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    The new PL mount CN-E prime lenses that are coming soon are more than just a mount conversion

    By 11 Comments1 Min Read Canon Cinema EOS Rumors
    cinemaeosprimes 1 728x462 - The new PL mount CN-E prime lenses that are coming soon are more than just a mount conversion

    We reported back in January that Canon was going to release PL-mount versions of its CN-E prime lenses.

    We're now being told that the new PL mount CN-E prime lenses will have some optical differences when compared to the EF mount versions, most notably the footage from the new PL mount versions are noticeably softer and have less contrast than the EF mount versions.

    The PL mount prime lenses will also have some subtle design differences.

    We expect to see the new PL mount prime lenses announced ahead of NAB next month.

    Canon’s Cine Prime Lineup:

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    11 comments

    2. is softer and less contrast better?

      The lower contrast is good(just like shooting in LOG with compressed formats). Video deals with more dynamic range issues. As for the lens softness issue, it's usually to help cut back on chromatic abrasion and aliasing. For those that are really splitting hairs, the added softness to a lens is to make sure the edge of the frame and center are more consistent in sharpness.
      With that said, I'm perfectly content shooting with EF lenses and wouldn't give up IS for such minor details. Then again, I do more run and gun and don't have an entire production crew.
    4. I'm sure the ARRI shooters will be happy about this, but those traditionally using RED/Sony/Canon will likely be happier with the sharper EF versions. Not every project has budget for true post-production color grading and skin enhancement/smoothing, so this should really help those facilities that basically apply a LUT and then export.
    6. The lower contrast is good(just like shooting in LOG with compressed formats). Video deals with more dynamic range issues. As for the lens softness issue, it's usually to help cut back on chromatic abrasion and aliasing. For those that are really splitting hairs, the added softness to a lens is to make sure the edge of the frame and center are more consistent in sharpness.
      With that said, I'm perfectly content shooting with EF lenses and wouldn't give up IS for such minor details. Then again, I do more run and gun and don't have an entire production crew.
      Useful info but it seems most people who frequent this site aren’t wannabe cinematographers but gear whores looking for stills camera/lens info for their next purchase and to complain about Canon’s disappointing 4K ;-).
    7. Useful info but it seems most people who frequent this site aren’t wannabe cinematographers but gear whores looking for stills camera/lens info for their next purchase and to complain about Canon’s disappointing 4K ;-).

      That is quite likely.
    8. I love how the EF Canon CN-E set pairs with our Alexa Mini and ARRI Amira. Not sure I'd want to go softer. The sharpness and contrast are one of the things I love about the combination of the ARRI sensor and the lenses. Here's a link to a short we shot with the Canon CN-E and ARRI Amira (make sure to watch in 4k if you can):
    9. If true, and I'm really not sure this sounds true at all...but if true, this would be an attempt to capture some of the "magic" that vintage lenses from cooke etc have. I remember seeing at NAB last year a c700FF kitted out with canon's new 20mm sitting next to another c700FF with a cooke anamorphic on it. Frankly, I thought the cooke looked like dog doodie...but one could argue that the CN-E was a little too perfect, if there is such a thing. Honestly..if canon was working on a lens that had different characteristics it wouldn't be of the same series, and I'd hardly believe that they would make it PL only. That's just not their bag.
    10. Agree. This sounds like Canon going after the top pros, who like cookes for their cinematic legitimacy. Canon dominate the doc glass market, so it's an intriguing step. Interested to see how they market "soft" without compromising on image quality!
    11. PL mounts make sense since that will significantly broaden the market for these.

      I'd love to add a cinema lens to my portfolio but the problem is that my canon video cams (1DX2, Log5D4) as basically useless without DPAF. There's no way I could consistently pull manual focus on either. Fixed rear LCD, no focusing aids and no 4K out to an external recorder that could add focusing aids. That 35 CN-E would be awesome but the reality is that on my gear I'll get much better results with my 35 f2 IS.

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