"The Canon CN20 (CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9) is a masterpiece of engineering — nothing else combines this level of range, sharpness, and reliability. This is the lens behind all the major wildlife documentaries you see on Netflix, National Geographic, and more. It’s built for demanding productions, whether you’re filming eagles in the Rockies or tracking distant athletes under stadium lights. The built-in extender and servo controls make it astonishingly versatile for both broadcast and cinema work."
- Will, Founder
Product description
Rent a Canon CN20 (CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 EF) when you need extreme reach without sacrificing cinematic quality. Designed for Super 35mm cameras, this lens merges the precision of Canon’s cinema optics with the practicality of an ENG-style servo zoom. With a focal range from 50mm to 1000mm — or up to 1500mm using its built-in 1.5x extender — it’s a go-to choice for wildlife, documentary, and sports cinematography.
The Canon CN20 features a programmable digital drive unit with zoom rocker, allowing for smooth, repeatable servo operation with full control over zoom, focus, and iris. Its 12-pin Hirose connection powers the servo system, while three 20-pin connectors enable integration with virtual studio systems via 16-bit metadata output. The servo drive can also be detached, converting the lens for traditional cinema-style manual operation using industry-standard 0.8 and 0.5 pitch gears.
Built for Super 35 coverage up to a 31.4mm diagonal, the CN20 supports 4K capture across its entire zoom range. With fluorite and UD glass elements, it delivers consistent sharpness, contrast, and colour accuracy even at extreme distances. The 11-blade iris produces beautifully smooth bokeh, while Canon’s advanced coatings suppress flare and ghosting. Designed to handle the toughest production conditions, it’s a lens trusted by professionals around the world.
Key features
50–1000mm T5.0–8.9 EF-mount CINE-SERVO lens with built-in 1.5x extender (up to 1500mm)
Designed for Super 35mm sensors with coverage up to 31.4mm diagonal
20x optical zoom with consistent sharpness, contrast, and colour across the range
Programmable digital drive unit with ENG-style handgrip and zoom rocker
12-pin Hirose and 20-pin interfaces for power, servo control, and 16-bit metadata output
Detachable servo drive for full manual cinema operation with 0.8/0.5 pitch gears
11-blade iris for smooth, cinematic bokeh and precise exposure control
Base support kit included – 24" 19mm rails, bridgeplate, dovetail, and lens support
Performance & operation
The CN20’s performance is unmatched in the field. Its expansive zoom range allows shooters to frame intimate close-ups from great distances, making it ideal for wildlife, sports, and documentary work. The servo-driven control provides precise and repeatable zooms, while the detachable drive unit gives filmmakers full manual control for traditional cine-style use.
Canon’s optical engineering ensures 4K resolution and superb colour fidelity throughout the range. The built-in 1.5x extender allows rapid adjustment from 50–1000mm to 75–1500mm with minimal light loss, maintaining focus consistency and sharpness. The robust build, combined with smooth focus rotation and a knurled ring limited to 180°, makes it equally comfortable for studio or on-location setups.
Why rent the Canon CN20 (CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm)?
The Canon CN20 is the gold standard for long-range cinematic zooms. It’s the lens of choice for natural history, documentary, and sports productions where distance, detail, and reliability are paramount. The combination of broadcast-style control, cinema-grade optics, and a built-in extender gives it a flexibility few lenses can match.
Every rental from Canada Camera Rentals includes the required base support kit — rails, bridgeplate, dovetail, and studio lens support — so you’re fully equipped to shoot right out of the box. Whether you’re filming bears in the backcountry or action on the pitch, the CN20 brings the impossible within reach.
Rent a Canon CN20 (CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0–8.9 EF) from Canada Camera Rentals and experience true cinematic reach, precision, and broadcast-grade performance.
Q&A
Yes — the CN20 is the official Canon model name for the CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 lens. “CN20” refers to the 20x zoom factor, and it’s often called the Canon 50-1000mm in shorthand.
This lens is compatible with Super 35mm cinema cameras from Canon, RED, ARRI, and others — including the Canon C300 Mk III, C500 Mk II (Super 35 mode), RED Komodo, ARRI AMIRA, and Alexa Mini. This lens is in EF Mount.
Absolutely. The Canon 50-1000mm CN20 is widely used in wildlife and natural history productions — offering incredible telephoto reach without sacrificing sharpness or contrast.
This lens is heavy and long — tripod mounting with a lens support foot is essential. Handheld use is not recommended.
Yes. Due to the lens' high value, renters must provide valid insurance that names Canada Camera Rentals as an additional insured party. Contact us for assistance if you need help obtaining this.
Special requirements
INSURANCE REQUIRED: You will require a commercial photographic insurance policy to rent this lens. We will require to be listed as additional insured on the policy, under Bow Valley Films Ltd o/a Canada Camera Rentals. We will call insurers to verify this policy is in place once we see proof of insurance. PROFESSIONALS ONLY: You must have a verifiable presence as a professional videographer, or be representing a production company or similar entity, in order to rent this lens. This requirement is non-negotiable.
Specifications
Compatible with
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