Canon is adding a new CN-E 20mm T1.5 LF focal length to its Cine Primes, making it the seventh in the lineup that covers 14mm-to-135mm.
If you're already familiar with CN-E lenses, the 20mm is designed to match the rest of the family in color, contrast, and build for a cohesive workflow. This manual focus EF mount prime covers full frame and Super 35 sensor formats offering 4K resolution support. It's been announced alongside the new Canon C700 FF cinema camera to offer a focal length between its 14mm and 24mm lenses.
Canon Cinema Prime LensesCredit: Canon
Like the 24mm and 35mm counterparts, the 20mm lens has a T1.5 aperture to handle low light situations. An 11-blade iris reduces flare and drives the Canon circular bokeh. It's a mechanically controlled, no-click iris ring. The lens barrel has 300° of stepless focus rotation from close focus to infinity. Control rings offer smooth, consistent operation and balanced resistance—exactly what you'd expect from a professional cinema lens. The dual focus lens has markings on both sides with the rear markings on an angled surface.
As you'd imagine, it is constructed to reduce focus breathing and the glass construction avoids temperature-related marking issues.
Its 114mm front diameter matches the rest of the line for quick lens changes while working with matte boxes and follow focus systems. The 105mm filter diameter is also unified. As you'd imagine, it is constructed to reduce focus breathing and the glass construction avoids temperature-related marking issues. Gaskets and seals minimize the collection water and dust.
While we have more experience with Canon K35s like the ones used by cinematographer Colin Watkinson on Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale, the CN-E is a growing choice among productions. Showtime's Homeland uses them to create its look and Battle of the Sexes, starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell, paired them with K35s, Kowa Cine Prominars, and Angenieuxs. If you've had any experience on the CN-E lenses, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Since the introduction of the EF Cinema lenses in 2011—including prime, zoom, compact zoom, cine-servo, and compact-servo—there are 21 available focal lengths. The CN-E20mm T1.5 L F lens is set to ship this fall.
Tech Specs:
- 20mm T1.5 L F
- Full frame / Super 35 coverage
- 4K resolution
- EF Mount
- 11-blade iris
- Manual focus ring
- de-click aperture ring
- Consistent look throughout family
