NEW Laowa Proteus Anamorphic Lens Review VS Atlas Orion Comparison + Cinematic Footage on Alexa Mini

This week it's our New Laowa Proteus Anamorphic Lens Review VS Atlas Orion Lens Comparison + Cinematic Footage shot on Alexa Mini. We got an exclusive look at Laowa's new Proteus 2x anamorphic lens. This lens is one of the most affordable true 2x anamorphic cinema lenses available. Our Proteus VS Atlas Orion comparison has lens flare tests, bokeh, sharpness and breathing side-by-side footage and more.
The Laowa Proteus 45mm anamorphic lens release date is January 16th 2023. If you're looking for the best budget anamorphic lens, the Proteus isn't cheap, but it's affordable and built to last. This Laowa Proteus Lens Review features cinematic Proteus footage shot on ARRI Alexa Mini in 4k. This isn't the first Laowa anamorphic lens to enter the cinema market, but it is their first true 2x anamorphic cinema lens, and we think they're going to go head to head with Atlas anamorphic lenses.
If you have any questions on the techniques used in this review video, please send a note in the comments. Thanks for watching NEW Laowa Proteus Anamorphic Lens Review VS Atlas Orion Lens Comparison + Cinematic Footage, in our Film Jams series!
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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
CAMERAS
-ARRI Alexa Mini - litewavemedia....
-Sony a7S III (BTS Video) - amzn.to/3TPsLyZ
-Canon C70 - (Interview footage - amzn.to/3XE9uSX
LENSES
-Laowa Proteus 45mm 2x anamorphic lens - PRE-ORDER: www.LaowaCine.com
-Atlas Orion 40mm anamorphic lens - litewavemedia....
AUDIO GEAR
-RODE Wireless GO II - amzn.to/3XvH1yk
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Other equipment we use to film:
CAMERAS
-Canon C100 - amzn.to/2u04CMm
-Canon C300 - amzn.to/2TbymjT
-Canon EOS R - amzn.to/2QaPZlK
-Sony A7III - amzn.to/2TAoYqK
LENSES
-Canon 24-105mm - amzn.to/2ILo9tp (main interview)
-Canon 100mm macro - amzn.to/2KsZuaF (product shots & CUs)
TRIPODS
-Sachtler - amzn.to/2KTXbfH
MICS
-Sennheiser MKE600 - amzn.to/2ILulBP
-Sennheiser 416 - amzn.to/2INrtQy
LIGHTS:
-Litepanel Astra 6x - amzn.to/2KUBYCB
-Kino Flo Diva LED - amzn.to/2BuunZp
PHOTO GEAR
-Profoto Beauty Dish - amzn.to/2zgfjPV
-Profoto D2 500 Strobe Kit - amzn.to/2J28AZx
-Canon 5D mkIII - amzn.to/2KRE3zl
-Profoto Air Remote - amzn.to/2MU7MZa
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Filmed on location at: www.LitewaveMe... in St. Petersburg, FL
Disclaimer: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It doesn't cost any more for you, and helps support the channel so we can continue to make more videos like this. Thank you for your support!
#LaowaProteusLens #LaowaProteusVSAtlas #LaowaProteusReview

[@riccardococcia]

i like how the Laowa is sharper overall, but prefer the convex distortion. Also, i know lens flares aren't everything, but the Laowa has a single flare streak going the full width of the frame at constant intensity and this makes it look cheap, like one of those fishing line tricks, they feel separate from the lightsource, like a floating element composited on top. The Altas has secondary flares that when aligned horizontally help make the streaks hotter around the light source (with slight halation) and they fade as they approach the sides of the image. More organic and natural, they feel part of the light source.

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for commenting Riccardo! I think you summed up my thoughts. The flares on the atlas look more organic. Like the convex distortion as well myself. But Laowa is sharper and less chromatic aberration. And also 1/2 the price. Definitely nice to have some choices under $10k for 2x anamorphic!

[@DARANGULAFILM]

My observation, maybe wrongly is that it is not quite an equal test as the framing of the chart with the Atlas lens is wider. Therefore the rendition may be a little softer. If the framing was identical ie., the Atlas lens being closer to the chart, you may find it to be slightly sharper. In the real world where focus is not always perfect, any difference may not matter.

[@FilmJams]

@@DARANGULAFILM not sure about that. But either way we did some other focus tests and Laowa is definitely sharper overall.

[@Cinematographer_brenton]

Such a great video guys, I love the look of the Protius as well, Ive always had issues with how soft the Orions are wide open at t2. keep making awesome stuff!

