Last Updated on January 13, 2019
Canon has expanded their Cinema EOS system with release of the CN7x17 KAS S, the first ever cinema lens of the company to feature a servo drive unit. The lens is designed for broadcast and handheld use with cameras that have large sensors.
Along with the launch of the CN7x17 KAS S, Canon has also released the HJ18ex7.6B IRSE S/IASE S, which is the model that succeeds the very popular HJ17ex7.6B IRSE A/IASE A. The newest release offers improved performance, specifications and usability. With its launch, Canon has reaffirmed their position as a leader in the 2/3” TV lens market.
The CN7x17 KAS S
The CN7x17 KAS S was built for the world of TV production, which is a landscape that is not suitable for the conventional Super 35mm format cine lenses because it is just a fast-paced, mobile environment. In order to support operators in this field, the new cine-servo lens of Canon combined their decades-long experience in the design of market-leading broadcast lenses with technology from their high-performance cine zooms which resulted in a tool whose quality, versatility and usability is unprecedented.
The CN7x17 KAS S features a best-in-class focal length of 17-120mm, and the lens is tailor-made for camera operators in traditional broadcast environments. At the same time, it also retains the benefits of the renowned cine lenses of Canon for use in movie productions, which require a more fluid shooting style.
The new cine-servo lens from Canon was designed in response to the ever evolving need of broadcast professionals for large sensor cameras for a wide variety of production categories, from drama to documentaries and current affairs.
The CN7x17 KAS S offers operators the best of both worlds because it provides the functionality expected from traditional broadcast lenses while also providing the capability to capture video of the highest quality with a distinct “cinematic look.” The cine-servo lens will be available in both EF-mount (CN7x17 KAS S/E1) and industry-standard PL-mount (CN7x17 KAS S/P1).
The new cine-servo lens of Canon is built to exacting optical standards which leverages the long-established expertise of the company in lens design. The lens delivers the quality needed to shoot in 4K with the 7x optical zoom enabling the very versatile 17-120mm focal length with a maximum T-number of T2.95. This feature is able to provide users with the flexibility to cover an unparalleled range of shooting situations for a lens of this type.
The servo unit makes the new lens of Canon an ideal equipment to be used in mobile productions like documentaries. The size of the drive unit is just the same as those found in typical portable lenses which provides the same level of comfort and operation, as well as make long shoots more comfortable. The lens also features high speed zoom, iris and focusing operation all of which allow operators to respond to changes in a scene in rapid fashion. The low speed drive functionality also offers unrivaled control over slow zooming which helps ensure the desired effect can be achieved.
The HJ18ex7.6B IRSE S/IASE S
The HJ17ex7.6B IRSE S/IASE S of Canon is a new and comprehensively enhanced ENG lens that is the successor to the very well known HJ17ex7.6B IRSE A/IASE A. This new lens has been upgraded in every area enabling it to deliver enhanced performance, specifications and usability. Not only that, it offers all of these at a weight that is much less which helps ensure mobility.
The trademark optics of Canon provides superior optical performance, which is able to deliver an increase in magnification to 18x and provide a longer focal length of 7.6-137mm. The minimum object distance is at 56cm. The new drive unit is able to provide improved usability, system support and operability.