Meet the Fujinon SK35-700mm PL: A 27Kg Lens for Cinematic Broadcasting
Meet the Fujinon SK35-700mm PL: A 27Kg Lens for Cinematic Broadcasting

Meet the Fujinon SK35-700mm PL: A 27Kg Lens for Cinematic Broadcasting

2021-08-03
2 mins read

The Fujinon SK35-700mm F2.8-4.8 is a native PL-mount cinema broadcast zoom lens that was invented in order to bring the look of cinema to sports and entertainment live productions. This PL mount lens was shown at a special event held by Dynamic Rentals and Fujinon. Let’s have a glimpse.

Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens on the Sony VENICE. Picture: Dynamic Rentals
Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens on the Sony VENICE. Picture: Dynamic Rentals

Broadcast glass on a cinema camera

The term ‘Cinematic broadcasting’ has been mentioned a couple of times in Y.M.Cinema Magazine articles, referring to the new trend that emerged, that is, capturing live sports events with cinema equipment. Filming live sports events with large sensor cameras, in order to grant the ‘cinematic look’ (aka shallow depth of field, rich colors, etc) is being transformed into a mandatory request among prestigious live events. For instance, Implementing and operating a high-end cinema camera stabilized by a professional gimbal, inside a football field, is not so rare anymore. However, the next step is using broadcast lenses on cinema cameras, and that’s a whole different ball game.

Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens on the Sony VENICE. Picture: Dynamic Rentals
Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens on the Sony VENICE. Picture: Dynamic Rentals

Broadcast lenses

Broadcast lenses are very much different compared to cinema lenses. They are heavy and designed with a boxy structure in order to allow them the shooting requirements needed for live events. For instance, the broadcast camera is the audiences’ eye, and thus it’s crucial that the lenses will be operated fluently and precisely. Those lenses are extremely expensive and have broadcast dedicated characteristics, for instance:  Long focal length, variable zoom, wide focal range, big aperture, parfocal (keeps focus), image stabilization, and motorized for remote operation. Check out this ultra-cool video which explains efficiently about those special lenses: 

Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens

The Fujinon SK35-700mm is a PL mount lens that was built several years ago. Fujinon is currently considering its possibilities in today’s market when cinema broadcasting is turned into a trend. However, there are no public announcements being made about this lens. Nevertheless, Dynamic Rentals, which is an equipment solutions company for rental houses, has held a special event, presenting the Fujinon SK35-700mm. The demo was hosted together with Fujinon. The lens was tested by various DPs, and paired with the Sony VENICE and ARRI AMIRA Live. This is a 20:1 35mm to 700mm. T2.8 to T5. With a built-in 1.4X extender it goes to 980mm. The lens weighs over 27Kg. So basically It’s s super 35mm lens that covers 5K on the Sony VENICE with the 1.4X extender.

Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens on the Sony VENICE. Picture: Dynamic Rentals
Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens on the Sony VENICE. Picture: Dynamic Rentals

Specifications

  • Native Cinema Style PL-Mount
  • Standard Fujinon Zoom and Focus controls
  • 35-700MM 20X Magnifications
  • Fast and versatile  F2.8-4.8 Aperture (F2.8 from 35mm-315mm and F4.8 at 700mm)
  • Focal Range: 35mm to 700mm (2/3″ Equivalent: 14-273mm) | 49mm to 980mm w/ 1.4x extender (2/3″ Equivalent: 28-546mm)
  • With a 1.4x extender, the SK35-700mm provides coverage to some Large Format sensors (i.e., Sony Venice in 5.7K mode)
  • Front Element: ø220mm
Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens on the Sony VENICE. Picture: Dynamic Rentals
Fujinon SK35-700mm PL Cinema Box Lens on the Sony VENICE. Picture: Dynamic Rentals

Initial thoughts

Broadcast lenses are mainly utilized with broadcast cameras that own small sensors (much smaller than super 35mm). However, with the extensive usage of large sensor cameras, and the elevation of audience expectations regarding imagery that is derived from better TVs, these lenses are considered being used on large format cinema cameras. Thus, we should explore many more broadcast boxy high-end lenses, paired with the cameras like VENICE, Monstro, DXL, ALEXA, EDGE, EOS Cinema, and more.

Yossy is a filmmaker who specializes mainly in action sports cinematography. Yossy also lectures about the art of independent filmmaking in leading educational institutes, academic programs, and festivals, and his independent films have garnered international awards and recognition.
Yossy is the founder of Y.M.Cinema Magazine.

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