Canon reveals its first set of PL prime lenses

Canon is launching a range of seven PL-mount cinema prime lenses. It’s the manufacturer’s first set of PL primes.

The Sumire (pronounced su-mi-ray) Prime series are fast T-stop cinema prime lenses, all with an interchangeable PL mount, which can be modified to an EF mount.

The Sumire Prime set of lenses consists of the CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X, CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X, CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X and CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X.

All are compatible with any PL-mount cinema camera with either a 35mm full-frame format sensor or a Super 35mm format sensor, including Canon’s C700 FF.

The whole range of Sumire Primes have the same front diameter, meaning you don’t need to adjust rigging accessories when replacing lenses.

On its press release, Canon says the lenses have a “newly designed cinematic look and unified warm colour tone.” It promises “solid and natural image rendering, bringing impressive image quality and warmer tones to cinema productions, as well as richer levels of rounded bokeh for better impression of subjects and softer rays of light.”

Summing up the benefits of Canon’s Sumire Primes, Canon customer marketing executive Barry Griffin told Broadcast: “The lenses have a very recognisable look – it’s a pleasing, softer look with a really artistic feel.”

Canon Europe professional imaging product marketing manager Stephen Hart Dyke, said: “Rising competition in the cinema market and growing viewer demand for quality content has resulted in cinematographers facing increasing pressure to push their creative boundaries. As a result, there’s a growing trend and demand for large 35mm full-frame sensor cameras and fast primes which can achieve a more dramatic look and higher image quality – features which make productions stand out. However, the choice of 35mm full-frame cinema lenses is still relatively limited, which is where the Sumire Prime lenses now offer professional film-makers additional choice, flexibility and consistency in their shooting, while allowing them to personalise their craft and enhance their creative vision with the hotly demanded cinematic look.”