New anamorphic zoom lenses from Laowa

Laowa Sunlight

Laowa introduces Sunlight 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom Series, a pair of front‑anamorphic zoom lenses designed for full‑frame cinema cameras. The series includes two focal ranges, 40–80mm and 70–135mm, designed to bring a consistent 2x squeeze in a compact cine build suited to on‑set use.

The Sunlight line follows the direction set by the Laowa Proteus lenses and applies a front‑anamorphic optical approach aimed at practical handling for handheld, gimbal and other mobile shooting situations. The design focuses on balanced size, weight and usability while retaining the anamorphic character across focal lengths.

Both lenses maintain a constant T4.5 aperture throughout the zoom range. A parfocal configuration keeps focus while zooming, supporting moves such as push‑ins, crash‑zooms and dolly‑zooms without the need to refocus, which helps streamline operation during complex takes.

A constant 2x squeeze delivers the widescreen geometry associated with traditional anamorphics at every focal length. The lens is available in four different flare options to suit different lighting and design preferences: amber, blue, silver, or clear.

Focus characteristics are tuned for smooth transitions from in‑focus to out‑of‑focus areas, with oval bokeh typical of 2x anamorphic imaging. Breathing is kept low to help preserve framing during focus pulls. Minimum focusing distances are 0.61 m on the 40–80mm and 0.78 m on the 70–135mm, enabling close framing for detail shots or tight spaces.

The mechanical design follows common cinema standards. Each lens provides 0.8 Mod gears, dual‑scale focus markings in metric and imperial, a 77 mm front filter thread for screw‑in filters and a 105 mm front diameter for matte boxes and accessories. A back‑focus adjustment mechanism is built in to fine‑tune flange distance when changing camera systems or mounts.

Technical details for both lenses

Both lenses are full‑frame. The 40–80mm and 70–135mm share an aperture range of T4.5 to T22 and a 10‑blade iris. The 40–80mm is constructed with 23 elements in 15 groups and offers an angle‑of‑view range of approximately 71.5°×33.4° to 39.6°×17.1°. The 70–135mm uses 22 elements in 14 groups with an angle‑of‑view range of about 44.7°×19.5° to 24.1°×10.2°. Focus throw is 305° on the 40–80mm and 302° on the 70–135mm; aperture throw is 32.7° on both; zoom throw is 100° on both. Flange distance for PL is 52 mm. Dimensions are around Ø110.4 × 242 mm for each lens. Stated weights are approximately 2.8 kg for the 40–80mm and 2.6 kg for the 70–135mm.

Both zooms are available in Arri Pl with the possibility to switch to Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z and L-Mount. Lenses are available in for different flare options - amber, blue, silver and clear.

Pricing and shipping
Lenses will start to ship in September 2025.

Laowa Sunlight 40-80mm T4.5 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom EUR 6999; -
Laowa Sunlight 70-135mm T4.5 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom EUR 6999; -
Laowa Sunlight Interchangeable bayonet Sony FE/ Canon RF/ Nikon Z/ L-Mount EUR 74; -

For further information, please contact karsten.rath@focusnordic.com