Affordable Anamorphic Zoom Arrives: Laowa Launches sunlight 2x FF Series
Los Angeles, CA – November 25, 2023 – Laowa has disrupted the cinema lens market with the release of its Sunlight 2x FF Anamorphic Zoom Series, offering what the company claims is the first truly affordable full-frame anamorphic zoom lens option. This launch addresses a long-standing barrier to entry for filmmakers seeking the distinctive cinematic look of anamorphic imagery, traditionally limited by the high cost of ownership.
For years, anamorphic lenses were primarily rental items due to thier prohibitive price. However, over the last 3-4 years, more affordable options have begun to emerge, and Laowa’s new series accelerates this trend. The Sunlight series aims to strike a balance between affordability, image quality, and consistency, filling a gap in the market for accessible anamorphic zooms.
While technical perfection isn’t the primary goal for many cinematographers when selecting anamorphic lenses-character and unique look frequently enough take precedence-the Sunlight series blends sharpness with desirable characteristics without being overly sterile. The series’ biggest drawbacks are its weight and T4.5 aperture.
The importance of testing lenses with specific camera bodies was also highlighted, as lens characteristics can vary between systems. Furthermore, the availability of cleaner-looking anamorphic options, like the Laowa Sunlight series, can be advantageous when mixing anamorphic footage with spherical lenses or when post-production manipulation is desired.
