Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 XL IS II Video
The Canon 16x 5.5-88mm is a 5.5–88mm f/1.6 cinema lens designed for Canon XL mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 XL IS II Video
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Lens Overview — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm
Key Features — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm
16x Zoom Range: 5.5mm to 88mm focal length coverage gives videographers wide establishing shots through tight telephoto framing without changing lenses.
f/1.6 Maximum Aperture: The wide-end aperture of f/1.6 allows shooting in lower-light environments without relying heavily on artificial lighting.
Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in optical IS reduces the effect of camera shake during handheld or run-and-gun video production.
Autofocus and Manual Focus: Supports both AF and MF operation, making it adaptable to scripted productions and fast-moving documentary-style work.
Canon XL Mount: Dedicated Canon XL lens mount ensures native compatibility with Canon XL series camcorders with no adapters required.
Broadcast Format Design: Built around the video and broadcast format standard, matching the image circle and workflow expectations of professional camcorder production.
Lens Specifications — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Video / Cinematography, Event, Documentary |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | Video / Broadcast Format |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 5.5–88mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.6 |
| Camera System | Cinema / Video |
| Lens Mount | Canon XL |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
Description — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm
The Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 XL IS II is a video and broadcast format zoom lens purpose-built for the Canon XL mount, designed to work natively with Canon XL series camcorders in professional video production settings. Its focal length span of 5.5mm to 88mm covers a wide range of shooting situations, with the 16x zoom ratio providing significant framing versatility without a lens change. At the wide end, the lens reaches a maximum aperture of f/1.6, which is well-suited to environments with limited or variable lighting.
This aperture adjusts to f/2.6 at the full 88mm telephoto position. Optical image stabilization is built in, helping to control unwanted motion blur during handheld or mobile video capture. The lens accommodates both autofocus and manual focus operation, giving camera operators control over focus behavior based on production requirements. It sits within the standard focal length range classification for the video and broadcast format category, making it a straightforward and capable zoom option for camcorder-based video workflows on the Canon XL platform.
Pros — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm
- ✓Wide maximum aperture of f/1.6 at the short end supports shooting in lower light conditions
- ✓Broad 5.5mm to 88mm focal length range provides a versatile 16x zoom for varied framing needs
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps manage camera movement during video capture
Cons — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm
- ✗Maximum aperture narrows to f/2.6 at the 88mm telephoto end, reducing light gathering at longer focal lengths
- ✗Dedicated Canon XL mount limits use to Canon XL series camcorders only
- ✗No filter thread size specified, which may complicate use of screw-on filters
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm
What cameras is this lens compatible with?+
This lens is designed for the Canon XL lens mount, making it compatible with Canon XL series camcorders. It is not compatible with other camera systems or mounts without an adapter.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation. This gives operators the flexibility to switch between focus modes depending on the production scenario.
What is the zoom range of this lens?+
The lens covers a focal length range of 5.5mm to 88mm, representing a 16x zoom ratio. This range is classified as a standard focal length range for video and broadcast format applications.
Does the lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens features optical image stabilization. This is intended to help reduce the effects of camera shake during handheld video shooting.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/1.6 at the wide end of the zoom range, adjusting to f/2.6 at the telephoto end of 88mm.