Canon Announces Sumire Prime Lenses
The PL-mount optics will be available in seven focal lengths, with the first four scheduled to ship this summer.
Canon has introduced its first set of cinema prime PL-mount lenses, Sumire Primes, which will be available in seven focal lengths.
Designed for use with large-sensor cinema cameras, including 35mm full-frame cameras such as the Canon EOS C700FF, the Sumire Primes set comprises the following: CN-E14mm FP X (T3.1), CN-E20mm FP X (T1.5), CN-E24mm FP X (T1.5), CN-E35mm FP X (T1.5), CN-E50mm FP X (T1.3), CN-E85mm FP X (T1.3) and CN-E135mm FP X (T2.2).
“Sumire is the name of a flower in Japan, and, like the petals of a flower, our lenses are most beautiful when fully opened,” says Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer of Canon U.S.A., Inc.
The Sumires’ optical design introduces a nuanced look as the lens aperture approaches its maximum setting, subtly modifying the textural renderings of the human face close up. It also smooths the transition to the fall-off portions of the scene, resulting in a pleasing bokeh, according to the company.
“The feedback from cinematographers is crucial, and they asked Canon to introduce a set of PL-mount cinema prime lenses,” says Ogawa. “Our new Sumire Primes produce the beautifully cinematic and unique images professionals desire. We can’t wait to see how the lenses will contribute to the art of filmmaking.”
All Sumire Prime lenses feature an 11-bladed iris and bright T-stops that allow users to capture images that feature a more natural circular-like bokeh from both maximum to minimum aperture. The use of an odd number of iris blades also helps to diffuse light rays and produce what is generally considered a more cinematic look, with warmer colors. The lenses also achieve uniform color balance throughout the lineup.
The Sumire lenses feature the same operability and reduced focus breathing as Canon’s established EF-mount Cinema Prime Lenses. Manual operation provides users with the resistance they desire to make precise changes in focus. A 300-degree focus-rotation angle and gear position is consistent across the entire Sumire line, eliminating the need to adjust gear positions when changing lenses.
“The new Sumire Prime lenses are the perfect blend of science and art,” says cinematographer Matt Porwoll, who shot the first U.S. footage with the lenses. “The bokeh comes alive in ways that weren’t occurring with other lenses I’ve used. Lens flares have a dynamic feel to them rather than behaving in a formulaic manner.”
The Sumire Primes are compatible with all Canon Cinema EOS full-frame and Super 35mm 4K cameras, including the EOS C700 FF, EOS C300 Mark II and EOS C200. The lenses are also compatible with the latest full-frame and Super 35mm PL-mount cameras from other leading manufacturers. The mount on Sumire Prime Lenses is interchangeable and can be converted from PL-mount to EF-mount at a Canon Factory Service & Repair center.
The 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm Sumire Primes will be available this summer.
The 14mm Sumire will be available this fall, and the 20mm and 135mm Sumires will be available in winter 2019/spring 2020.
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