Laowa ultra-compact APS-C Nanomorph Anamorphic Lenses : 27mm T2.8, 35mm T2.4, and 50mm T2.4

Venus Optics launches its campaign for its ultra-compact APS-C Nanomorph anamorphic lenses. The company announces The World’s Tiniest 1.5x Anamorphic Series: Nanomorph 27mm T2.8, 35mm T2.4, and 50mm T2.4.

All three offer a constant 1.5x squeeze factor throughout the entire focus distance range, something usually only seen in higher-end anamorphic lenses. This constant squeeze ratio means the lenses won’t suffer from a reduction in their anamorphic effect when close to a subject—something that can cause faces and objects to appear distorted in scenes.

Laowa Lenses are sold at Adorama and B&H. 

Venus Optics, the manufacturer specializing in inventing unique camera lenses, is proud to release the Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x anamorphic series for Super35 and Micro Four Thirds sensor. The patented anamorphic optical structure makes the lens revolutionarily small and compact. The range includes 3 different focal lengths – 27mm T2.8, 35mm T2.4, and 50mm T2.4. It is a front anamorphic design with a 1.5x constant squeeze ratio at all focusing distance. Two flare options are available – amber and blue. The extra short closest focusing distance also helps render stronger bokeh and creates a stronger compression. It is available in various mounts: Canon EF, PL mount, Canon R, Sony E, M43, DJI DL, Nikon Z, L mount, and Fuji X. Mounts are interchangeable. It is available on Indiegogo now.

Features

• Designed for Super35 and Micro Four Thirds
• Extremely Tiny (3.5″ long) and Light (<0.7 lbs)
• Three focal lengths:  27mm T2.8, 35mm T2.4, and 50mm T2.4 (65mm and 80mm ETA late 2022)
• 5x CONSTANT squeeze ratio at ALL focusing points (No Anamorphic Mumps)
• Front Anamorphic Design
• Two flares options are available – Amber and Blue
• Super Close focusing distance (17″ from subject to sensor)
• Available in 9 different mounts: Canon EF, PL mount, Canon R, Sony E, M43, DJI DL, Nikon Z, L mount and Fuji X
• Mounts are User Interchangeable

Revolutionarily small and compact

Anamorphic lenses are always cumbersome and heavy. This revolutionary “nano-sized” lens weighs less than 0.7 lbs (320g) and is only 3.54″ (9cm) long, making it very handy for every set-up e.g. handheld, on a gimbal, on a slider, through tight space, even on a drone, etc. It makes a lot of formerly impossible shots possible.

Constant 1.5x Squeeze & No Anamorphic Mumps

For some cheaper anamorphic lenses with synchro focus design, anamorphic blocks are often added at the front. It is the simplest and cheapest way to design and make an anamorphic lens. However, the significant drawback is the failure to maintain the same squeeze ratio at close distance, causing Anamorphic Mumps. The lens is unusable for real shooting because the variable squeeze is impossible to correct in post.

Laowa Nanomorph guarantees a constant 1.5x squeeze ratio at all focusing distances. Laowa decided to develop and invented this unique patented anamorphic design to guarantee a uniform squeeze ratio, promising optical quality, tiny size, and affordable price point.

Super 35+ coverage

The Super35 design allows it to be used perfectly on any Super35 / APS-C/ Micro Four Thirds cameras. The larger image circles of 35mm and 50mm are able to cover 4k 16:9 UHD on Sony A7iii with only mild vignetting.

Golden Squeeze Ratio

The anamorphic lens features a widescreen cinematic perspective. Venus Optics decided to adopt a 1.5x squeeze ratio as they believe 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 can be obtained after de-squeeze. Compared to a 1.33x anamorphic lens, Laowa Nanomorph delivers a much more pronounced anamorphic and cinematic look. For 1.8x / 2x squeeze, the lens will be inevitably huge and more images will be wasted when paired with a 16:9 sensor.

2 Flare Colors available

Anamorphic lenses with blue flares are very common in the market and It fits perfectly with the films with the sci-fi and 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.

Short closest focusing distance

Anamorphic lenses tend to have a longer closest focusing distance due to restrictions of optical design. Nanomorph has one of the shortest close focusing distances in the market. Filmmakers could obtain very close-up shots which renders a much shallower depth of field and stronger bokeh. This offers much higher flexibility in framing.

(Distance from the subject to sensor)

Nanomorph 27mm T2.8 1.5x Cine –  43cm / 16.9″

Nanomorph 35mm T2.4 1.5x Cine – 60cm / 23.6″

Nanomorph 50mm T2.4 1.5x Cine – 70cm / 27.5″

Cinematic oval bokeh

Various mounts available

Laowa currently offer 2 versions of Nanomorph: Mirrorless version and  PL & EF version.

For PL & EF version, both bayonets are included in the box and the mounts are user interchangeable. For the mirrorless version, Canon RF, Sony E, M43, DJI DL, Nikon Z, L mount and Fuji X are available and they are also interchangeable. Each lens will come with ONE single mount bayonet. Users could add US$50 for extra bayonet mounts for using on multiple cameras

Professional Cine Housing

Unified gear position
The unified gear position allows users to switch lenses quickly and without readjustment on the focus gear.

55mm filter thread
55mm filters can be attached directly on the lens which filmmakers can combo a handy set-ups. It is favorable when doing a Run-And-Gun shot or flying it with a drone.

0.8 Mod Gear
Industry standard 0.8 mod gear is installed on both aperture and focus rings.

Dual Scale
Both imperial and metric scale are printed on the lens body.

Focal Back Adjustment
Filmmakers could fine tune the back focus quickly by a 0.9mm hex key (included in the package), which ensures the scale is still accurate and aligned after changing cameras.

Pricing & Availability

Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x anamorphic lenses are available to order at discounted price in Indiegogo platform. Normal Retail Price for single lens is $999 (Mirrorless Mounts) and $1,499 (EF & PL Mounts). A 3-lens bundle with hardcase will be retailed at $2,699 (Mirrorless Mounts) and $3,999(EF & PL Mounts). The lenses are expected to be shipped from August onwards.

Specifications