By site editor Dan Chung
Since the very beginnings of DSLR video, news and documentary shooters have wanted to combine the image from a large sensor with the convenience of an ENG/handicam-like motorised lens. Users of traditional ENG camcorders often say the one thing they miss most with large sensor shooting is the ability to zoom smoothly. I’m not usually a fan of zooming during a shot but there are instances when adjusting frame size while following a subject is essential for real world shooting.
Fujinon are looking to solve this problem with their new convertible 19-90mm T2.9 PL lens. They have named it the Cabrio (as in Cabriolet) because of its unique ability to convert from a standard Cine zoom into a motorised ENG style lens with servos for focus, iris and zoom.
Because this lens is PL mounted it will fit on a wide range of Super35 professional cameras such as the Sony FS100 or FS700 (with an adapter), the PMW-F3, the Canon C300 PL, the Arri Alexa or Reds. The only similar lens previously available was Sony’s 18-252mm, which only fits their PMW-F3 camera.
The new Fujinon is less than nine inches long and weighs less than six pounds. The lens barrel has cine-standard 0.8 pitch gearing and a 200 degree focus rotation. It also has electronic communication of lens data to compatible cameras using the LDS and i/Data contacts. It has adjustable back focus, a macro focus mode and integration in the servo for wireless lens control.
The lens can be powered via a external power tap cable or on some cameras via the ‘hot shoe’ connection inside some lens mounts – such on on the Sony PMW-F3.
So what’s the catch? According to the internet rumour mill this lens will set you back around $38,000 US. Still, if your pockets are deep enough…
The lens will be on show at the AbelCine booth at NAB 2012 and we’ll be sure to swing by and take a look.
(Information and photos sourced from AbelCine’s excellent blog here)
