter
• Intimate close-ups that require close focusing and controlled background rendering
• Detail-focused storytelling where oval bokeh and anamorphic flares add cinematic texture

Key features

• 85mm focal length optimized for portrait and close-up cinematography
• Bright T2 aperture for outstanding low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field
• True 2X anamorphic squeeze ratio providing an authentic widescreen look
• Pleasant oval-shaped bokeh for enhanced cinematic visuals
• Available in amber, blue, or silver flare variants for tailored creative aesthetics
• Close focusing distance ideal for detailed, intimate framing
• PL mount defaulted with included Canon EF bayonet mount
• Compatible with a 1.4X extender for full-frame sensor coverage

What’s in the Box

• Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic 85mm T2 Lens
• Front and rear lens caps
• Lens support foot
• Canon EF bayonet mount
• User manual

Technical specifications

FAQ

question: Is the Laowa Proteus 85mm suitable for full-frame cameras?
Answer: The lens is designed for Super 35 sensors. However, you can achieve full-frame coverage by using the supplied 1.4X extender, which expands the lens’s usable image circle to work with full-frame sensors.

question: Which mounts are included and what is the default mount?
Answer: The Laowa Proteus 85mm ships with a default PL mount and includes an additional Canon EF bayonet mount for broader camera compatibility.

question: What creative flare options are available?
Answer: You can choose from amber, blue, or silver flare variants to match your preferred highlight rendering and on-set lighting aesthetic.

question: How does the lens perform in low light and shallow depth-of-field situations?
Answer: With a bright T2 aperture, the lens offers strong low-light performance and precise control over depth of field, making it effective for subject isolation and cinematic looks.

question: Is this lens suitable for close-up and intimate shots?
Answer: Yes. The Proteus 85mm supports close focusing and is optimized for portrait and close-up cinematography, allowing you to capture subtle details and achieve intimate framing.