A new line of MK-series Fujinon Cine zoom E-mount lenses was announced today, making them ideal for solo operation and run-and-gun shooting where mobility is critical. Designed for the specific needs of videographers, the first two lenses in the lineup are the standard Fujinon MK18-55mm T2.9 and MK50-135mm T2.9 tele-zoom lens will be available now and this summer, respectively. The lenses resolve less-than-satisfactory aspects of DSLR lenses when used for cine applications.
Key features:
• T2.9 speed across entire zoom range
• 200-degree focus rotation angle
• Three mechanical lens rings with full manual operation
• 0.8M standardized gear pitch
• Seamless iris
• 82mm filters
• Macro focus
• Bundled zoom lever, support foot, lens hood
The lenses are designed to suppress focus shifts while zooming, lens breathing, and optical axis shifts while zooming, all of which are issues that plague DSLR lenses designed for still photography.
Focus Shift:
When using a conventional DSLR lenses, the focal point can shift while zooming the lens, forcing you to refocus each time you change the focal length. By driving the front focus group and zoom group independently, the Fujinon MK lenses prevent this focus shift from occurring.
Lens Breathing:
When focusing with a conventional DSLR lens, the angle of view may seem to change, making it look like you are zooming. This effect, called “lens breathing,” is resolved by the MK lens’s front inner focus system, which lets users focus smoothly without changing the composition of important scenes.
Optical Axis Shift:
Optical axis shifts are common in DSLR lenses. They case the lens to skew off-center from the subject, which can change the composition of a scene. Fujinon MK lenses have been designed to prevent this from happening.
Both lenses measure 206.3mm and weigh 980 grams. The MK18-55mm T2.9 has a minimum object distance of 1 ft 2.9 inches in macro mode, while the 50-135mm T2.9 focuses up to 2 ft 9 inches. The gear rings for focus, zoom, and iris are located at the same position on both lenses so there’s no need to readjust the position of accessories. The lenses feature a flange focal distance adjustment so you can adjust the distance for individual cameras.
The lenses offer 0.8M standardized gear pitch for each of the three operating rings to accommodate follow-focus and other standard cine accessories. A seamless Iris Ring allows for precise exposure while eliminating the vibrations and noise that occur with standard click-stop iris rings. 9 iris blades mean superior Bokeh.
The Fujinon MK18-55mm T2.9 lens will be available for $3,799 from Adorama. The Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9 lens will be available this summer.
