The story behind Canon's $70k 50-1000mm 'dream' lens

As first seen at Petapixel, Canon have released a video telling the story behind their 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 EF-mount cinema lens - a $70,000USD piece of glass.

In 2010, Canon was challenged by German wildlife filmmaker Ivo Norenberg to create his dream lens: one with the ability to fully frame a subject 4 to 5 feet in height (like many wild animals) from a distance of 300 to 350 feet (90 to 106 metres).

Canon decided the lens would have a focal length of 1000mm on the telephoto end, based on a Super 35 sensor. Norenberg also wanted to be able to shoot wide angle to give his wildlife subjects' context, so Canon decided the lens would need to be at least 50mm on the wide end as well.

But Norenberg's demands didn't end there. He also wanted the lens to be compact and lightweight, weighing no more than 15 pounds (6.8kg) and measuring no more than 16 inches long (40 centimetres). Finally Norenberg also needed the lens to have minimal distance between the focus and zoom rings so the lens was easy and quick to focus.

Canon says the lens was “the most challenging project ever undertaken by the Canon optical design team”, as a result of the small form factor and large zoom range.

Officially unveiled in October 2014, the Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm is the result of the design team's work. The team even bettered Norenberg's request by including a built-in 1.5x teleconverter, bringing its telephoto reach to 1500mm.