Canon announces 27x portable broadcast zoom lens and new digital drive unit

The CJ27ex7.3B is Canon’s first 2/3” portable lens featuring an impressive 27x optical zoom.

Classified as a UHDxs lens, Canon’s highest image quality rating for broadcast optics, the new CJ27ex7.3B lens spans a focal range of 7.3mm to 197mm. With a built-in 2x extender, the lens’ maximum telephoto reach increases to 394mm.

The 27x zoom ratio is typically only available in 2/3” box lenses, so getting this in a lens designed for anything down to handheld ENG use is a big deal. The 7.3mm wide angle helps set the scene for viewers, while the 197mm telephoto end delivers tight shots of the subject. 

In other words, if you’re looking for a lens to shoot high-quality video for live broadcast, such as a big sporting event where you want to zoom in on the action or capture a wide view of the game, the CJ27ex7.3B is going to be a pretty good fit.

The new lens also features Canon’s next-generation drive unit, the e-Xs V. This features an angled 20-pin connector and a built-in USB-C connector, giving users a better experience with equipment setup and maintenance and improving operability with an updated display menu. Also, Focus Breathing Compensation, which helps minimize image distortion when racking focus, and Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation (ARIA) technology is supported to help minimize the effects of f-drop/ramping as the lens zooms.

The CJ27ex7.3B broadcast lens is expected to be available for purchase for broadcasters and hire companies with deep pockets from August 2024.