Fujifilm Announces New 4K Broadcast Zoom Lenses for 2026 & 2027
Fujifilm has expanded its lineup of professional broadcast zoom lenses, announcing the immediate availability of the Fujinon UA22x4.8BERD and development plans for three additional 4K models slated for release through spring 2027. The UA22x4.8, shipping to customers by the end of April 2026, is designed for versatility in news gathering, studio production, and live sports coverage, building on the success of the UA18x5.5BERD released in 2017.
Expanding the Fujinon Broadcast Lens Family
The UA22x4.8 is a portable zoom lens compatible with 2/3-inch sensor broadcast cameras, offering a focal range of 4.8mm to 106mm. Its compact design – measuring 9.9 inches (251mm) in length and weighing 4.8 pounds (2.17kg) – aims to reduce operator fatigue during extended shoulder-mounted operation. Fujifilm achieved this reduction in size and weight through improvements in lens processing technology while maintaining durability. The lens delivers 4K optical performance across the entire zoom range, and features a multi-layer HT-EBC coating to ensure high light transmittance and accurate color reproduction. The UA22x4.8 is priced at $39,000.
Beyond the immediate release, Fujifilm is actively developing three further 4K broadcast zoom lenses: the UA16x4BERD (“UA16x4”), the UA30x7.3BERD (“UA30x7.3”), and the UA94x8.7BESM. These lenses are intended to provide a wider range of options for broadcast professionals, supporting immersive storytelling across diverse production environments.
How the New Lenses Address Industry Needs
According to Stosh Durbacz, Vice President of Sales at Fujifilm North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division, there’s a significant demand for versatile zoom lenses capable of handling both wide-angle and telephoto shots in professional filming. “There is strong demand for versatile zoom lenses that can cover everything from wide angles to telephoto in professional filming environments such as news reporting, studio production, and sports broadcasting,” Durbacz stated. The UA22x4.8 expands on the capabilities of the UA18x5.5, offering a wider focal range – 4.8mm versus 5.5mm at the wide end – enabling filming in tighter indoor spaces and capturing more immersive perspectives in dynamic sports settings.
The forthcoming UA16x4, and UA30x7.3 lenses are designed to combine extended wide-angle capabilities with a high zoom ratio in a compact and lightweight form factor. This allows for flexible framing options, from capturing entire stadium views to zooming in for close-up interviews. The UA94x8.7BESM, a box zoom lens, provides a super-telephoto range of 8.7mm to 818mm, making it suitable for large-scale events like concerts and sports broadcasts where significant reach is required.
Technical Specifications and Design Philosophy
The UA16x4 and UA30x7.3 lenses aim to address the demand for lenses that can quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions. Fujifilm highlights that these lenses will support a wide range of framing options, crucial for sports broadcasts where capturing both the overall action and detailed close-ups is essential. The UA94x8.7, as a box lens, offers operational flexibility for a variety of broadcast applications. Fujifilm notes that box lenses are increasingly in demand due to their balance of high production quality, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. The UA94x8.7 incorporates a proprietary image stabilization system designed to reduce camera operator burden and ensure smooth operation during live production.
The Broader Context of Broadcast Lens Technology
The development of these lenses reflects a broader trend in the broadcast industry towards more versatile and portable equipment. As live production increasingly moves beyond traditional studio settings, the need for lenses that can deliver high-quality images in challenging environments grows. The demand for 4K resolution is also driving innovation, requiring lenses that can maintain sharpness and clarity across the entire zoom range. Fujifilm’s cine and broadcast division has been steadily expanding its offerings in this space, catering to the evolving needs of content creators.
What’s Next for Fujifilm’s Broadcast Lens Lineup
Fujifilm will showcase all three newly announced lenses – the UA16x4, UA30x7.3, and UA94x8.7 – at the 2026 NAB Indicate in Las Vegas, scheduled from April 19 to 22. The UA94x8.7 is expected to be released in the fall of 2026, while the UA16x4 and UA30x7.3 are slated for release in the spring of 2027. These releases will mark a significant expansion of Fujifilm’s broadcast lens portfolio, providing professionals with a wider range of options to meet their specific production needs. Further details regarding specifications and availability will likely be shared at the NAB Show and through Fujifilm’s official channels. Church Production provides additional coverage of the UA22x4.8 release.
The company’s continued investment in broadcast lens technology underscores its commitment to supporting the evolving demands of the professional video production market. American Cinematographer also reported on the new lens alongside the release of the Instax Mini 13 camera.