FUJINON Duvo HZK14-100mm PL Zoom Lens Now Available

Lens News

by Omri Keren LapidotAugust 30^th, 2024

FUJINON’s Duvo HZK14-100mm PL zoom was first teased almost a year ago at IBC 2023. Back then, it was just a prototype showcased behind glass. Now, it’s been officially announced that the wide PL zoom is available. Like its 24-300mm stablemate, the FUJINON Duvo HZK14-100mm PL is an extremely versatile wide zoom. It covers Super 35 sensors for wide to moderate tele range, but it has a nice trick up its sleeve – a built-in x1.5 optical extender. Not only does this unit stretch the tele range, but it will also provide full-frame coverage as a 21-150mm lens. The maximum aperture is T/2.9 (T/4.3 with the extender). This provides vast coverage options regarding focal range, compatible cameras, and use cases.

The FUJINON Duvo HZK14-100mm Zoom Lens tries to bridge the gap between broadcast functionality and cinematic compatibility. FUJINON does so by creating a lens with an impressive 7.1x zoom ratio for the mainstream PL mount. The lens is also very compact, considering its versatile focal range. The new Duvo 14-100mm expands the line while maintaining alignment with the Duvo 24-300mm regarding design philosophy.

Blurring boundaries

The motion capture, TV, and filmmaking worlds have experienced fundamental changes in the last decade or two. Digital turmoil was only the promo. Followed by the rise of hybrid cameras and even smartphones (to some extent), traditional boundaries between cinema, broadcast, and documentary (not to mention stills) have rapidly eroded.

The FUJINON Duvo HZK14-100mm PL (as well as its 24-300mm sister lens) occupies an interesting niche in this evolving market. Its impressive focal length versatility is not that common in the PL mount neighborhood. Even less common is the 1.5x extender and its dual compatibility, allowing both Super35 and full-frame cameras to mount the lens successfully. The extended range is a nice bonus as well, with a total of 14-150mm on Super 35 sensors.

A jack-of-all-trades

A single FUJINON Duvo HZK14-100mm PL can be used as an ultra-wide lens on both Super 35 and full-frame bodies. It can reach decent tele angles and offers extensive electronic controls, including a clever electro-mechanical focus breathing correction, electronic zoom rocker, iris control, and everything you can expect from a professional broadcast zoom. All these features are neatly packed within a 27cm / 10.62 inch long barrel weighing 2.65kg / 5.84 lbs.

Who is it for?

While the FUJINON Duvo HZK14-100mm PL is versatile enough, its price tag will limit its user base. Costing $32,000, it’ll probably find its place in medium to large production companies, rental houses, broadcast studios, and ENG crews. For this sector, it will provide the convenience of fully featured broadcast gear with the benefits of large sensor capture. With an impressively low weight of 2.65kg / 5.84 lb, it’s also suitable for shoulder or handheld operation and can work with smaller, lighter tripods.

Price and availability

Like its 24-300mm sibling, the new FUJINON Duvo HZK14-100mm will cost you $31,999 and is now available for preorder.

Do you see yourself using an all-rounder lens like this, or would you prefer investing in more dedicated, less versatile gear? Let us know in the comments.