Canon Cine-Servo 17-120mm T2.95-3.9 Lens Announced – Added Features and an RF Mount

by Alexandra ThompsonJune 5^th, 2024

Canon has just announced the CN7x17 KAS T/R1 and T/P1 lens, a new model for their Cine-Servo lens, featuring several upgrades: a new removable Servo Drive unit, a new native RF mount, an enhanced PL mount, support for metadata output for virtual productions, and more. Let’s take a closer look.

The Canon CN7x17 KAS T/R1 and T/P1 is a 17-120mm T2.95 cine-servo lens, part of the Canon CINE-SERVO lineup. It is designed for handheld, professional film and broadcast production and is compatible with cinema cameras with sensors up to Super 35mm (26.2×13.8mm). The lens shares most of the features of the CN7x17 KAS S, which was released in April 2014.

However, up until now, this lens was only available with either a PL or an EF mount. Now, they’ve rolled out an updated model that brings some new features, extra options for the PL mount, and adds an RF mount to the mix.

Lens body and features

The lens features a 17-120mm focal length and 7x zoom, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of shooting situations. The 11-blade iris will produce a smooth, circular bokeh and minimize lens flare. For ENG-style shooters, the lens drive features servo motors that control zoom, focus, and iris functions. There is a large 180-degree focus ring for precise manual focusing and instant startup.  

The diagonal view covers a wide Super35 angle of view (87.2° to 14.1°) and supports 12-pin serial communication, the standard protocol for broadcast camera systems. Additionally, it provides ARIA (Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation) peripheral illumination correction when used with Sony cameras, effectively addressing light falloff and maintaining consistent exposure across the frame.

Key specs

• 8K Resolution
• Super 35mm Coverage
• Native RF (new) and PL Mount Models
• 17-120mm focal range
• T2.95 to 91mm / T3.9 at 120mm
• 11-Blade Iris
• New Removeable Servo Drive Unit (upgraded)
• Supports Metadata Output for Virtual Production (new)
• Drop-proof Construction
• Phosphorescent Indicators

Canon CN7x17 KAS T/R1 – RF mount upgrade

The camera’s RF mount introduces an advanced communication protocol between the lens and the camera (for example, the new EOS C400.) The system provides lens-specific data, allowing the camera to automatically correct optical distortion. It also supports virtual production metadata output. It integrates with Cinema EOS camera functions, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF/AF II, peripheral illumination and chromatic aberration correction, and Dual Pixel Focus Guide. In addition, it displays and records lens information.

Canon CN7x17 KAS T/P1 – PL mount features

In addition to supporting Cooke /i Technology, the PL mount now includes support for eXtended Data (offered by ZEISS and an extension of the Cooke /i Technology communications standard). Connecting to a compatible camera allows for real-time lens information output, recording, and correction.

New Servo drive unit

This new unit is based on the e-XsV drive unit and should deliver noticeably faster focus and iris control, plus focus breathing compensation for image consistency during zooming. A USB-C connector is also featured for remote shooting, user settings for import/export, service/auxiliary functions, and firmware updates (PL mount only). On the back are angled connectors so the camera sits flat even with a 20-pin cable attached. The unit also has a display that provides access to key settings.

Price and availability

The Canon CN7x17 KAS T/R1 and T/P1 17-120mm lenses will begin shipping in October 2024, and the estimated retail price is $23,850.00, close to the original price of the lens. Please note that the previous model with an EF mount will be discontinued, according to Canon. For more information, please visit the Canon website.

What are your thoughts about the Canon CN7x17 KAS T/R1 and T/P1 lenses? Now that an RF mount is available, will you consider purchasing this lens? Let us know your experience with the Canon CINE-SERVO lenses in the comments!