Canon

Designed for 4K and Beyond

Canon offers a range of modern cinema optics, crafted for cinematographers operating in the field or on set, anywhere in the world.

With decades of photography innovation behind them, Canon cinema lenses offer an interesting “hybrid” design methodology, thanks to their combination of high optical quality, mechanical reliability, and practical ergonomics. The Canon cinema lens line is built from extensive experience engineering lenses with a cinematic look for broadcast and live production, as well as highly maneuverable handheld lenses for 4K Super35 and full format cinema production.

Canon’s flagship Sumire Primes have a more nuanced look as the lens aperture approaches its maximum setting, subtly modifying the textural rendering of the human face in closeup shots. Canon took some inspiration from the classic, vintage K35 primes, and introduced similar characteristics into the Sumire. They feature a slightly warmer aesthetic in general, with excellent neutrality and minimal distortion or curvature, offering an excellent amount of character for their price point.

The Canon Cinema Prime line is designed specifically for use with professional cinema and mirrorless EF-Mount cameras and encompasses a wide variety of focal lengths, each offering fast maximum apertures and 4K optical performance, supported by precise mechanical structure. These primes are lightweight, affordable workhorses, in wide use throughout the industry.

As you might expect, Canon’s zoom lenses are of particular note, due to the company’s decades of still photography innovation. Canon zooms are of generally neutral color, with some expected distortion due to the zoom range. They are excellent choices for live production and handheld operation, and fit very well in the documentary, non-scripted, and live event space.