Here’s a piece of gear news we neglected when it was announced around IBC: Venus Optics has introduced the Laowa Sunlight 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom Series, a pair of full-frame, front-anamorphic 2x squeeze cine zooms in 40-80mm and 70-135mm, each with a constant T4.5 aperture, parfocal mechanics, and four selectable flare options, priced at $5,999 per lens or $10,999 for the two-lens set.
In the footsteps of the Laowa Proteus line (which was only announced in March!), the Laowa Sunlight Zooms aim to deliver a classic 2x anamorphic look in a relatively compact housing that suits handheld, gimbal, and dynamic movement work. The lenses ship in PL mount with user-swappable bayonets for popular mirrorless systems.
What’s new in the Laowa Sunlight series
Laowa describes these as the world’s first front-anamorphic, full-frame 2x anamorphic zooms, designed to keep size and weight manageable while maintaining a front-anamorphic image character. The 40-80mm weighs about 2.8 kg and the 70-135mm about 2.6 kg, with both measuring roughly Ø110.4 × 242 mm, using a 105 mm front and a 77 mm filter thread.
Zoom range and image character
Together the two lenses cover 40 mm to 135 mm, providing more than a 3x combined zoom range. Both maintain a constant 2x squeeze for consistent widescreen rendering, with the company emphasizing organic focus roll-off, dreamy oval bokeh, and low focus breathing. Filmmakers can select among four flare styles, labeled on a dedicated ring: blue, amber, silver, or clear.
Parfocal design, dual metric and imperial markings
Both zooms are parfocal, holding focus through the zoom range, and include back focus adjustment for fine calibration across camera bodies. They feature industry-standard 0.8-mod rings, dual metric and imperial markings, a 100° zoom throw, a 32.7° iris throw, and long focus throws of 305° on the 40-80mm and 302° on the 70-135mm.
Minimum focusing distance is 0.61 m on the 40-80mm and 0.78 m on the 70-135mm, which should help with intimate framings while preserving the anamorphic perspective and oval speculars.
Mounts and sensor coverage
Lenses ship in ARRI PL as standard. Optional user-changeable bayonets for Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-Mount are available, with no EF option. Laowa lists the mirrorless bayonets at $50 each. Both lenses are specified for full-frame coverage.
Pricing and availability
The Sunlight series is available now via Laowa’s website and authorized resellers at $5,999 per lens or $10,999 for the two-lens set. Optional mirrorless bayonets are $50 apiece, with regional pricing variations noted by the manufacturer.
Specifications at a glance
- Formats: full frame, constant 2x squeeze; T4.5–T22
- Focal lengths: 40-80mm, 70-135mm
- Optics: 23 elements in 15 groups (40-80); 22 elements in 14 groups (70-135)
- Focus throw: 305° (40-80); 302° (70-135)
- Zoom throw / iris throw: 100° / 32.7°
- Min focus: 0.61 m (40-80); 0.78 m (70-135)
- Front diameter / filter: 105 mm / 77 mm
- Weight: ~2.8 kg (40-80); ~2.6 kg (70-135)
- Flare options: blue, amber, silver, clear
- Mounts: PL standard; optional RF, E, Z, L bayonets; no EF optionThese specifications are taken from the official press materials.
Early take on the Laowa Sunlight series
With constant T4.5, parfocal behavior, and a complete 40-135mm two-lens set, Laowa is targeting productions that want a true 2x front-anamorphic look without committing to a heavier, more segmented prime kit. The selectable flare ring is a practical touch for on-set control, and the $5,999 entry price per zoom will likely attract indie features, commercial houses, and streaming series units looking to stretch budgets.
If you have experience with Laowa’s Proteus primes, do these new zooms tick the right boxes for your next anamorphic build, or would you still reach for primes for maximum speed and character?