Canon HJ40x10B โ Lenses
The Canon HJ40x10B is a professional 40x optical zoom broadcast lens engineered for studio and field production applications.
Lens accessories & compatibility
Canon HJ40x10B
Zoom demand
- ZSG-200Mโ Studio zoom demand
Focus demand
- FPD-400Dโ Digital focus servo demand
Extender / doubler
- 2x extenderโ 2x extender / doubler
Lens support
- CR-10โ Pan-bar clamp/tripod handle mount
- SUP-300โ Lens supporter
Case / Flight case
- Lens flight caseโ Flight case for the lens
Description
The Canon HJ40x10B is a professional 40x optical zoom broadcast lens engineered for studio and field production applications. Featuring a 10mm wide-angle starting point with exceptional 40x magnification, this lens delivers outstanding image quality across the full zoom range. The HJ40x10B incorporates Canon's advanced optical design with multi-element glass construction to minimize aberrations and distortion in critical broadcast scenarios. Ideal for live sports coverage, news gathering, documentary production, and remote broadcasting, this lens provides operators with flexible framing options from ultra-wide establishing shots to tight telephoto coverage. The robust mechanical construction ensures reliable performance in demanding ENG and studio environments. Compatible with 2/3-inch CCD/CMOS broadcast cameras, the HJ40x10B offers superior contrast retention and color fidelity essential for professional television production. Manual focus override and precision zoom control enable intuitive operation during live broadcasts.
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FAQ
Is the Canon HJ40x10B compatible with standard 2/3-inch broadcast camera bodies, and what about CCU/RCP control integration?+
Yes. The HJ40x10B is engineered for 2/3-inch CCD and CMOS sensors found in ENG and studio cameras (Sony EX, Panasonic AJ-HPX, Canon XJ models). The lens itself is optically compatible; however, lens control (focus, iris, zoom) requires integration with your camera's control protocol. Verify your specific camera body supports manual or servo lens control via the appropriate interface. CCU/RCP communication depends on your camera chain architectureโconfirm encoder compatibility with your production switcher and control system before deployment.
What is the minimum focusing distance, and how does it affect tight framing in studio or field setups?+
Minimum object distance is 1.2m at wide angle (10mm). This is standard for 40x professional broadcast lenses and sufficient for most news desk, courtroom, and event coverage. In confined spaces (tight studio sets, narrow OB vans), position your camera body accordingly. At telephoto (400mm equivalent), working distance extends naturally. If you require macro or sub-1m focus capability, the HJ40x10B is not optimized for that applicationโconsult alternative lens options.
Does the Canon HJ40x10B support remote focus and zoom control, and what protocols does it use?+
The HJ40x10B features manual focus with override capability; servo focus/zoom operation depends on your camera's lens control architecture. Canon broadcast lenses typically integrate with standard lens encoders and camera control units, but protocol specifics (DC servo, 3-wire, proprietary RCP) vary by camera platform. Confirm your camera body and CCU support motorized lens control before specifying remote operation for OB van or ELC applications. Field deployment often uses manual operation; servo is primarily a studio/remote production feature.
What is the filter thread size, and which filters/accessories are recommended for broadcast workflows?+
Filter thread is 95mm. Standard broadcast filters (ND, polarizer, protective) are readily available from third-party manufacturers (B+W, Tiffen, Schneider). Canon does not dictate filter brand; quality 95mm broadcast-grade filters are suitable. For live sports and outdoor news, rotating ND filters or fixed ND stacks manage exposure in varying light. Protective glass is recommended for field work. Always verify filter coatings minimize reflection and ghosting in HD/4K capture; some older consumer 95mm filters may degrade image quality in critical production.
How does the 40x zoom range perform in live sports and fast-action coverage? Are there optical or operational limitations?+
The 40x optical zoom (10โ400mm equivalent) enables rapid reframing from wide establishing shots to tight athlete close-ups without lens changesโcritical for live sports efficiency. The multi-element glass design minimizes aberrations across the range, but zoom breathing (focal length shift during focus) and slight edge softness at extreme telephoto are inherent to 40x designs. Operators must anticipate framing; servo iris/zoom are manual or externally controlled. Test the lens on your specific camera/sensor at broadcast resolution (HD, UHD) under event lighting before committing to a major sports package.
Is the Canon HJ40x10B suitable for remote/triax-based production, and does it require external power or control runs?+
The HJ40x10B is a passive optical lens with manual focus and no integrated servo motors requiring auxiliary power. It mounts directly to compatible 2/3-inch broadcast camera bodies; no separate power supply needed. For remote production (OB van, ELC), power and control depend entirely on your camera platform and lens control system. If using triax remote heads, confirm your camera supports triax lens control encoding. The lens itself adds no additional power or fiber/triax demandโall infrastructure is camera-dependent.
What maintenance or optical care is required for the Canon HJ40x10B in heavy field use?+
The robust multi-element glass construction is designed for broadcast durability. In the field, protect the front element with a quality UV or protective filter (95mm); replace the filter instead of the lens in case of damage. Clean lens elements only with professional lens tissues and approved broadcast-grade cleaning solutionsโavoid dust accumulation in the zoom barrel. After salt-air, sand, or extreme-temperature deployments, schedule optical inspection with a Canon service center. Annual lens calibration testing is recommended for critical news and sports chains; document focus calibration with your camera body.
Can the Canon HJ40x10B be integrated into a multi-camera OB van or studio configuration, and are there interchangeability concerns?+
Yes. The HJ40x10B integrates into multi-camera setups as a primary field/ENG lens for any compatible 2/3-inch camera position. Interchangeability: all cameras in the chain must support the same lens control protocol (manual, DC servo, or proprietary encoder). If your OB van uses mixed camera bodies (Sony/Panasonic/Canon), verify that all support the same lens-control standard before standardizing on HJ40x10B across multiple positions. Lens swaps between camera bodies are straightforward mechanically; operational recalibration of focus and iris is required per camera.
What is the optical performance impact of the 40x zoom ratio on image contrast, aberration, and color reproduction at broadcast resolution?+
The 40x ratio and multi-element design balance magnification with optical correction: Canon HJ40x10B lenses are color-corrected and coated to deliver consistent color and contrast across the zoom range at HD and UHD resolutions. Longitudinal aberration and field curvature are controlled by the optical design, but zoom lenses inherently show slight contrast loss and edge softness at extreme telephoto (400mm equivalent) compared to prime lenses. At standard focal lengths (medium zoom), performance is excellent. Test actual camera footage in your capture environment (lighting, sensor, resolution) to validate color grading and focus requirements before final purchasing decision.
Are your used / ex-demo units tested and warranted?+
Yes. Our used and ex-demo units undergo a full functional inspection โ sensors, video outputs, control signals, optics and mechanics โ including a colorimetry and sensitivity test. Each product is tested by our technicians and comes with a 90-day warranty. Contact us for the specific warranty terms of the unit you are interested in.
Technical specifications
| Zoom Ratio | 40x optical |
| Focal Length Range | 10-400mm (35mm equivalent) |
| Compatible Sensor | 2/3-inch CCD/CMOS |
| Minimum Object Distance | 1.2m (at wide angle) |
| Filter Thread | 95mm |
| Focus Control | Manual with override capability |
| Optical Construction | Multi-element glass design |
| Typical Applications | Live sports, news, documentary, remote broadcast |