UHD DIGISUPER 122 Overview

122x Optical Zoom Lens (1000mm) with Class Leading Wide Angle* (8.2mm)

The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 is the first 4K lens with 1000mm on the telephoto end* (2000mm with the built-in 2x extender), making it ideal for shooting live sports, nature, concerts, live events and other applications where focal length on the telephoto end is prioritized. Combined with a best-in-class 8.2mm wide setting*, the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 broadcast lens is ideal for a wide range of in 4K UHD outside broadcast television productions. The lens is capable of maintaining full 4K overall optical image quality over the full 8.2mm to 1000mm range, offering superb image framing options for all forms of outside broadcast television productions. The extensive framing latitude can dramatically capture all possible on-site sensations - from the emotion of an entire crowded stadium to other emotions expressed in the close-ups of facial expressions of individual players on the field. *Among 2/3" 4K UHD field zoom broadcast lenses as of September 12th, 2018.

Advanced Optical Performance to Support 4K Cameras

The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 broadcast lens was built using our exclusive optical design technology, helping ensure consistent 4K resolving power and high contrast from the center of the screen to the periphery, maintaining 4K optical performance even when the 2x extender is deployed. Integrated Multi-group movable zoom system can control at points with major fluctuations in optical performance during zooming (wide middle, tele middle), working to maintain optical performance throughout the entire zoom range from the center of the image to the edges. In addition, integrated floating focus system helps reduce changes in aberrations when focusing to different object distances, while maintaining 4K optical performance in colour reproduction over the entire focus range, especially on the telephoto side. The lens also features a combination of the latest materials, contemporary optical design and multi-layer coatings to produce outstanding 4K imagery, effectively allowing 4K cameras to reach their potential and expand the possibilities for image expression. The design strategies and optical materials were utilized to help lower the monochromatic and the chromatic optical aberrations to a level consistent with the highest quality 4K portrayal on large screens.

Minimized Chromatic Aberration

Fluorite and UD glass have also been generously utilized and optimally arranged for better correction of chromatic aberrations. This helps increase image clarity with less colour bleeding or colouring around the outlines, achieving superb colour reproduction to the edges of the images.

Reduced Ghosting and Flare

The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 is the first broadcast lens to feature Canon's Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which combines vapor-deposited multi-layer coatings with an ultra-low refractive index outermost layer. The lens coatings help to control the reflection on the lens barrel’s inner surface, helping suppress ghosting and flaring, resulting in HDR-compatible high-contrast imagery.

BT.2020 Support

The lens also features correction data that supports BT.2020, enabling excellent colour reproduction to the corners of the screen when attached to a 4K camera.

Ideal for HDR Image Capture

HDR images offer excellent gradation representation and enhanced realism and dimension including texture for image representation close to the real thing. However, there can be noticeable colour bleeding and flare, so HDR shooting requires high optical performance. Thanks to our exclusive optical design technology and Canon's Air Sphere Coating (ASC), the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 delivers the advanced optical performance that Canon considers essential for an HDR system lens, enabling the capture of more realistic imagery.

Optimized for 4K Production

Great consideration was given to the requisite precision mounting of all optical elements required to maintain full 4K performance over the extended focal range of the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 broadcast lens. Maintaining precision focus tracking over that long zoom rage was a central design priority. Digital servo speed has been optimized to meet the many operational requirements that support creative coverage of sporting events. Advanced, contemporary optomechanical design strategies were used to produce an overall lens size that contributes to its operational ease.

Advanced Image Stabilization Performance in 4K

When shooting in demanding 4K, even the slightest vibration can affect image quality. Canon’s optical and servo technologies are employed to help ensure 4K performance even when using Image Stabilization (IS). The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 broadcast lens is able to achieve high vibration reduction rates in higher frequency bands (with excellent performance at the telephoto end) and stable operation even when panning.

Minimized Focus Breathing with Contrast Angle Focus System (CAFS)

This function brings changes in angle of view due to focusing (“breathing”) down to near zero. It functions by counteracting the zoom effect by the focus group movement to cancel out the effect on the angle of view.

Bokeh Effect

When shooting in macro, the focus position of the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 can be changed as the focal length is adjusted, when using the optional MCJ-S02 Macro Controller. This built-in feature can be utilized to support special techniques in which the focus position can be shifted within the same shot just by using the Macro Controller, allowing for subtle creative defocus effects. This can help provide a degree of creativity when shooting live events such as a concert.

Support for Virtual Systems

The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 broadcast lens utilizes the same standard controllers for zoom and focus operations that have been optimized by Canon over decades. The lens also uses the standard Canon 20-pin connector that provides an interface for the digital precision positional information of the zoom, focus, and iris operations required by many external virtual systems. The positional data is internally created by high precision digital encoders.

Standardized Lens Controllers

The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 broadcast lens offers compatibility with HD demands used for broadcasting. Operators can continue using the zoom/focus motorized accessories and servo models they currently use with HD equipment, as well as Canon’s new ZDJ-S01 Zoom Demand and FDJ-S01 Focus Demand. These new zoom and focus demands are equipped with the flexibility necessary to meet the new and diverse user needs when shooting in 4K, while offering simple operability in a compact design.

New Streamlined Ergonomic Design

The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 is designed to satisfy professionals with its high-level combination of excellent specifications, enhanced optical performance, and outstanding usability. Featuring an ergonomic design consistent with our other 4K Premium lenses, the lens includes an integrated cover with an evolved version of the flowing L motion design, and a lens cover handle that extends to the front lens side to improve operability in shooting settings.

Advanced Display Features

The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 was constructed with an on-board information display, enabling various function settings and adjustments when the lens cover is removed.

Compact and Lightweight

Weighing 58.6 lbs. and measuring 9.9" (W) x 10.1" (H) x 25.1" (L), the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 broadcast lens offers similar mobility and shooting style similar to our DIGISUPER 95 (XJ95x8.6B) 2/3” HD lens, while keeping the improvements in magnification and 4K performance.