[@FilmJams]

Thanks Brenton! Really appreciate that. And yes that's probably the biggest drawback of the Orions is they are pretty soft wide open.

[@willvazquez3218]

Great video! Wow, Laowa has got Atlas in their crosshairs. This is an incredible price for such an amazing lens!

[@FilmJams]

Thanks Will! I agree. They have a really nice and similar lens for almost half the price. I own the Atlas 😂 and wish I had waited now

[@thesonofavich]

Flare on the laowa is unpleasant compared to the Orion. Almost like a flare filter

[@FilmJams]

I think I prefer the atlas flare slightly more. But I didn’t think the Laowa flare looked bad. Some of those Anamorphics around $1000 do have those cheap flare filter looks to me anyway.

[@raildude270]

I like the laowa better, the Orion feels cheap. I don’t like big flares, they’re distracting

[@FilmJams]

@@raildude270 you just saved yourself $5000! 😆👍🎥

[@alexiscuarezma]

Think I'm the first person to see this video ha! I was wondering what the price point would be. $5k is great. The results are awesome. I hope they release a version with a natural flare. I'm not the biggest fan of the amber flare. Other than that, excited for these!

[@FilmJams]

That's awesome haha! Thanks for being the first to check it out.. I agree. I was thinking they'd be like $6k or 7k, so glad to see a true 2x with this build quality for $5k...also I heard if you buy 2 together you get another $500 off, so $9500 for 2...pretty exciting times! I believe they will have neutral or (silver version they call it).

[@Brown-Bird]

I really appreciate you guys doing these comparisons! Very useful. I JUST got my Laowa nanomorph and it'd interesting to see how that compares to this full-frame lens. Wonder what internals they might have changed.

[@FilmJams]

Glad they’re helpful! I like my Nanomorphs - great combo with the Komodo! These Proteus are actually not full frame but they are 2x anamorphic as opposed to the 1.5x - I’ll try to do a quick comparison at some point !

[@jaijacobphoto316]

Great video and comparison. I’m Keeping an eye out on Laowa for sure.

[@FilmJams]

Thanks Jai! They’re shaking things up for sure.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

They are interesting… but perhaps even larger than the Orions? Personally, I like these more at ~$3k. The Atlas Mercury look to be a better option than both. Being both smaller and lighter… while still offering plenty of character. PS: I do wish you had not made every scene in your short slowmo. Even iPhones look cinematic in slowmo.

[@FilmJams]

Hmm not sure I’d compare these to Mercury as they’re completely different- these are 2x like the Orions and the Mercury are 1.5x which has much less glass in the build. I think half the cost of the Orion is a pretty great price. They’re so similar in color and sharpness, bokeh, that you’re getting a lens nearly the same. To want that for 1/3 the price at $3,000 seems like a lot to ask. But hey I don’t price these things just giving my opinion! …and I own the Atlas lenses. I would buy these instead if I hadn’t. I also have Mercury on order but will use on different cameras than I would these 2x lenses. iPhones do not look cinematic in slo mo. My iPhone looks terrible in low light. All our tests (about 5 minutes of the video are shot in 24p - non slow mo).

[@ozzythemighty2767]

would work with both but Laowa is the more cinematic look for me.

[@FilmJams]

Yeah both are great lenses. I love my atlas but at half the price these Laowa are a really great option. Thanks for stopping by the channel!

[@AdamLangdon]

Pincushion distortion on Anamorphic‘s are always gonna look weird to me. I’ll stick with my Mercury series.

[@Dezdirectz]

The Cooke anamorphic lens also has pincushion distortion as well

[@FilmJams]

I was thinking going into this shootout I wouldn’t like them because of that. But when filming our short I didn’t even notice the pincushion… and I was actually looking for it lol. Even in the lens charts and distortion tests it’s so minimal- and really the distortion overall is well controlled- I just see a tiny bit of distortion on the edges of the frame. But yeah Mercury are awesome. I have them on order too! I do prefer the 2x anamorphic look tho to the Mercury 1.5x.

[@Tethysmeer]

But imho the laowa has less distortion overall.

[@FilmJams]

@@Tethysmeer yes much less overall distortion on the Laowa. Just a tiny bit of pincushion on the edges.

[@skinspastpete5879]

Wow Love this video Film Jams!

[@FilmJams]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@johncox5839]

Unfortunately Orions have only risen in price since this making the proteus a much more viable option

[@FilmJams]

On the used market the Orions have actually done down a lot tho. Just saw a used A set for $20k. Which is about $5k cheaper than they used to go for a year or 2 ago.

