Compact cinema zoom lenses by Fujinon featuring built-in servo motors for electronic focus, zoom, and iris control.
Technical Details
The Cabrio series comprises four main variants: 14-35mm T2.9, 19-90mm T2.9, 25-300mm T3.5-4.2, and 85-300mm T2.9-4.0, all featuring a PL mount and an optional 2/3" B4 mount adapter. Weight varies between 2.3 kg (19-90mm) and 3.9 kg (25-300mm). The lenses are equipped with three separate control rings for focus, zoom, and iris, featuring standardized 0.8mm pitch gears for follow focus systems. A detachable servo drive allows for motorized zoom and focus control via 12-pin Hirose connectors. The front lens diameter is 136mm across all models, and the minimum focusing distance ranges from 0.28m to 1.5m depending on the focal length.
History & Development
Fujifilm introduced the first Cabrio lens (19-90mm) at NAB in Las Vegas in 2012, responding to the growing demand for versatile lenses for emerging 4K production. The 14-35mm followed in 2013, the 25-300mm in 2014, and finally the 85-300mm model in 2018. The development aimed to bridge the gap between expensive cine primes and more affordable broadcast zooms, as more productions began to switch between documentary and narrative shooting styles.
Practical Use in Film
The Cabrio lenses have become particularly established in high-end documentary filmmaking and for independent feature films with limited budgets. Cinematographers appreciate the constant aperture throughout the zoom range and the low distortion at wide-angle settings. The 19-90mm zoom covers 85% of typical focal lengths for feature film production, while the 25-300mm is used for nature documentaries and sports broadcasts. The servo function enables smooth zoom movements without a camera assistant, which is crucial for run-and-gun productions.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to Zeiss CZ.2 lenses, Cabrios offer better value for money with slightly inferior image performance. Canon CN-E zooms are more cost-effective but do not achieve the mechanical precision of Fujinons. Modern alternatives like the Sigma Cine High Speed Zooms or RED Pro Primes offer, in some cases, faster apertures (T1.8) but are significantly heavier and more expensive. For productions requiring maximum flexibility with controlled image quality, Cabrios remain unrivaled – for the highest optical demands, cinematographers continue to opt for prime lenses.