Canon's Newest Portable Lens Sets New Zoom Standard for Form Factor
Canon’s big news for sports production professionals at NAB next week will be the CJ27ex7.3B, Canon’s first 2/3-inch portable lens. Topping the list of features is a 27x optical zoom and the ability to span a focal range of 7.3mm to 197mm. With a built-in 2x extender, the lens’ maximum telephoto reach increases to 394mm.
The CJ27ex7.3B lens is designed to be portable, with the mobility of a conventional ENG (Electronic News Gathering) lens and weighing around 4.5 pounds. The 27x zoom ratio, typically only available in 2/3-inch box lenses, is now offered in a portable lens.
Canon’s newest broadcast lens has a 27x zoom ratio, typically only available in 2/3-inch box lenses.
“The lens also features a new e-Xs V drive unit with advanced features to support a variety of shooting needs,” says Josh Stoner, Canon U.S.A., senior technical specialist. “That includes an angled 20-pin connector to diversify shooting setups and serial communication via the 12-pin cable.”
Canon has also updated the menu structure and placed the display on top of the lens which improves operability and added quick power on and improved the ergonomic design, including a built-in USB-C connector to make set up and maintenance easier.
“It also has focus breathing compensation which previously was only available in box lenses,” says Stoner. “So that will help minimize image distortion while racking focus. It also supports Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation (ARIA) ii technology which helps minimize the effects of F-drop or ramping as the lens zooms out to the telephoto end. That also keeps the light levels more even throughout the image.”
Stoner says his favorite feature is the wide end of the lens.
“It’s wider than most of our conventional ENG lenses and to have the 27x zoom ratio in a handheld lens is also amazing to me,” he says. “And the ability to have virtual data and control through the USB-C port and serial communication makes this lens suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.”
Ryan Snyder, Canon U.S.A, senior technical specialist, says the Canon booth will be one of the largest one the show floor, and with demos of cameras and lenses set up in a way that invites attendees to take over as camera operators and become part of the show.
The theme for Canon’s NAB booth this year is Connect, Create, Collaborate and that is reflected in the technical capabilities as well as the creative spark that may inspire in the creators that use them.” Expect to see dedicated areas for things like broadcast long lenses and other products, a PTZ demo area, and a virtual production set. “Attendees can control the PTZ cameras and practice composing a perfect overhead shot of the performers or create preset shots or trace routes.”
The booth will feature Canon’s line of outstanding RF cinema prime lenses and flex zoom lenses, as well as the versatile RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens for hybrid shooters. Canon will also showcase the improved PTZ tracking system, the EOS VR System featuring the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens, and the enhanced functionalities of the EOS C500 Mark II, which now supports three new Cinema RAW Light formats through a new firmware update. These displays demonstrate Canon’s continuous innovation across broadcast, house of worship, cinema, VR, and social capture solutions.
An LED Virtual Production set will be at the front of the booth, and toward the back Canon will have a display of Canon’s low-light SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) Sensor technology. Education is also fundamental to Canon’s mission, evident in interactive engagements at every counter and all product demos. Professionals across all levels can explore Canon’s complete product lineup and gain insights into Canon’s latest advancements in imaging technology through the lens displays and PTZ control room area.
Canon will also showcase how our volumetric video technology, which is currently being used to capture live sports, can also be used in a virtual production studio. This technology can help unlock fresh realms of creative and technical exploration for professional production companies, advertising agencies, filmmakers, and beyond.