[@MattSpaugh]

Great video as always. I actually preferred the Laowa in almost every case but what the heck do I know. At 5 G's a piece they're gonna sell like hot cakes I bet. Hopefully we'll see some wider focal lengths soon. Keep up the great work.

[@FilmJams]

I agree man! They made a beautiful lens for half the cost. I think they will be selling a ton. If I wasn’t already 4 lenses deep into the Orions I’d be looking at these as my first choice. Thanks for the comment and stopping by the channel my friend!

[@dongmichael9302]

They have 20mm 24mm 28mm and 100mm in their roadmap

[@FilmJams]

@@dongmichael9302 yeah a lot of progress since this video came out. They’ve sold well so they’re going to continue adding.

[@baijunatarajan]

Really great news.... Waiting for this lens to come here in India. Thanks for this video

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for watching! Hope it makes its way over to you soon Baiju!

[@deroux]

Too short as always! The Laowa Proteus's look nice. I might check out a 35mm.

[@FilmJams]

Ahh thanks for watching Andie! I agree they are looking pretty good especially side by side with the Orion’s. I was pleasantly surprised. 35mm would be a nice way to go!

[@DreamingOfReality]

Always love ur videos!!

[@FilmJams]

Thanks man! Appreciate the comment 🤙🎥

[@VIPAH]

Similar characteristics between both lenses. Quality builds by both companies, and price point there is a swing towards the budget/indy filmmaker which should be more appealing looking for a "cheaper" X2 Anamorphic prime lens. Alternatively, Sirui have native RF mount 2X squeeze for Canon but no options for PL mount cameras. That's a whole diff story altogether. Appreciate the in depth review! 💯

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for the comment! Glad the video was helpful :) I agree lots of similarities between the two. Great to have options! I haven’t tried the Sirui yet but I do have the Laowa Nanomorph 1.5x anamorphics which also come in native RF. I use those on my Komodo and c70 and they’re a nice pair! Thanks again for stopping by!

[@c8vegas]

Sirui doesnt make a 2x, they offer a few FF lenses at a 1.6x & a 135mm at a 1.8x but no 2x yet.

[@MrObiorah]

Apparently, LAOWA PROTEUS is the clear winner - in terms of optical quality

[@FilmJams]

I like things about each lens. But the Proteus def has less CA and less distortion overall and a bit sharper but just barely when stopped to t4. Thanks for watching!

[@MrObiorah]

@@FilmJams Thanks for your time

[@FilmJams]

@@MrObiorah 🙂Have a good one!

[@MrMarkhensley]

I find the flares just pretty umpleasing on the laowa. And the bokeh is unpleasing as well. I find the Atlas Mercury far more pleasing even though it's only 1.5X

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for the comment Mark! Interesting! I haven’t put the Proteus side-by-side yet with the Mercury, but actually liked the bokeh better on Proteus than the Orions….and I’m an Atlas owner. I prefer the flares slightly more on Atlas but I actually liked the Proteus flares too. Much better than their Nanomorph flares. Also like that the Proteus have much less chromatic aberration. Either way, I’m just glad we as filmmakers have choices like these! And doesn’t hurt that they’re half the price of the Orions.

[@zigmarsz.7540]

Thanks for this comparison, it takes time to make those! Question. What woul dbe the actual FOV of these lenses compared to FF spherical lenses? I know there are many factors to consider here since this is for s35 sensors but still.

[@FilmJams]

Thanks appreciate you watching! Typically if it’s a 2x anamorphic you can get a close approximation by dividing by 2. Or if it’s a 1.5x anamorphic, divide by 1.5. So a 40mm Atlas Orion would roughly be equivalent to a 20mm spherical. There are other factors that don’t make it a perfect 1 to 1 comparison though. I’d recommend watching our video on spherical vs Anamorphic lenses to get a better idea: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKrbppxtnqinprc - in this video we actually compare the Cooke spherical side by side with the Atlas Orion 2x Anamorphics.

[@ronineditor9920]

I don't want to step on any toes but to add to it; the channel is spot on... a 40mm lens (divided by 2, in this case) will still have a 40mm height like a spherical but will have a 20mm width's view. But!! The big point that gets overlooked is that it also takes on the 40mm depth of field fall off 'look' that you would have with a spherical, even though it's a wider view.

