Canon’s new optical unit for 4K broadcast can be integrated into field box lenses to create engaging images with a shallow depth of field and highlight dramatic events for broadcast.
Canon has developed a new optical unit for 4K broadcasting that it showed earlier in April at NAB 2025. The new unit can be integrated into UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UHD-DIGISUPER 111 field box lenses to help create more engaging images with a shallow depth of field, featuring what Canon calls a Novel Look, to highlight dramatic events for broadcast.
When combined with the new optical unit, these lenses can deliver high-magnification zoom and video expression that make custom focusing easier due to the extended focus range, and help enhance the subject even in fast aperture applications.
The actual optical unit is a component made of glass and, currently, can be installed into the box lenses on request at the time of purchase. But eventually, Canon will manufacture the lenses with the optical unit built-in. (See below.)
The demand for expressive footage that highlights the subject and other elements with a shallow depth continues to grow in sports and live production. But keeping focus in fast aperture at a live event can be challenging while subjects are moving rapidly and unpredictably.
Camera operators using lenses with this unit can also shift between traditional broadcast and enhanced shallow depth of field looks. Meanwhile, the optical unit maintains a consistent colour tone with existing field lenses. Users can capture high-quality visuals in a familiar shooting environment, without requiring new cameras, lenses, workflow or further operating equipment.
The optical unit and lens combination covers a long focal length that larger format lenses are unable to reach and results in greater versatility in varied shooting situations. Users can select between 1x standard, 1x Novel Look and 2x extender, all from the same lens.
Frequently demonstrated at major marquee sporting events and concerts including major football, baseball, basketball, hockey and auto racing, the Novel Look has already helped capture memorable scenes during exciting, fast-paced events.
Availability for installation in the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UHD-DIGISUPER 111 is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025 at Canon Service locations for broadcast equipment. Versions of the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UHD-DIGISUPER 111 with the optical unit preinstalled are planned for a future release. www.usa.canon.com
