Venus Optics launches Laowa Proteus Flex 2X anamorphic series

Stylish flares. Venus Optics has announced the new Laowa Proteus Flex series, with an interchangeable flare feature designed to allow filmmakers and rental houses to swap modules locally to match production needs.

Each Laowa Proteus Flex comes in a main Proteus body and features four flare modules, including amber, silver, blue and a new, clear version. The clear flare features a new lens coating producing minimal horizontal flare, aimed at cinematographers seeking a cleaner look. Venus claims it is a strong choice for cinematographers who prefer less flaring and reflections, as the new lens coating suppresses horizontal streaks – even when shooting against strong sunlight.

With most anamorphic lenses having a fixed lens flare color, the new Proteus Flex effectively turns a set of Proteus anamorphic lenses into four different sets. Filmmakers can swap between blue, amber, silver and clear flare options for aesthetic impact to the scenes.

The flare modules are designed to be easily installed, swapped and screw-locked into the main Proteus Flex body, with no further optical calibration required after the swap. Venus estimates that the whole process can be completed in 10 minutes, without any need to ship to service facilities.

Laowa partnered with Markus Forderer, ASC and CINEFLARES, a professional lens flare testing tool, to test the flare performance of these new lenses. The lens flares are captured in a motion-controlled environment and all flare test results are available on the lens flare library, including different T-stops and flare options. With immediate effect, users can access and compare the lens flares on the platform.

The Proteus Flex is available to order in 28/35/45/60/85/100mm, with immediate effect.

Pricing for the Laowa Proteus Flex 2X Anamorphic Series is Currently set at $9999 each, or $24,999 for a three-lens set (Set A: 28/45/85mm and Set B: 35/60/100mm).

Other key features

• Constant 2X squeeze ratio 
• T2 Large Aperture
• Outstanding sharpness
• Close-focusing distance
• Pleasant oval bokeh 
• Interchangeable amber, blue, silver & clear flare 
• Low focus-breathing
• User-friendly cine housing 
• Full-frame coverage with 1.4X expander