Melville, NY—Canon USA introduced the first Canon RF-mount cinema prime lens lineup (CN-R) for its Cinema EOS system. The new lenses combine optical performance for 4K and 8K shooting; cinema-style operability; as well as RF-mount communications.
What’s more, Canon says the first set of seven RF-mount cinema prime lenses is only the beginning. Canon plans “to swiftly expand the lineup of RF-mount-compatible video production equipment to meet the needs of professional video production of such content as movies, TV and commercials.”
Canon RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses
The initial seven Canon CN-R lenses have focal lengths and T stops of 14mm T3.1, 20mm T1.5, 24mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.3, 85mm T1.3 and 135mm T2.2. Furthermore, they are all compatible with the two existing RF-mount Canon cinema cameras: the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C.
In addition, the lenses will allow for RF-mount protocol transmission. Further, just as with EF-mount cinema prime Lenses, operators can control magnification, chromatic aberration correction, peripheral light correction, as well as a dual-pixel focus guide via camera body operations. The new lenses also feature lens distortion correction. These features support video production needs during on-location recording and postproduction workflow.
The lenses achieve optical performance suitable for use with 4K and 8K cameras by optimally positioning large-diameter aspherical lens elements as well as elements with anomalous dispersion glass. Their compatibility with the full-frame large-format sensor, bright T-stop values and 11-blade iris help produce a shallow depth of field for subjects, natural round blurring and soft image expressions. Additionally, unified Cinema EOS color balance throughout the series helps provide consistent color, even when changing lenses.
Canon sought to design the lenses with an ideal level of ring torque. Thus, they allow for the precise, smooth adjustments often needed during cinema productions. The lenses also provide a unified design across the series, including the gear position of the operation ring, the lens diameter and the rotation angle (operation angle). As a result, cinematographers can swap the lenses in and out without having to adjust matte boxes or external focus accessories for each lens.
Furthermore, a coarse surface near the mount provides a comfortable fit in the user’s hand. Consequently, they can hold the lens securely without gripping the operation ring when attaching and detaching different lenses.
Schedule of Availability
The estimated retail pricing and scheduled availability of the first seven Canon RF-mount cinema prime lenses are as follows:
- CN-R14mm T3.1 L F: $4,220, Late February 2024
- CN-R20mm T1.5 L F: $4,220, Late March 2024
- CN-R24mm T1.5 L F: $4,220, Late January 2024
- CN-R35mm T1.5 L F: $3,950, Late January 2024
- CN-R50mm T1.3 L F: $3,950, Late January 2024
- CN-R85mm T1.3 L F: $3,950, Late January 2024
- CN-R135mm T2.2 L F: $3,950, Late April 2024
