Fujifilm Announces Fujinon HZK25-1000mm Box Lens
Currently in development, the native PL Mount lens will achieve a zoom ratio of 40x and a maximum aperture of F2.8.
Fujifilm North America Corp. has announced the Fujinon HZK25-1000mm F2.8-F5.0 PL Mount Box Lens, which achieves a zoom ratio of 40x with a telephoto focal length of 1,000mm.
The lens is in development and will begin shipping in Spring 2023.
“In observing and gathering feedback from professionals in the emerging world of cinema-sized imagers in live production, we identified a very clear customer desire for a long cinema lens to facilitate capture quality of a live show,” says Stosh Durbacz, national sales manager, Optical Devices Division, Fujifilm North American Corp.
The HZK25-1000 deploys a dual-format system that supports two single sensor sizes: a sensor equivalent to the large-format size and a traditional Super 35mm sensor. The use of a new 1.5x expander shifts the focal length of the telephoto side, enabling super-telephoto image capture of 1,500mm. Additionally, when the lens is paired with a large-format sensor, operators can shoot with a field of view equivalent to that of a Super 35mm sensor while maintaining maximum optical performance. The lens enables shooting with the same field of view in both large format and Super 35mm.
The use of large-sensor cameras enables the expression of immersive images by offering smooth bokeh and high dynamic range for live broadcasting. Though traditional lenses for single-sensor cameras are optimal for filming movies and commercials, the zoom ratio is considerably lower than that of a B4 mount lens, and lens characteristics when zooming and focusing are different from those applicable to lenses used in live broadcasting.
The HZK25-1000 achieves a maximum aperture of F2.8 and 40x zoom ratio. Not only does it enable filming in low-light environments such as indoor concerts or nighttime events, but the shallow depth of field also provides cinematic bokeh. Fujifilm’s proprietary optical technology suppresses aberrations by using a large-aperture aspherical lens and a fluorite lens that have been precisely polished. The out-of-focus bokeh is controlled through repeated simulations using Fujifilm’s proprietary application Focus (Fujifilm Optical Class Library and Utilities System), which determines optimal glass materials from the infinite combination of possibilities. The texture of each layer in the out-of-focus area is verified to achieve a bokeh that softens and naturally melts the background.
Camera operators can operate the lens in a setup specialized for live broadcasting because existing Fujinon box-lens accessories can be used in support of multi-camera operation. Wireless controllers from Preston Cinema and Arri are compatible with the lens and can also be connected.
The latest anti-vibration mechanism and firmware utilizes Fujifilm’s unique ceramic-ball-roller system. This mechanism provides a high level of anti-vibration performance against shaking caused by unstable platforms.
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