Canon has launched its first set of cinema prime lenses made for PL-Mount cameras. The series is named Sumire Prime, and it consists of seven prime lenses covering focal lengths from 14mm all the way to 135mm.
The lenses are rather fast, ranging from T3.1 to T1.3, depending on the model. Canon has also implemented the optical design that creates a nuanced look as the aperture approaches its maximum setting. According to the company, this new optical design “modifies the textural renderings of the human face close-up,” and also “smooths the transition to the fall-off portions of the scene.” And hence the name, Sumire, which is the name of a flower in Japanese. “Like the petals of a flower, our lenses are most beautiful when fully opened,” Kazuto Ogawa of Canon USA explained.
The seven Canon Sumire Prime lenses include the following models:
- CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X
- CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X
- CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X
- CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X
- CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X
- CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X
- CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X
All Sumire Prime lenses feature an 11-bladed iris and bright T-stops. This combination promises images with a more natural circular bokeh from both maximum to minimum aperture. Canon promises that all seven lenses achieve uniform color balance, which should reduce the time you spend in post.
The lenses feature the same operability and reduced focus breathing as Canon’s EF-mount cinema prime lenses. They are operated manually and should allow you precise changes in focus. A 300-degree focus rotation angle and gear position is consistent across the entire Sumire Prime series, so you don’t need to adjust gear positions when changing lenses.
As for compatibility, all seven lenses are compatible with the complete lineup of Canon Cinema EOS full-frame and Super 35mm 4K cameras, as well as with the latest full-frame and Super 35mm PL-mount cameras from other manufacturers.
When it comes to the price, each lens costs $7,410. However, availability differs, although all of them are ready for preorders. The CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X, and CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X lenses will be available in summer 2019. The CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X is scheduled to be available in fall 2019. Lastly, the CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X and CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X should be available in winter 2019 or spring 2020.
