Several new lenses suitable for 4K and Ultra HD production will be introduced at IBC from Fujinon, Zeiss and IBE Optics, while MTF is to release the first lens adaptors for the upcoming AJA Cion camera.
Fujinon’s new PL-mount ZK12x25 Cabrio lens has the optical performance to support 4K cameras with Super 35mm sensors, and is claimed to offer an industry-leading zoom ratio of 12x to cover the most frequently used 25mm wide angle to 300mm on the telephoto end.
The ZK12x25 uses high-precision large-diameter aspheric elements, and the use of the three moving zoom group system minimises aberration fluctuation during zooming, controls image distortion across the zoom range, and delivers edge-to-edge sharpness. Its Macro function lets users approach objects as close as 59cm.
Like the rest of the Cabrio range, it will be compatible with a detachable servo drive unit for zooming, focusing and iris.
“The range of the ZK12 makes it ideal for sports and wildlife productions,” said Stefan Czich of Fujinon distributor Pyser-SGI. Although the lens is new at IBC, it has already been used on some high profile events, including the Commonwealth Games.
Compact Zoom goes wide
The third and widest of the Zeiss Compact Zoom family, the CZ.2 15-30/T2.9, is due to ship soon, filling the need for a wider-angle zoom in the three-lens range.
It costs €17,900 and joins the existing CZ.2 28-80/T2.9 and CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 lenses. The zooms are claimed to match the standards of previous Zeiss prime lenses, and also to be the only cine-style zooms offering full-frame (36x24mm) coverage, so they are compatible with image sensors larger than Super 35mm. When the lenses are used on Super35 cameras, users benefit from a sweet-spot effect, for extra sharpness, light and contrast.
The 4K-compatible zooms use the interchangeable mount system (IMS), and can currently be fitted with five different mounts (PL, EF, F, MFT and E).
World’s fastest lens?
The new HandeVision Ibelux 40/0.85 has a lens speed of f0.85, which is claimed to make it the fastest lens for system cameras currently in series production, and ideal for low light situations. It comes in versions with mounts for Sony E, Fuji X, Canon EOS M and Micro 4/3 and costs €1,799.
It has 10 diaphragm blades, to give a pleasing bokeh or out-of-focus blur for shallow depth of field shots. Optically, it uses 10 multi-coated lenses in eight groups, for increased contrast and minimised reflections. Its lateral chromatic aberration is smaller than 6µm, which gives a resolution of about 4K.
The lens has been developed by German lens manufacturer IB/E Optics and Shanghai Transvision Photographic Equipment (which makes Kipon branded adapters), and is distributed by Walser.
The 128mm long metal lens, which weighs 1150g, is the first of a new range of HandeVision models, and further lenses for mirrorless full format cameras and DSLRs will be released, including: a wide-angle Ibegon lens; a high-speed telephoto APO mirror lens, the Ibecat; a tilt-shift lens; and a compact fixed focal length lens.
First Cion adaptors
MTF is launching what it claims will be the world’s first lens adaptors for the upcoming AJA Cion digital production camera. It has worked with AJA to develop a range of adaptors so that, when the Cion ships in September, users won’t be limited in their choice of lens. Although the 4K/UHD Cion comes with the industry standard PL mount, many users of this relatively inexpensive camera will either own less-expensive lenses from other camera systems, or not have the budget to buy PL-mount lenses.
There will be five different adaptors available initially: a Nikon G adaptor with aperture control for both new and old Nikon lenses; an optical solution for B4 lenses compatible with any lens with a 2x extender – this allows total sensor coverage with an HD B4 lens as the multi-layer coated optics extend the image from its original 2/3-inch size to cover the Cion’s Super35 sensor, while maintaining the original angle of view of the lens; plus three adaptors for Canon lenses.
The Canon FD-to-Cion adaptor works with the old FD lenses, and there are two options for Canon EF lenses. The first is the standard mechanical adaptor, designed for EF-mount lenses with an aperture ring on the barrel. The second is an AJA Cion version of the MTF Effect range of adaptors for electronic lenses. When used with the MTF Effect Control Unit it controls the iris in 1/8th stop increments, and powers lens stabilisation and focus (for lenses with powered focus).
www.fujifilm.eu/fujinon
www.ibe-optics.com
www.kipon.com
www.lensadaptor.com
www.mtfservices.com
www.pyser-sgi.com
www.walser.de
www.zeiss.com/camera-lenses/
