For those who have been clamoring for a bigger superzoom lens for their Canon DSLRs, you now have an option available. Canon just announced its new CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Ultra-Telephoto Zoom lens for a whopping retail price of $78,000.
Even better, the lens features a built-in 1.5x for a massive 75-1500mm zoom range when it is enabled. Of course, this lens is tended for the high-end cinema and broadcast markets. It is designed use with one specific cameras in mind – the 4K-capable Canon EOS C500 – although the mounting options make it an option for a wider range of cameras. In all reality, this will probably find a home on the sidelines of professional sports events.
I know that broadcasters of MLB are already using the C500 in their production environments to shoot 4K, even though they are only broadcasting in 720p HD. The 4K from the EOS C500 provides them with the ability to punch in at first base to see who tagged the base first on close plays. Using the 4K footage provides them with the ability make huge reframes for instant replays with zero loss of quality in their 720p broadcast.
The lens is designed for maximum quality with 4K cameras. It features an 11-blade iris and has a removable Digital Drive unit for operation with a zoom/rocker switch. It also has programmable zoom and focus settings, and can smoothly zoom at a variety of speeds, from a very fast 1.5 seconds to a very slow 180 seconds from full-wide to full-telephoto.
The new superzoom lens will be available in PL or EF mounts and is design to cover the Super 35mm frame. The lens weighs in a 14.6 pounds and is 15.9 inches long.
The Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 lens should be available in the first quarter of 2015. We’ll let you know when pre-orders open up.
Even with their lack luster line of consumer cameras, Canon still impresses me. Good stuff!!
Yeah…. Irritating how canon low end & high end seem innovative yet enthusiast range gear is high priced & deliberately hobbled. Even though that lens is way expensive & out of my budget I can comprehend the value. I’m drooling a bit even.