Lenses are focusing on a broad array of applications for HD production

It was a big year for ENG and field lenses at NAB, with some models getting lighter, some sharper and others more data intensive then ever before.
Fujinon introduced the new HA23x7.6BE HDTV lens, a Premier Series lens offering advanced optical technology; Canon introduced new HD studio camera lenses with auto focus; and Thales Angenieux introduced a range of new HD ENG models for handheld use.

The Fujinon HA23x7.6BE includes 23 times magnification and a focal length ranging from 7.6mm at the wide end, zooming out to 175mm to capture extreme telephoto shots. At 1X, the lens has a maximum relative aperture of 1:1.8 up to 122mm and 1:2.65 at 175mm and a minimum object distance of 0.8 meters from the front of the lens. With the 2X extender engaged, the focal length ranges from 15.2 to 350mm, with a maximum relative aperture of 1:5.3 at 350mm.

For the studio, Canon introduced the DIGISUPER 27 and DIGISUPER 27AF HD box-style lenses with a focal length of 6.5mm to 180mm. The new lenses offer the optional BWA-271 0.9x Wide Attachment, the industry’s first wide-angle attachment for an HD studio lens. This “zoom-through” feature allows users to begin with a wide shot and go telephoto quickly without experiencing negative effects on light transmission. This feature alters the range of the zoom on wide settings by 10 percent toward the wide side, creating a new zoom range of 5.85mm to 162mm.

The DIGISUPER 27AF also features auto-focus capabilities based on a proprietary HD implementation of Through-the-Lens Secondary Image Registration Phase Detection Method technology. It’s designed to help camera operators ensure that their HD shots are always in exact focus, even in challenging situations. It also allows the new DIGISUPER 27AF lens to be used reliably on unmanned robotic pedestals.

Thales Angenieux introduced a range of new models, including a new generation of their Digital 26 X 7.8AIF High Definition (HD) and High Resolution (HR) Series Tele Super Zoom Lenses ENG/EFP lenses. The new lenses feature improved ergonomics and digital features. They provide an extended focal range to news and sports field production crews with extended coverage capabilities.

The new range features a focal range of 7.8mm to 203mm (5.6mm to 406mm with a 2X extender) and an aperture of f/1.8 for the HR version, and f/2.2 for the HD version.

For more information, visit www.angenieux.com, www.fujinonbroadcast.com, or www.usa.canon.com.