First look: Fujinon MK18-55mm T2.9 cine lens
The new Fujinon MK18-55mm T2.9 cine lens is the first of the company`s new line of `MK` series Fujinon lenses aimed at the `emerging production` market. These lenses are designed to meet the needs of cinematographers who require features generally found on cinema lenses, who often work in the Super 35 format, and can`t justify the cost of lenses costing tens of thousands of dollars more than their cameras.
According to Fujifilm, the MK lenses are basically a smaller version of its Cabrio series of cinema lenses, which typically cost $20,000 or more. The two lens lines share the same coatings and general mechanical design for moving lenses and groups. Between the 18-55mm and the already-announced MK50-135mm lens, the MK line covers the very useful 18-135mm range for Super 35 shooters.
Perhaps the most interesting feature, however, is Fujifilm`s use of Sony`s E-mount standard, which we`ll look at next.
First look: Fujinon MK18-55mm T2.9 cine lens
So why Sony E-mount? Fujifilm already builds high-end lenses for the PL mount favored by film and broadcast studios. But the company wants to address the burgeoning market of independent filmmakers, small production houses, and other professionals using the Super 35 and APS-C formats. Sony has a huge presence in this market, with many professionals using the Sony FS7, FS5, and even a-series cameras. However, there are few dedicated cinema lenses for E-mount, with many shooters using EF-mount lenses via adapters.
This means there`s a huge potential market of professional videographers who can be targeted. Also, since these lenses are built to mount so close to the sensor, they can`t be adapted to mount on PL mount cameras, meaning that Fujifilm doesn`t risk cannibalizing sales of their HK, ZK, and XK range of cine lenses.
First look: Fujinon MK18-55mm T2.9 cine lens
One difference between cinema lenses and most mod ...
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