At IBC 2022 Canon announced a new high-end cinema lens that is dedicated to a range of cinema and broadcast 8K productions. The CINE-SERVO 15-120mm T2.95-3.95 EF/PL supports Super 35mm and Full-Frame sensor cameras (with 1.5x extender engaged). Moreover, the lens is the first CINE-SERVO to support ZEISS extended Data (XD).
   

Canon CINE-SERVO 15-120mm: From S35 to FF

The newly announced Canon CINE-SERVO 15-120mm T2.95-3.95 EF/PL supports Super 35mm and Full-Frame sensor cameras, with a goal of making it ideal for a range of cinema and broadcast productions. With its versatile focal range from a wide 15mm, to a telephoto range of 120mm, the lens can further extend up to 180mm via the built-in 1.5x extender. To support future productions, 8K optical performance can be maintained across the full focal length, providing consistently high image quality across the entire frame.

Matching the rest of the Cine line

As stated by Canon: “The CINE-SERVO 15-120mm T2.95-3.95 EF/PL features Canon’s renowned warm color science, matching the existing range of Canon’s cinema lenses – and an 11-blade aperture, producing beautiful, round bokeh. Offering outstanding optical performance – and breathtaking image quality for HDR, 4K, and 8K productions”. Furthermore, the lens supports EF mount communication and advanced metadata capture with Cooke and ZEISS protocols.

First CINE-SERVO to support ZEISS eXtended Data

The PL mount version of the lens is also the first Canon CINE-SERVO lens to enable both ZEISS eXtended Data (XD) communication and Cooke /i Technology. Featuring the same 16-bit encoder found in Canon’s broadcast and existing CINE-SERVO lenses, which provides accurate lens position, zoom, focus, and iris metadata, the information and communication functions between the lens and camera are paramount for VFX, virtual, and cinema productions.

EF and PL

The lens is available in both EF and PL mount, featuring a detachable servo motor drive unit. According to Canon: “This adds to the versatility of the lens as it allows for live production and documentary-friendly Studio and Field-operation. The drive unit’s ergonomic hand grip and zoom rocker make on-the-go, shoulder/ENG-style shooting easy”. With the drive unit’s two 20-pin ports for attaching zoom and focus controls and a third 20-pin that provides 16-bit encoded metadata for virtual systems, the lens also fits into a tripod-mounted studio-style configuration.

Key Features of the Canon CINE-SERVO 15-120mm T2.95-3.95 EF/PL:

• Wide angle 15-120mm, with 8x magnification
• High-quality optics for HDR, 8K, and 4K capture
• Built-in 1.5x extender – providing reach up to 180mm
• Full frame sensor coverage (with 1.5x extender engaged)
• Modular design with a removable drive unit
• Interchangeable lens mount from EF to PF
• First CINE-SERVO lens to support ZEISS extended Data (XD)

Availability

The CINE-SERVO 15-120mm T2.95-3.95 EF/PL cinema lens is scheduled to be available in November and December 2022.

Closing thoughts

The new high-end CINE-SERVO glass by Canon was developed to support 8K cinematic broadcasting. As ultra-high resolution TVs are more and more common in our living room, the need to deliver sharp high quality and cinematic content is becoming a basic requirement, than a privilege. Thus, cinema products that have been developed for the big screen, are being developed/invented for home entertainment. And the CINE-SERVO 15-120mm is one more product that supports that.