During IBC 2023 we had a chance to check out several of Venus Optics Laowa products including three which are currently on Indigogo – the Laowa 65mm & 80mm 1.5x T2.4 Nanomorph & Anamorphic Adapter.
Laowa 65mm & 80mm 1.5x T2.4 Nanomorph
The two new lenses in the Nanomorph line are designed for smaller cameras (although they can be fitted on almost all mounts). Both lenses cover a super 35mm sensor that has a 1.5x constant squeeze (more than what most 1.33x inexpensive anamorphic lenses offer) and come in either amber, silver, or blue flare options. The user can buy either an EF/PL version or a smaller mirrorless version (7 mounts are available including Canon RF, Sony E, M43, DJI DL, Nikon Z, L mount, and Fuji X mount).
Both lenses have relatively close focusing distances of 70cm which is especially impressive in the case of the 85mm lens. Both lenses have built-in back focus adjustment, 270-degree focus throw, both metric and imperial scales and a 62mm filter thread (for the mirrorless version) or 77mm (for the EF/PL version) as well as a lens support thread.
Anamorphic Adapter
Laowa found an interesting solution to the 2X anamorphic “problem”. While some shooters are looking for more than 1.5x anamorphic squeeze even on smaller bodies, creating 2X dedicated anamorphic lenses is typically quite expensive and requires a very large and heavy design (Laowa does have a 2X squeeze line called Proteus but it is not designed for smaller cameras).
The chunky new front adapter is a full frame compatible 1.33x and it comes in amber, silver, or blue flare variants (like the lenses) with a 77mm rear thread and an 86mm front thread and supporting step-up rings (3 are included).
The adapter has a button for making sure the horizontal flare alignment is correct and the unit weighs in at 830g (so you might need some time of holder for your lens). The minimum focusing distance with the adapter is 73cm and it has a 200-degree focus throw.
Pricing and availability
The EF/PL version of each of the two 65mm 80mm lenses sells for just over $1420 while the mirrorless version for just over $1040 with the 1.33x anamorphic front adapter currently sells for under $700 – all can be found on Indiegogo.
Special thanks to our sponsors for IBC 2023: SmallRig, Ulanzi, Godox, Zhiyun.
Iddo Genuth 
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