[@FilmJams]

Thanks for adding that! Great explanation :)

[@FlyingEyes27]

Laowa looks to perfect. Like sperical Lens. :/ I prefer definitely the more imperfection one that makes the background round. The flaires looks 1000 times better on orion. I think laowa is perfect for Clean and high price looking videos than for the full anamorphic experience. For me, anamorph is like Sci-fi or dream looking.

[@FilmJams]

Right on! I’m glad we have the different options. If they all looked the same then we wouldn’t have much choice. I like different things about each one. But I definitely hear where you’re coming from!

[@michaelthomas8564]

I wonder why does the Laowa bokeh looked clipped behind her head on the left? Bulb shape or something else?

[@FilmJams]

Which part of the video are you referring to? One reason the bokeh could look slightly different is the distortion character of each lens is convex Vs concave. Also if you get close to the edge of frame it can clip bokeh sometimes. The Laowa is slightly tighter 45mm so maybe the bulb was closer to edge of frame.

[@climatecrisis]

Anamorphic is cool because they diffuse the lens reflexions in the horizontal line, but how do they compare visually to a spherical Angenieux that does it in a nice rainbow flare with an elliptical bokeh. Somehow I always feel that the glass on these cheaper Chinese lenses looks more corse then on the Angenieux with its creamy colours and beautiful bokeh. Would be nice to see a direct comparison between one of these new Lenses and your old Angenieux. I know, they have very different application, but they are similar price and it would just be nice to see if the old companies still have a leg up.

[@FilmJams]

For sure! I always love doing those types of lens comparisons. Hopefully we'll be able to work that into the mix soon. I personally think the Angenieux hits that sweet spot of bokeh and soft cinematic falloff. But def would be nice to compare in a video. Thanks for stopping by the channel Zarick!

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

LAOWA IS AWESOME!!!!

[@FilmJams]

And he’s back! 😂

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

FILM JAMS!@@FilmJams

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

Im using Otus lenses these days bud. Unless I'm renting then I'm going Masters or Supremes.

[@FilmJams]

@@user-zv7lm8uk7hwhatever works for you. That’s the beauty of lenses. There’s no right answer. Enjoy them!

[@chakk0]

Tbh that short is an eye-opener. After watching it i know that i don't need a Alexa Mini, no Orion and no Proteus.

[@FilmJams]

You prob just need an iPhone and a bag o peanuts to set ya straight.

[@chakk0]

@@FilmJams edit: my post wasn't meant in a bad way!

[@FilmJams]

@@chakk0 mine either :) just playing! What’s you’re ideal setup?

[@chakk0]

@@FilmJams atm iam using my c300 3 with dulens and playing around with the aivascope but in reality a gh5 would probably enough for my skills and because iam not so happy with my work iam looking for inspiration and sources for learning instead of living my GAS 😂🙈

[@FilmJams]

@@chakk0 c300 mk3 is my main camera. Love it. Super versatile! If you go to GH5 you’ll miss those ND filters tho. Keep at it and keep film jamming buddy!

[@ODHunte]

The waterfall bokeh of the Atlas Orions are way, more pronounced and beautiful however, the flares, are better on the Laowas. One thing I do not like, is the pronounced chromatic aberration on the Atlas … I’m quite surprised at how bad it is. Be interested to know if that was just on that 40 mm lens or on the whole set…

[@FilmJams]

We have a playlist of about 10 videos on the Orions - some of these cover the other focal lengths if you want to see CA here: kzbin.info/aero/PLMX4BQsnjAt8h2xd8MhcJkkSq6tXTkf5L

[@FilmJams]

Interesting about how you liked the bokeh better on Atlas and flares on Laowa. I had the exact opposite opinion. Love the Atlas flares as they have more depth and micro flares while the Laowa looks like one basic flare (almost like a flare filter) tho I do like that you can choose different color flare options on the Proteus without an up-charge like Atlas. And the bokeh to me on Proteus looked a little cleaner and smoother but not a huge preference as I also like the Atlas bokeh too just liked the Proteus a little more.

[@ODHunte]

@@FilmJams yes the Orion’s have a more complex flare.. May be more interesting in some contexts.. nice.

[@ODHunte]

@@FilmJams cool. I’ll check them. I do really like Atlas lenses. Thanks

[@FilmJams]

@@ODHunte for sure! Yeah I do too and also glad to have some nice alternatives coming on the market.

[@c8vegas]

I actually thought the Laowa looked much better especially with the concave distortion.

[@FilmJams]

Right on. Thanks for watching and stopping by the channel. I like both and considering the price the Laowa is hard to beat!

[@c8vegas]

@@FilmJams I love your channel, your a great host! What set do you think is the best and most usable, Set A (35/60) or B (45/85)?

