I’ve been using Laowa Nanomorph 1.5X Anamorphics for almost a year now. They have quickly become one of my favourite go-to lenses. Combining a clean look with a touch of anamorphic charm and subtle vintage tones, they have proven to be incredibly versatile for a wide range of projects. I’ve filmed everything from national ad campaigns to documentaries with these lenses. Personally, I opt for the larger PL/EF versions, given their compatibility with the common PL mount used in digital cinema cameras.
However, if you’re on the hunt for the most compact Super35 1.5X anamorphic lens available, the Mirrorless version is the way to go. These lenses are tiny and light with the same image quality of the larger PL/EF versions. It paves the way to use anamorphic lenses in settings like drones and small handheld gimbals. I’ve found them useful for travel jobs, as I can conveniently carry an entire set without consuming valuable space in my backpack. With seven different mount options, they cater to nearly every popular mount on the market. The build quality is excellent, complete with 0.8 cine gearing to accommodate focus motors. They offer three flare options (silver, blue, amber), providing a spectrum of creative choices for flare colours. My personal favourite is silver, as it remains neutral and reflects the lighting source’s hues in the scene.
The complete set ranges from 27mm to 80mm. A custom cut protective hard case is also available to keep the lenses safe and organized. If you’re in the market for the most compact anamorphic lenses, these could be an ideal choice for you!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tony Edgar is an award winning cinematographer based in Toronto, Canada.
His work has taken him across the globe, filming in some of the most remote locations with diverse crews both big and small.
Tony’s focus is in the commercial space having worked with many prominent brands, BMW, Lexus, Genesis, United Arab Emirates, Cirque du Soleil, Destination Canada, MasterCard and TD Bank to name a few.
