Canon enhances 2/3” broadcast portable zoom lens range

Canon today announces the CJ45ex9.7B and CJ45ex13.6B – two new portable 4K 2/3” broadcast lenses with superior optical quality and lens build, fast zooming and focus, and improved image stabilization (IS). Achieving the highest zoom ratio in their class, the lenses are perfect for broadcasting sport and musical events which require telephoto shooting. The CJ45ex13.6B also boasts the longest focal length in its class, ideal for use in mid-size outside broadcast vans and surveillance applications.

Outstanding 4K footage

The new CJ45ex9.7B and CJ45ex13.6B comprise the high performance required for use with 4K broadcast cameras, thanks to Canon’s proprietary optical design technology. Fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass achieve high-quality 4K optics from the centre of the imaging field to the periphery across the entire zoom range, whilst innovations in the lens ensure high sharpness and best in class aberration control. As a result, these lenses are ideal for 4K HDR image capture in virtually any environment from close-ups to panoramic views of sports stadiums or concert venues. Both lenses are capable of achieving a 45x zoom ratio and focal length ranges of 9.7 mm to 437 mm and 13.6 mm to 612 mm, respectively. A built-in 2x extender shifts the entire focal length range towards the telephoto end, increasing the maximum focal length at the telephoto end of the CJ45ex9.7B to 873 mm and the CJ45ex13.6B to 1224 mm to allow increased telephoto shooting.

Sophisticated stability

Exceptionally stable shooting is guaranteed, thanks to Canon’s IS technology, which is capable of intelligently detecting and correcting camera movement. The refreshed IS control and IS structure excels even at higher frequencies of 10-15 Hz, such as when mounted on a vehicle. The unmatched IS quality optics of the lenses unlock stable telephoto shooting and images, which make them ideal for impressive close-ups in nature documentaries, or the live broadcasting of large-scale events.

Driving precision

The new drive units include a high-performance 16 bit absolute encoder that outputs extremely precise zoom, focus and iris position information. This data can then be outputted to a virtual system[i] enabling users to accurately combine computer-generated imagery with live video. The drive units’ display function provides added convenience when performing various functions, such as user mode set up and access locking.

*A system that superimposes CG graphics over the live video coverage of sporting telecasts, weather reports, etc.