- Stock: In Stock
- Brand: Laowa
- Model: Anamorphic Lens
- SKU: VE2020PLEFS
Laowa Proteus 20mm T2 2x Anamorphic Lens
Super 35+ | 2× Anamorphic | Silver Flare | PL/EF
Why Choose the Laowa Proteus 20mm T2?
The Venus Optics Laowa Proteus 20mm T2 2x Anamorphic Lens delivers an authentic widescreen cinematic image with a constant 2× horizontal squeeze for Super 35+ cinema cameras. It features a fast T2 maximum aperture, distinctive silver anamorphic flares, and a 10-blade iris for elegant elliptical bokeh. Its 48 cm minimum focus distance, professional 0.8 MOD gears, and interchangeable ARRI PL and Canon EF mounts make it a versatile choice for cinematic productions.
20mm 2× Anamorphic T2 Aperture Silver FlareOverview
The Laowa Proteus 20mm T2 is an ultra-wide anamorphic cinema prime lens designed to reproduce the distinctive visual characteristics of traditional anamorphic filmmaking.
Its 20 mm focal length and 2× horizontal squeeze allow filmmakers to capture exceptionally wide compositions when footage is properly de-squeezed.
The lens combines silver flare characteristics, elliptical bokeh, low focus breathing, and impressive sharpness to create a cinematic image suitable for professional narrative and commercial production.
Key Features
Super 35+ Coverage
Designed for compatible cinema sensors.
Constant 2× Squeeze
Ultra-widescreen cinematic image.
Fast T2 Aperture
Excellent low-light capability.
Silver Anamorphic Flares
Neutral flares influenced by light color.
Elliptical Bokeh
Distinctive rendering with a 10-blade iris.
48 cm Close Focus
Capture detailed cinematic close-ups.
Low Focus Breathing
Minimal framing changes when focusing.
0.8 MOD Cine Gears
Compatible with follow-focus systems.
300° Focus Rotation
Precise, repeatable manual focusing.
105 mm Filter Thread
Compatible front screw-on filters.
PL and EF Mounts
User-interchangeable mount system.
Unified Gear Positions
Simplified lens changes across the series.
Laowa Proteus Anamorphic Showreel
Watch the Laowa Proteus 20mm T2 2x Anamorphic showreel demonstrating the cinematic rendering of the lens series.
Constant 2× Anamorphic Squeeze Ratio
The lens uses a 2× horizontal optical squeeze, creating the classic wide anamorphic cinematic image.
When de-squeezed, footage captured using a 4:3 sensor produces a 2.66:1 image, while a 6:5 sensor produces a 2.4:1 aspect ratio.
These formats provide flexibility for reframing or cropping to the popular 2.39:1 cinematic aspect ratio.
The squeeze ratio is designed to remain constant throughout the focusing range, reducing the anamorphic mumps effect and maintaining natural subject proportions.
Fast T2 Cinema Aperture
The maximum T2 transmission aperture supports shooting in low-light conditions and provides a shallow depth of field with smooth focus fall-off.
The aperture can be adjusted from T2 to T22 using the manual cinema iris ring with 60° rotation.
The lens uses a 10-blade iris, contributing to attractive out-of-focus rendering and distinctive anamorphic bokeh.
Distinctive Silver Anamorphic Flares
This version features silver anamorphic flares, producing a relatively neutral flare appearance compared with blue or amber flare options.
The flares can reflect the color of the light source, providing flexibility when establishing a scene's color palette and atmosphere.
Strong practical lighting and direct light sources can create the horizontal flare characteristics associated with traditional anamorphic cinematography.
Cinematic Elliptical Bokeh
The lens produces characteristic elliptical bokeh, one of the most recognizable visual qualities of anamorphic cinematography.
Its 2× squeeze creates elongated out-of-focus highlights, while the fast T2 aperture contributes to smooth subject separation and focus transitions.
Professional Optical Sharpness and Contrast
The optical design incorporates 17 elements in 15 groups, engineered to deliver sharp images and strong contrast even at wide aperture settings.
The lens combines professional optical performance with the distinctive rendering of classic anamorphic cinematography.
Close Focusing Down to 48 cm
The lens focuses down to 48 cm, enabling cinematic close-ups with distinctive anamorphic background rendering.
This capability is useful for detailed product shots, dramatic close-ups, interviews, and narrative cinematography.
Low Focus Breathing
The lens is designed to minimize changes in framing and angle of view while adjusting focus.
This low-breathing optical design supports smooth focus transitions and consistent composition throughout cinematic sequences.
Super 35+ Sensor Coverage
The Proteus series is designed to cover Super 35+ sensor formats, including a reference sensor area of 25.9 × 21.6 mm.
The series supports compatible Super 35 cinema cameras, including applicable ARRI ALEXA 35 recording formats and specified Open Gate configurations.
A separately available 1.4× full-frame adapter can extend coverage to compatible full-frame camera systems.
The adapter is optional and may affect angle of view and exposure characteristics.
0.8 MOD Professional Cinema Gearing
The focus and aperture control rings feature industry-standard 0.8 MOD cine gearing compatible with suitable follow-focus systems and lens motors.
The focus ring offers 300° rotation, allowing precise and repeatable focus pulls, while the iris ring provides 60° of rotation.
Unified gear positioning across the Proteus series helps simplify lens changes without major adjustments to compatible focus accessories.
Adjustable Flange Back
The lens supports flange back adjustment for accurate optical calibration with compatible camera systems.
This is particularly useful when configuring professional camera rigs and changing lens mounts, following manufacturer instructions.
Interchangeable ARRI PL and Canon EF Mounts
The lens includes an ARRI PL mount and an interchangeable Canon EF bayonet mount.
This allows the lens to be configured for compatible professional cinema cameras using either mounting standard.
Camera mount compatibility, flange distance, and image circle requirements should be checked before installation.
105 mm Filter Thread and 114 mm Front Diameter
The lens features a 105 mm front filter thread for compatible screw-in filters.
The front outside diameter measures 114 mm, while the maximum body diameter is 119.6 mm.
These dimensions are important when selecting compatible matte boxes, front accessories, and cinema support systems.
Professional Cinema Construction
The lens measures approximately 182 mm in length and weighs around 2.5 kg.
It is designed for professional camera rigs with suitable lens support and payload capacity.
An included lens support foot provides a standard 3/8"-16 mounting interface.
Appropriate lens support is recommended instead of relying exclusively on the camera mount to carry the lens weight.
Ideal Applications
Technical Specifications
What's in the Box
Included Lens and Accessories
The specified package includes the Proteus lens, interchangeable Canon EF bayonet, support foot, tool kit, front and rear caps, and protective hard case. The optional 1.4× full-frame adapter, follow-focus systems, and filters are sold separately.

