First RF-Mount Canon CN-R Cinema Prime Lenses Announced

In anticipation of IBC 2023, Canon has unveiled their first RF-Mount cinema lenses for the Cinema EOS system, the Canon CN-R Cinema Primes. Presently, the 7 new full-frame lenses offer the same focal lengths and T stops as the EF mount CN-E Primes and PL mount Sumire Primes, with lenses at 14, 20, 24, 35, 50, 85, and 135 millimeters. They share a common gear positioning and diameter across all seven lenses, with the same front diameter and rotation across all focal lengths.

Although these lenses do appear to essentially be CN-E primes with the EF mounts swapped out for RF mounts, there is one interesting feature being mentioned with the RF-Mount versions: Distortion Correction. "High-speed data transfer makes it possible to instantly transfer lens metadata to the camera, enabling distortion correction according to lens characteristics when shooting video with compatible cameras." As of September 2023, the only supported cameras are the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C (in Movie Mode only), but I suspect more cameras will support this feature soon. The lenses will also support Dual Pixel Focus Guide technology, to help the user nail down the focus.

Key features of the RF mount Cinema Prime lenses:

• Genuine RF mount for stable operation without a converter
• High speed lens communication offering advanced metadata support from the lens to camera
• Geared rings offer greater control via hand operation and third party follow focus accessories
• High optical performance and high image quality for 4K, 8K and HDR productions
• T-stops up to T1.3 with broad focal lengths covering ultra-wide to telephoto
• Minimal focus breathing
• 11-blade iris for cinematic bokeh and softly diffused highlights

Specifications

Here's the official press release from Canon:

MELVILLE, NY, Sept. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the introduction of the company’s first RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses for the Cinema EOS System. The new lenses combine high optical performance for 4K and 8K shooting, cinema-style operability, and RF mount communications. The first set of seven RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses is only the beginning. Canon plans to swiftly expand the lineup of RF-mount-compatible video production equipment to meet the needs of professional video production of such content as movies, TV, and commercials.

The seven Canon CN-R lenses, with focal lengths and T stops of 14mm T3.1, 20mm T1.5, 24mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.3, 85mm T1.3, and 135mm T2.2, are compatible with the two existing RF-Mount Canon Cinema Cameras, the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C. These lenses will allow for RF mount protocol transmission, and just like the EF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses, operators can control magnification, chromatic aberration correction, peripheral light correction, and a dual-pixel focus guide via camera body operations. In addition, the new lenses also feature lens distortion correction. These features support efficient video production during on-location recording and post-production workflow.

The new lenses are able to achieve high optical performance suitable for use with 4K and 8K cameras by optimally positioning large-diameter aspherical lens elements and lens elements with anomalous dispersion glass. Their compatibility with the full-frame large-format sensor, bright T stop values1, and 11-blade iris helps produce a shallow depth of field for subjects, natural round blurring, and soft image expressions. In addition, unified Cinema EOS color balance throughout the series helps provide consistent color, even when changing lenses.

Designed with an ideal level of ring torque, the new lenses allow for the precise and smooth adjustments often needed during cinema productions. Thanks to a unified design across the series, including the gear position of the operation ring, the diameter of the lens, and the rotation angle (operation angle), lenses can be effortlessly swapped in and out without the need to adjust matte boxes or external focus accessories for each lens. A new coarse surface near the mount provides a comfortable and ergonomic fit in the user’s hand, allowing the lens to be held securely without gripping the operation ring when attaching and detaching different lenses.

Pricing and Availability

The seven new Canon RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses estimated retail pricing and scheduled availability* are as follows:

For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.