2017 is turning out to be the year of the lenses at NAB; we’ve already reported new glass from Fujinon and Leica last month, and Cooke in this newsletter. Now there are more lens innovations to tell you about from Canon, Angenieux, and Sigma.

Canon CN-E 70-200mm Zoom

Canon takes advantage of their decades long background creating millions of still photography lenses to bridge the gap for use in motion pictures and have again created a hybrid of the two combining high quality cinema optics with the lightweight, compact design and features of Canon’s EF lenses. The new COMPACT-SERVO 70-200mm Telephoto Zoom Lens (model name CN-E 70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S), is a 4K lens designed for versatility and portability.    The new lens features autofocus and optical image stabilization (with compatible camera models).  The lens is also compatible with both the Canon EF 1.4x III (expanded focal range of 98-280mm) and EF 2x III (expanded focal range of 140mm-400mm) external extenders, expanding the focal range of the lens for additional versatility when you can afford the resulting loss of exposure.

The lens comes equipped with a Servo Drive Unit, for control of focus, zoom, and iris settings compatible with broadcast style industry-standard lens controllers via a 20-pin cable.  When the lens and grip are being used with the EOS C100 Mark II, EOS C300 Mark II and EOS C700 Cinema Cameras, users will also have the ability to control the zoom and iris from the camera’s grip unit.  The Canon COMPACT-SERVO 70-200mm Zoom Lens is scheduled to be available later in 2017. Although no price has been announced, it is expected to be expected to be extremely competitive.

Angenieux Optimo Style 48-130mm T3 Zoom

Angenieux has added to their Optimo Style zooms with a 48-130mm T3. The new lens features a 2.7x zoom range to fit in nicely with the other lightweight Optimo Style zooms, the 16-40mm and 30-76mm. It weighs 4.3 lbs and is said to be ideal for hand held, Steadicam and Drone photography.  The 48-130mm comes in PL mount and will have optional interchangeable Panavision and Canon EF mount.  The MSRP is $22,999 and with delivery schedule yet to be announced; (we’ll be sure to ask at NAB).

New Cine Primes from Sigma – 14mm and 135mm

Sigma has introduced a new 14mm T2 and 135mm T2 prime lens to be offered as a future addition to their already very comprehensive set of 20mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm at T1.5.  It seems Sigma is working on completing the lineup of primes before they start delivering. However, once all the lenses are available, they will provide a Full Frame set of primes ranging from 14mm all the way to 135mm. Like the other Sigma Cine Primes, the 14mm and 135mm will share common gear position, 180 degree focus rotation, and will be available in Canon EF, Sony E, and PL mount. Some of the previously announced lenses are available for pre-order here, and expected to ship in May 2017, but there is no word yet on when these newest lenses will be available.