We have received a detailed clarification (thank you) on the upcoming two cinema lenses that we leaked back in early March.
According to the source, these new lenses are not based on the RF mount. The lenses have been designed for the EF and PL mounts. This actually makes sense for Canon's CINI lenses as the lenses would then support the largest possible market share of high-end cinema cameras. It would also be impractical to support PL and the RF mount in one lens as the PL mount is 52mm for the flange to sensor distance, versus 20mm for the RF mount. Meanwhile, the EF mount which is also a quasi-industry standard has a 44mm flange to sensor distance, making the conversion to PL far more realistic.
These lenses are also designed for full-frame and are 8K capable, and even larger than full-frame image circles. The source mentions that the lenses are capable of supporting Alexa LF. They are also rumored to be the fastest cinema zooms available on the market when they are released.
Does all this sound expensive? Oh yes, the prices are rumored to be around $35,000 each.
We are expecting more details around the middle of this month, if not the full announcement, and the lenses will most likely be shown at NAB.
I'd like to see the servo unit "swappable" between lenses in the line to reduce bulk and cost, but that's probably asking too much. I'm good with F4/T4.4 on this style lens and think many are. I'd rather see a 35-150 (or similar) if they're going to limit the line to two lenses. The 70-200 is great optically the few times I've seen the images, but personally find myself needed a wider option more often. The Tamron 35-150mm (now discontinued?) is a great all around compromise for most of the situations I'd want a compact servo.
Arri Alexa LF's sensor has a 44.7mm diagonal.
Fast zoom lenses covering the VistaVision format include: