Canon has recently unveiled its latest range of CN-R RF Mount Cine Primes, comprising seven full-frame lenses in various focal lengths. The initial lenses in the series include the Canon CN-R 14mm, 20mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm.
It’s worth noting that these focal lengths correspond exactly to Canon’s existing CN-E primes. Speculation suggests that the CN-R lenses are likely based on RF lens designs, similar to how the CN-E primes were based on rehoused EF lenses. While Canon currently lacks RF mount still lenses in the 14mm, 20mm, 24mm, and 35mm focal lengths, there is potential for their release before the CN-R lenses become available.
Rather than designing completely new lenses from scratch, Canon may have opted to rehouse existing RF still lenses. For instance, the CN-R 50mm and CN-R 85mm are suspected to be based on the RF50mm F1.2 L USM and RF85mm F1.2 L USM lenses, respectively. Additionally, the CN-R 135mm is likely based on the RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM.
The lenses share a compact size, with the 20mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm all measuring 125.5mm in length. They also feature a 114mm front and 105mm front filter diameter, except for the 14mm lens. The weights of the lenses range from 1.2kg to 1.5kg.
When it comes to key features, the CN-R lenses offer a genuine RF mount for stable operation without a converter. They also provide high-speed lens communication for advanced metadata support and geared rings for better control via hand operation and third-party follow focus accessories. The lenses excel in optical performance and image quality, making them suitable for 4K, 8K, and HDR productions. With T-stops up to T1.3, they cover a broad range from ultra-wide to telephoto. Additionally, the lenses minimize focus breathing and boast an 11-blade iris for cinematic bokeh and softly diffused highlights.
Notably, the CN-R lenses support Canon’s Dual Pixel Focus Guide, enabling users to visualize focus accuracy through a small green box when an object is in focus. The lenses also display the focal length and T-stop number in the camera’s LCD or viewfinder.
Regarding functionality, the CN-R lenses are compatible with Canon R5 C and EOS C70 cameras, allowing for additional features with their four contact points on the lens. These features include chromatic aberration correction, peripheral light correction, distortion correction, lens information display/recommendation, T-number value display support, and Dual Pixel Focus Guide.
The minimum focusing distance varies for each lens, ranging from 0.2m to 1m.
The release of the CN-R lenses hints at the potential arrival of mid-to-high-end digital cinema cameras from Canon in the near future. These lenses may find appeal among users of RED cameras equipped with an RF mount.
In terms of pricing, the CN-R Cinema Prime Lenses range from $3,995 to $4,220, competing against a vast array of full-frame cine prime lenses in the market.
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