Canon S35 Flex Zoom Lenses Announced

Lens News

by Jürgen MoorsApril 4^th, 2023

Canon has announced two fast Super 35mm cinema zoom lenses dedicated to ultra-high resolution shootings in 4K and 8K: the CN-E14-35mm T1.7 L S/SP wide-angle zoom lens and the CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 L S/SP mid-focal range zoom lens. We don’t have information about the price range yet, but shipping should start in June 2023 for the CN-E14-35mm T1.7 L S/SP lens and in October for the CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 L S/SP lens. Let’s have a closer look at what Canon has to offer!

Last year Canon released their first full-frame cinema zoom lenses. The CN-E20-50mm T.2.4 L F/FP and the CN-E45-135mm T2.4 L F/FP. Both lenses feature a constant T2.4 aperture, and they are available with Canon EF or PL lens mounts and cover the full-frame sensor. Now Canon expands the cinema lineup with two new S35 Flex Zoom lenses:

Canon’s Super 35mm zoom lenses

With the popularity of the Super 35mm sensor, Canon announced the launch of two Super 35mm lenses for high-end 4K, 8K, and HDR productions. The CN-E14-35mm T1.7 L S / SP is a wide-angle 14-35mm zoom lens and the CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 L S / SP is a mid-focal range lens with a 31.5-95mm zoom range.

With a T1.7 aperture, they are among the fastest Super 35mm lenses on the market. A constant aperture of T1.7 creates a very shallow depth of field to ensure subjects stand out. It also enhances compatibility with fast prime lenses when used together in the same production. However, T1.7 might be really fast, but it is also a real challenge for every focus puller!

Canon cinematic imagery

Covering the most frequently used focal lengths, these models offer high optical performance to create sharp, consistent images for 4K and 8K capture. Coupled with 11 Iris blades, they produce a nice bokeh effect and softly diffused light. Canon claims that both lenses achieve warm colors and true-to-life skin tone reproduction, with high image quality.

Canon’s versatile design

In addition to the interchangeable mount design that enables the lens to be switched between EF and PL mounts, these lenses are the first in Canon’s cinema range that make use of Canon’s interchangeable relay kit. They can be switched from Super 35mm to Full Frame and back again at any Canon authorized service center. This may seem complicated, but considering the lenses’ anticipated price range, it is, in fact, more practical that the task cannot be performed independently at home.

With a weight of 3,3kg/7,28lb, and, respectively, 3,5kg/7,7lb, this glass is not lightweight. The CN-E14-35mm T1.7 L and the CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 L may have a compact design but they are both still heavy gear for sure.

Canon’s enhanced communication for creative workflows

Both lenses support a lens metadata workflow, including Cooke /i Technology™, and ZEISS eXtended Data™ via PL mount, alongside 4-pin Lemo connectivity. This is convenient for virtual productions, where positional information is needed to ensure that virtual backgrounds react as natural backgrounds. Furthermore, electronic lens communication with chromatic aberration and peripheral illumination correction, as well as a Dual Pixel Focus Guide for manual focus assistance via EF mount is available when used with compatible cameras.

Both lenses feature 0,8mm gears which are compatible with industry-standard follow-focus accessories and external motors. With a precise mechanical design, users have control over lens optics, enabling smooth operation and creative control during filming.

Key features Canon CN-E14-35mm T1.7 L

• Constant T1.7 aperture across the entire focal length
• 14-35mm wide-angle zoom range
• Compatible with Canon relay change mount for conversion between Super 35mm and Full Frame
• Cooke /i Technology™ and ZEISS eXtended Data™ lens communication
• 11 Iris Blade aperture for a nice bokeh effect
• Interchangeable EF/PL mount options
• 3,3kg/7,28lb in weight

Key features Canon CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 L

• Constant T1.7 aperture across the entire focal length
• 31.5-95mm mid-focal length zoom range
• Compatible with Canon relay change mount for conversion between Super 35mm and Full Frame
• Cooke /i Technology™ and ZEISS eXtended Data™ lens communication
• 11 Iris Blade aperture for a nice bokeh effect
• Interchangeable EF/PL mount options
• 3.5kg/7,7lb in weight

Price and availability

Both lenses have only recently been introduced to the market, and so far we don’t have any information about the price. For the CN-E14-35mm T1.7 L S/SP lens, shipping should start in June 2023. In October 2023, you should be able to order the CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 L S/SP lens.

For further information about the Canon CN-E14-35mm T1.7 L S/SP lens and the CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 L S/SP lens, please visit Canon’s website.

What do you think about the new Canon zoom lenses? Have you ever worked with Canon cinema zoom lenses before? Please leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.