Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announces the launch of a new addition to its UHDgc series of 4K UHD broadcast portable zoom lenses: the CJ18ex7.6B KASE S. The new lens, which is designed to be used with 4K UHD broadcast cameras that have 2/3-inch sensors, has the same optical specifications as the existing CJ18ex7.6B IRSE/IASE with the exception of having an optical extender while still delivering 4K UHD imaging quality at a price point that matches well with the many lower-cost 4K cameras in the market. By eliminating the optical range extender, the lens is designed to maintain a compact and lightweight design to meet the versatile and ever-changing needs of a broad range of video productions, including documentaries, sports, events and news coverage. Additionally, the lens is compatible with the new Canon ZDJ-G01 Zoom Demand and FDJ-G01 Focus Demand accessories that provide operators with enhanced functionality and operational control of the lens.
“The CJ18ex7.6B KASE S portable zoom lens achieves high-level 4K UHD performance across the entire zoom range thanks to Canon’s proprietary optical design technology, incorporating materials such as fluorite and Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) glass. In addition, the lens supports the wide color gamut approved by the ITU-R BT.2020 UHD broadcasting standard – all features essential to HDR imaging. The ergonomics and digital servo operational controls of the lens are similar to Canon’s current lineup of portable zoom lenses, providing users with maximum mobility in a variety of shooting situations,” according to the announcement.
The CJ18ex7.6B KASE S lens features a zoom range of 7.6-137mm and weighs 3.7 lbs., for capturing crisp shots on the move while being shoulder-mounted with a camera. The lens is designed to fill a need for specialized shooting environments in the broadcast market and to have a price point appealing to a wide variety of broadcast customers.
Zoom and Focus Demand AccessoriesThe new ZDJ-G01 and FDJ-G01 zoom and focus demand accessories (collectively called “G-Series”) are also designed to be a step forward in lens control technology. Both accessories incorporate digital control processing, displays, and new control switches. The combination empowers the controllers to add new creative operational capabilities to meet the many different needs of disparate sporting events, televised stage shows, and operatic broadcasts. The new digital displays on these accessories provide users the ability to preset ranges of controls tailored to specific operational desires. It also supports cinematic settings of focus to allow vernier control of the same while supporting smooth rack focusing between talent on a stage. It further allows for the selection of preset positions, select curves and creation of range limits, all of which can be saved to multiple user profiles. The accessories support a wide range of Canon field, studio and portable broadcast lenses.
AvailabilityThe Canon CJ18ex7.6B KASE S 4K UHD Portable Zoom Lens is scheduled to be available later in 2020. The ZDJ-G01 Zoom Demand and FDJ-G01 Focus Demand accessories are currently available. For more information, please visit, www.usa.canon.com/broadcast.
