New Canon 2/3" zoom lens with "Shuttle Shot"

Canon KJ20x8.2B KRSD 2/3” HD lens

Canon has today released a new high performance 2/3" "HD" lens aimed at wedding and corporate videos, as well as educational and documentary use

The usual details are give below but one interesting aspect of this 20 x zoom lens is that it incorporates "Shuttle Shot", a "digital drive" system that lets you zoom between pre-determined focal lengths. Ideal for complex or precision shots that depend on accurate zooming.

Floating optical system

The lens is a new optical design that uses multilayer coatings and a floating optical system that improves control over chromatic aberration.

The new glass is said to have effective flare reduction, very good contrast and effective control over geometric distortion.

Apparently relative light distribution is optimised for wider aperture settings, giving uniform brightness and "excellent picture sharpness".

Available February

The KJ20x8.2B KRSD will be available at the end of February 2012 with a list price of £4,950 ($8,000 based on our conversion but US list price may be different).

Here it is in Canon's own words:

"The KJ20x8.2B KRSD offers an impressive specification alongside a compact design that guarantees advanced performance and operability. Its 20x zoom lens offers a 1.0 second maximum speed over its entire zoom range, alongside a Minimum Object Distance of 0.9M (10mm with Macro). Focal lengths range from an extra-wide angle 8.2mm (60.7 degrees angular field of view horizontal in 16:9 aspect ratio) to 164mm, combining with a f/1.9 maximum reflective aperture to provide excellent operational capabilities – all in a package weighing just 1.25 kg."

And here's a video overview of the lens from Canon's site (streamed in terrible quality!)