It’s a Laowa lens fest!
Posted on Apr 11, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker
The fast-growing optics expert launches glut of new glass
Laowa continues to expand its unique lens offerings moving on from the Proteus 2X Anamorphic Series, including large format anamorphic options, tilt-shift macro optics and a new probe lens made for ultimate close-ups.
As the flagship series, the Nanomorph LF 1.5x T2.9 Anamorphics make up an affordable line-up of three pro-grade lenses for large format and full-frame cameras. Priced at $1499 each or $5399 for a four-lens set of 32, 42, 55 and 85mm, UK pricing has yet to be announced.
The Nanomorph LF series offers fullformat sensor coverage with its 44.71mm image circle, ideal for cameras like the Arri Alexa LF 4.5K in open gate mode. Its 1.5x compression produces a 2.66:1 aspect ratio on a 16:9 sensor after de-squeezing, delivering a more pronounced anamorphic and cinematic look compared to 1.33x anamorphic lenses.
Providing signature anamorphic characteristics, the lenses offer a smooth, organic focus roll-off in the background. Unlike other anamorphic lenses, where bokeh may shift from centre to edge and appear distorted, Laowa claims its lenses give greater uniformity across the frame.
The Nanomorph LFs offer excellent edge distortion control, delivering sharp image quality that stands up well on big screens, even wide open.
Since the lenses are not 1.8x or 2x versions, they remain relatively compact, so work for handheld rigs, gimbals and drones. Designed with minimal focus breathing, they come with a choice of amber, blue or silver flare coatings.
The Nanomorph LF series has a 270° focus throw for precise adjustments and includes a built-in back focus mechanism
They come in Arri PL mount, but the interchangeable mount system allows users to buy optional mounts to fit different cameras.
Tilt-shift macro for all!
Laowa has achieved what no camera manufacturer has by creating 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 lenses with tilt-shift capabilities and 1:1 macro magnification, designed for full-frame cameras in Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z and L-Mount.
The lenses provide a ±10° tilt and ±12mm shift, enabling manipulation of the focal plane to correct perspective distortions, extend depth-of-field or create the creative small-world effect.
Both of these lenses are compatible with medium format Fujifilm GFX System cameras, though tilt is limited to ±10° and shift to ±8mm.
The 55mm lens has 14 elements in 11 groups and the 100mm lens uses 13 elements in ten groups for sharp, detailed images with minimal vignetting and optical distortion.
With a 77mm front filter thread, there is also a builtin lens support compatible with the Arca-Swiss system, plus a dual rotation system for separate tilt-shift adjustments.
As the originator of the renowned 24mm probe lens, Laowa is also close to releasing a new zoom probe lens. It will go as wide as 15mm with a 2.3x zoom range, and is promised to be parfocal. It will also allow a 35° tilt view with up to 2x magnification. Duclos is also working on its own probe zoom lens – an 18-28mm T8.
This article was first published in the March/April 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
