Laowa has announced its new Sunlight 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom Series. These new zooms are claimed to bring a new level of versatility and accessibility to full-frame anamorphic filmmaking. They are also claimed to be the World’s first front anamorphic full frame 2x anamorphic zooms.
The lenses come in PL mount by default; however, optional Canon RF/ Nikon Z/ Sony E / L mount bayonets are available for purchase on the website for easy adaptation to different camera systems.
The first two lenses in the new series are the 40-80mm T4.5 and the 70-135mm T4.5. Even though they are full-frame lenses, the 40-80mm T4.5 isn’t going to cover open gate on cameras like the ARRI Alexa Mini LF or Sony VENICE 2.
Following in the footsteps of the Laowa Proteus series, the Sunlight zooms are claimed to offer exceptional value and performance. The Laowa Sunlight Series achieves its distinct 2x anamorphic character through a sophisticated front anamorphic design, all while maintaining an impressively compact size and lightweight build.
The lenses weigh in at 2.8kg / 6.17 lb for the 40-80mm T4.5 and 2.6kg / 5.73 lb for the 70-135mm T4.5.
Key features
- Versatile Zoom Range
- Constant T4.5 Aperture
- Parfocal Design
- Expressive Anamorphic Look
- Constant 2x Squeeze
- 4 Cinematic Flare Options (Amber/Blue/Silver/Clear)
- Organic Focus Roll-off
- Dreamy Oval Bokeh
- Low Focus Breathing
- Close Minimum Focusing Distance
- Ergonomic & Intelligent Cine Housing
- Back Focus Adjustment Available
Constant T4.5 Aperture
The constant T4.5 aperture across the zoom range ensures consistent brightness, eliminating light loss during zooms. This reliability supports uniform exposure, making it ideal for fast-paced shoots requiring seamless focal length adjustments. The T4.5 aperture also enables shooting in low-light environments.
Parfocal Design
The Laowa Sunlight Series features a carefully calibrated parfocal design, guaranteeing that focus remains consistent throughout the entire zoom range.
4 Cinematic Flare Options (Amber/Blue/Silver/Clear)
The Laowa Sunlight Series empowers filmmakers with unparalleled control over their visual storytelling through its innovative 4 Cinematic Flare Options. Choose from classic sci-fi blue for a futuristic feel, warm amber to evoke nostalgia, adaptable silver for dynamic color play, or elegant clear for pristine light transmission. The intuitive lens flare ring clearly indicates the selected color.
Organic Focus Roll-off
The Laowa Sunlight Series introduces what the company is referring to as organic focus roll-off. The smooth, gradual transitions from sharp focus to beautifully blurred areas create a natural shallow depth of field and distinct elliptical bokeh.
Low Focus Breathing
The Laowa Sunlight Series is engineered with minimal focus breathing, ensuring a stable and consistent frame composition, even during large focus pulls.
Close Minimum Focusing Distance
The Laowa Sunlight Series features good close-focus capabilities. With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.61m (40-80mm) or 0.78m (70-135mm).
Ergonomic & Intelligent Cine Housing
Laowa Sunlight Series is designed for seamless integration into any professional workflow. The lenses feature a Ø77mm filter thread for filter attachment, and industry-standard 0.8 Mod gears for compatibility with follow focus systems. Dual-scale (Metric / Imperial) focus indicators provide added convenience. The Ø105mm front diameter facilitates easy rigging with a wide range of cinema accessories.
Back Focus Adjustment
The back focus adjustment function allows precise calibration of focus accuracy, ensuring optimal performance across various camera systems.
Pricing & Availability
The Laowa Sunlight 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom Series costs $5,999 USD for a single lens (40-80mm/70-135mm) and $10,999 USD for a 2-lens set. Interchangeable bayonets for mirrorless cameras (Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, L mount) are available for purchase, priced at $50 USD each.
Specifications
