At this year’s IBC, Thales Angenieux paves the way for industry professionals to make the move to HD production with the performance and convenience of 19x7.3 AIF general purpose ENG/EFP lenses. Designed with an improved focal range to get closer to the action in the field, the lenses are available in HD and an economically priced HD-e version, as well as an SD version.

“With superior performance and extended focal range, the 19x zoom lens offers a compelling reason to make the switch to HD production,” says Dominique Rouchon-Picariello, managing director, Thales Angenieux. “The 19x7.3 AIF Series lenses are applicable in the field as well as in the studio and are designed to deliver optimum performance and quality in a compact package.”

With precision optics and a focal range of 7.3mm to 139mm, the 19x7.3 AIF Series complements today’s advanced HD digital video cameras. Weighing 4 lb. with 2x extender, and 3.7 lb. in the HD-e version, the lens’s 19x zoom range allows close-up images with optimized definition and clarity. In addition, the 7.3x wide-angle capability of the lens is ideal for panoramic-like wide shots not possible with conventional ENG lenses.

Angenieux’s 19x7.3 AIF Series lenses also offer digital features including memorized focus and zoom positions, an anti-backlash system, auto cruise zoom function, digital laws for focus and zoom, serial communication, optional built-in focus (SSD version) and an optional 16-bit output optical encoder (SSDE version).

The ergonomically designed lenses are equipped with rectangular sunshades to minimize light interference and the sturdy construction makes for a durable and highly reliable product, shielding the lens from rain, condensation and dust.