Canon has introduced a new CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Ultra-Telephoto Zoom lens. Already the longest focal length for large single sensors, it also features a built-in 1.5x extender for an effective 75-1500mm at 20x magnification.

Available in either EF- or PL-mount, the new lens is quite compact considering it’s huge range. It boasts a form factor of only 15.9 inches in length (PL version) and a weight of just 14.6 pounds; (about 10lbs. less than the Angeniuex 24/290 T2.8). Canon imagines professionals will use this lens to “enable close-up 4K imaging of wildlife subjects or athletes while maintaining the physical distances necessary in such shooting situations”.

The new lens features a removable Digital Drive unit for traditional EFP-style operation with a zoom/rocker switch, programmable zoom and focus settings, and data connections for use with broadcast-type field/studio servo-demand controls for zoom and focus. Removal of the drive unit enables Cinema-style operation of the CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm lens, including clearly engraved barrel markings, an 11-blade iris to help achieve smooth bokeh, plus compatibility with lens-support rods, matte boxes, and other cinema accessories.

Lens/Camera communication is compliant with industry-standard protocols including the 12-pin serial communication (common to major broadcast camera brands), Cooke’s /i Technology and Canon EOS-LENS data communication technology (employed by the EOS C500, EOS-1D C, EOS C300 and EOS C100 Cinema cameras). In the case of the Canon Cinema EOS system, lens data including aperture setting is displayed in the camera’s viewfinder, as well as recorded in the video file as metadata along with the model name of the lens and the given focal-length setting. The new lens is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2015 for a suggested list price of $78,000.