An amazing story has emerged about how one of the most insane lenses ever built came to life. In 2010 German wildlife filmmaker, Ivo Norenberg, served up a challenge to Canon to build a lens that could live up to a strict set of demands specific to wildlife filmmaking.
The lens needed to be Super 35mm compatible, and needed to fully frame a subject of four to five feet in height from a distance of around 300-350 feet away.
To meet Ivo’s wishes, calculations showed that a 1000mm focal length would be required, but there was more, too. Along with close ups, a wide angle view was also sought that would be suitable for capturing wide vista views found out in the wild.
With a built-in 1. 5x extender, the Cine-Servo 50-1000mm is one serious lens.
Well fast forward to present and Canon sure did follow through and make Ivo a happy man. In 2014, the brand came good on the challenge and launched the Canon EF Cine-Servo 50-1000mm T5. 0-8. 9 – a dream wildlife lens with a serious price-tag.
The EF mount lens can capture full-frame images of wildlife from 350 feet away.
The 20:1 magnification lens also ticks other boxes from the wildlife filmmaker, as the lens is compact (measuring less than 16-inches) and lightweight (less than 15lbs). Of course, along with being portable, Norenberg needed the lens to perform flawlessly in the field - after all, there’s no opportunities for second takes with wildlife. The answer was to fit the lens with an integrated high-speed precision servo drive unit.
A grab from the Canon video, which you can watch below (Canon/Norenberg)
The finished lens even featured a built-in 1. 5 extender, increasing the focal length to 75-1500mm when needed. What’s more, it’s 4K Optical Performance, 11-blade iris design and rugged build quality means this has to be the ultimate dream lens for wildlife filmmakers. That said, it does come with a $70,000 price-tag!
This epic piece of kit also shows what can be created when brand’s listen to the wishes and needs of the photo and film community. Canon has even made a short film about the Canon EF Cine-Servo 50-1000mm T5. 0-8. 9, featuring some of Norenberg stunning wildlife footage, which you can watch below. . .
Click to watch the story behind the lens. . .
. digitalrev.com2018-4-10 03:00
