The short 4.3mm focal length translates to a 96.3 degree horizontal angle of view for the 16:9 HD image format. Combined with a focal range that has been extended to now cover a range from 4.3mm to 60mm (and 120mm with extender) this lens offers unsurpassed operational capabilities in a compact package weighing less than 4.5lbs. Additionally, focus breathing has been significantly reduced over the predecessor lens.
The HJ14ex4.3B is a design directly responding to the ever-increasing creative aspirations of broadcasters and HD producers for a truly versatile HD acquisition system.
ABOUT THIS LENS
The HJ14ex4.3B represents an entirely new level of optimization in meeting the demands for mobility in a handheld HDTV camera system and the imaging excellence sought in high-end HDTV production. The maximum relative aperture is F1.8 - a modest but important enhancement over the stellar F1.9 optical speed of the predecessor HJ11ex4.7B. The image performance strategies of this new lens sought a tighter control of MTF across the entire image plane and with operational variations of zoom, iris, and focus. Minimization of monochromatic and chromatic aberrations and further maximization of image contrast combine with the improved MTF to produce superb picture sharpness
Relative light distribution over the mid-to-long focal lengths has been more tightly controlled and this better uniformity of brightness across the image plane combines with the higher contrast and excellent MTF to produce vividly clear HD pictures. Contrast was enhanced by excellent control of black reproduction using new multilayer anti-reflective optical coatings and new optomechanical design innovations that significantly reduced flare, veiling glare, and any internal reflections. Of special note is the further minimization of ghosting artifacts and other highlight-related chromatic distortions caused by strong light sources on-axis and off-axis that further extend the operational contrast ratio of the lens.
Despite the extension of the wide angle of view capability of the HJ14ex4.3B, the critically important geometric distortion at wide-angle settings has been tightly controlled. The lens spectral transmittance characteristic was closely coordinated with that of all of the major portable HD cameras to ensure adherence to the international HDTV colorimetric standard.