Fujifilm/Fujinon’s MK Zoom Lens Series Honored in Several Best-Of Lists… Meant for Fujifilm X-H1 :)
The Fujinon MK zoom lenses (MK18-55mm F2.9 + MK50-130mm T2.9) will soon be available also for Fujifilm X mount.
As we reported already back in July 2017, they were designed without OIS (optical image stabilization), because Fujifilm considers them the perfect companion to the upcoming Fujifilm X-H1, which will feature IBIS (in body image stabilization).
Regarding the Fujifilm X-H1, we have leaked a vast number of specs already, and the latest overview can be found here.
Back to the MK lenses… we have reported over the last months about the several recognitions the MK lenses got, and Fujifilm USA now made a nice summary about all of them, which you can read in the press release below:
PRESS RELEASE
Wayne, N.J., January 4, 2018 – Since their launch in February of 2017, the MK Series of zoom lenses from the Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM have received numerous accolades from noted industry websites, publications and cinematographers thanks to the lens’ lightweight, professional zoom performance and price point. Among those recognizing the FUJINON MK18-55mm and MK50-135mm T2.9 zoom T2.9 zooms are: No Film School (Best New Lenses of 2017); Pro Moviemaker (Launch of the Year); Philip Bloom (Best Video/Cinema Lens); Newsshooter (Best Cinema Lens); and The Camera Store (Best New Lenses of 2017).
MK lenses are currently designed for E-mount cameras with the Super 35mm/APS-C sensor and boast advanced optical performance, ultra-compact and lightweight design. With a combined focal length range of 18mm-135mm in the Super 35mm format, the first two MK lenses (the MK18-55mm and 50-135mm) cover the most frequently used range utilized by emerging cinematographerss. The series offers fast lenses with T2.9 speed across the entire zoom range, enabling a shallow depth-of-field.
In its “Best New Lenses of 2017” rundown, No Film School writes, “Both the MK18-55mm and MK50-135mm zoom lenses have been favorably reviewed and for good reason. The T2.9 lenses are lightweight, have a favorable image quality over Sigma glass, minimize chromatic aberration, and are very fast. But you don’t have to take our word for it.”
Readers of Pro Moviemaker voted the MK Series “Launch of the Year” as part of the publication’s “2017 Gear of the Year Awards”. Representatives from the Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM will receive this award during a ceremony held at the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) Expo 2018 in London in early February.
In his “Best Gear of 2017” blog, DP Philip Bloom awarded the MK Series “Best Video/Cinema Lens.” View footage shot by Bloom in Gran Canaria using an MK18-55mm T2.9 lens and Sony FS7, FS5 and A7S II cameras here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cx66LKDPTc and watch behind-the-scenes with Bloom and his MK18-55mm here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX_55s4s6Ro.
Matt Allard of Newshooter.com named the MK Series the Best Cinema Lens of 2017, stating, “With a growing need for lower cost, high-performance cinema lenses, Fujinon answered the call with the announcement of the MK zooms. At just 980g, with parfocal performance, and almost no focus breathing they are certainly not rehoused still lenses trying to be cinema lenses…The MK zooms offer exceptional performance and value for the money.”
The MK 18-55mm Series received a nod from Canadian photo and video equipment dealer, The Camera Store, as one of its Best New Lenses of 2017 on its YouTube channel, The Camera Store TV.Camera Store Video Specialist and show host Jordan Drakenotes the zoom’s compact size and light weight, stating that the lens is “parfocal, breathing corrected, and an unbelievable video lens…this thing is stunning.”
FUJINON MK lenses are purpose-built for the operator. Only one matte box and one filter size are needed between the lenses. Time-saving features include a macro function that allows for a broader range of close-up shooting, and gears for the three rings are positioned in the exact same place, which eliminates the need to re-position accessories when switching lenses. The MK18-55mm is currently available for $3,799, and the FUJINON MK50-135mm T2.9 is available for $3,999.
In other award news this year, FUJINON’s 4K Cine Zoom lenses – the Cabrio and Premier Series – were awarded an Engineering Emmy® for “providing imagery in television” by the Television Academy. The introduction of FUJINON’s Cabrio and Premier series of cinema zoom lenses brought about the ability to cover Super 35mm imagers and efficiently shoot the full gamut of television production without sacrificing image quality.
via Fujifilm