Canon’s Latest Release: The CN7x17 KAS T/R1 and T/P1 Lens
Canon has unveiled the CN7x17 KAS T/R1 and T/P1 lens, an upgraded model of their Cine-Servo lens series. This new addition brings several enhancements, including a removable Servo Drive unit, a native RF mount, an improved PL mount, and support for metadata output for virtual productions, among other features.
The Canon CN7x17 KAS T/R1 and T/P1 is a cine-servo lens with a 17-120mm T2.95 range, part of the Canon CINE-SERVO lineup. It is designed for professional film and broadcast production and is compatible with cinema cameras with Super 35mm (26.2×13.8mm) sensors. This lens carries forward most features of the CN7x17 KAS S model, released in April 2014. The latest model introduces new features and adds an RF mount alongside the existing PL and EF mounts.
Lens Body and Notable Features
The lens offers a versatile 17-120mm focal length and 7x zoom, making it suitable for a broad range of shooting scenarios. The 11-blade iris ensures smooth, circular bokeh and reduces lens flare. For ENG-style shooters, the lens drive employs servo motors that control zoom, focus, and iris functions. It features a large 180-degree focus ring for precise manual focusing and instant startup. The lens covers a wide Super35 angle of view (87.2° to 14.1°) and supports 12-pin serial communication, the standard protocol for broadcast camera systems. It also provides ARIA (Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation) peripheral illumination correction when used with Sony cameras, effectively addressing light falloff and maintaining consistent exposure across the frame.
Key Specifications and Upgrades
The lens boasts 8K resolution, Super 35mm coverage, and a new native RF mount. It also features a removable Servo Drive unit, supports metadata output for virtual production, and has a drop-proof construction. The RF mount introduces an advanced communication protocol between the lens and the camera, such as the new EOS C400. This system provides lens-specific data, allowing the camera to automatically correct optical distortion. It also supports virtual production metadata output and integrates with Cinema EOS camera functions, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF/AF II, peripheral illumination and chromatic aberration correction, and Dual Pixel Focus Guide. The PL mount now supports eXtended Data, and connecting to a compatible camera allows for real-time lens information output, recording, and correction.
Servo Drive Unit and Pricing Details
The new Servo Drive unit, based on the e-XsV drive unit, provides faster focus and iris control and focus breathing compensation for image consistency during zooming. A USB-C connector allows for remote shooting, user settings for import/export, service/auxiliary functions, and firmware updates. The unit also features a display for easy access to key settings.
The Canon CN7x17 KAS T/R1 and T/P1 17-120mm lenses are set to start shipping in October 2024, with an estimated retail price of $23,850.00. Canon has announced that the previous model with an EF mount will be discontinued. For more information, please visit the Canon website.