[@FilmJams]

@@c8vegas Really appreciate that thanks! Personally I love the 65mm and 32mm for 2x Anamorphic, but you can't go wrong with either. I shot a whole short film on the Atlas 65mm, and never felt the need to change the lens! Though having a wider option is nice if you're in smaller rooms or want more expansive establishing shots. For the Proteus, I would probably go with the 35/60 if it was me.

[@Imhotep397]

The Atlas Mercury lenses are around the same price and a fraction of the size. I think Laowa git scooped on this and didn’t release soon enough.

[@ThirdEyeVisuals]

The mercury are 1.5x not 2x I believe

[@FilmJams]

Yes the Mercury are 1.5x. Bokeh and look is much different. But I have those on order as well lol. I think they’ll be really nice too. I’m glad we have more anamorphic options now. I think each lens will find its user base. Personally I prefer 2x most of the time. But Mercury will be nice for certain stuff too.

[@Imhotep397]

@@FilmJams Definitely glad for all the options in comparison to what it was like 5-10 years ago….and before that, nuthin really.

[@FilmJams]

@@Imhotep397 for sure! I’m glad to even have the options to choose now haha 😆🎥👍

[@bmediame]

Well, to me Laowa has a bit of some nasty green tint, while Atlas is more towards warmer tones....

[@FilmJams]

Hmm interesting. Atlas might be slightly warmer - easily corrected in post tho - but didn’t see nasty green tones in the Laowa. Which clips did u notice those in the most?

[@austinscherzberg4569]

aye! i thought these were priced at like 20k?

[@phoenixfunny4517]

You might be thinking of the rokinon anamorphic that's 20K

[@FilmJams]

Haha! Those were the Rokinons. These are better and cheaper imo.

[@LadyShayD]

I prefer the Atlas. And 40mm is my favorite focal length. Don’t like 45mm. And Atlas also has wider ranges, which is cool.

[@FilmJams]

Yeah for sure a bonus that Atlas has more focal lengths to choose from. My favorite is the Atlas 65mm but the 40mm is nice too! Also recently got the 32mm which is a fun one. Thanks for watching!

[@elvisripley]

Her face looks a lot wider on the Proteus. Are they really both 2x?

[@FilmJams]

They are. One is 40mm and one is 45mm.

[@themorgangold]

@@FilmJams Was the camera in the same position?

[@FilmJams]

@@themorgangold of course. Wouldn’t be much of a fair test if the variables changed.

[@themorgangold]

@@FilmJams Then shouldn't the perspective distortion remain unchanged? 45mm vs 40mm is just a crop, the face shouldn’t change shape.

[@FilmJams]

@@themorgangold they’re completely different lenses - one with convex and one with concave distortion…so no.

[@davewerner7609]

Cooke anamorphic wins

[@FilmJams]

If only it were in the test….🧐

[@CircuitBoardcokr]

If Laowa made the lens with price tag of $3k, then it can be still a good alternative for owner-operators, like Samyang XEEN, but $5k per lens... I think it's not a good choice.

[@FilmJams]

With the current pre-order special pricing they're only about $4200 per lens. Less than half the price of the Atlas which they are competing directly with and very close in look, bokeh, sharpness...My prediction...they're going to sell a TON. These Proteus lenses are in another league than Xeen. Not even comparable. I own Atlas lenses, and I want these.

[@c8vegas]

LOL $3K per lens... $5k is an absolute steal and they will sell a ton of them. Samyang whom you mentioned in your comment actually released their first anamorphic lens recently and guess how much it is... $20K!!

[@FilmJams]

Yeah $5k is a steal and all anamorphics have been going steadily up in price the last few years - for the high quality ones anyway! Seeing a lot of the Laowas on set recently. And they’re releasing new focal lengths now. Safe to say they’re selling very well.

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

ATLAS SUCKS! Suuuuuuuckks!

[@FilmJams]

🤥🤥🤓

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

@@FilmJams Lay off the cocaine brother. And adderal.

[@FilmJams]

Wait who’s screaming in all caps about an inanimate object?! 😂 some fool definitely on the jelly beans and it ain’t Film Jams, son!

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

I love me SOME FILM JAMS!!!!!!!!!!! But atlas always look plastic to me, yes I have rented them. I like COOKE ANAMOPRHICS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FILM JAMS!@@FilmJams

[@FilmJams]

Haha thanks! We love you too you beautiful anonymous user you! Cooke are nice too. My faves are the Master Anamorphics but Atlas still my second faves!