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Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 Vario-Switar EE Cine Lens

The Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE is a 18–86mm f/2.5 lens designed for C-Mount mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 Vario-Switar EE Cine Lens

Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 Vario-Switar EE Cine Lens

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Lens Overview — Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE

The Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 Vario-Switar EE is a vintage zoom cine lens covering an 18mm to 86mm focal length range with a maximum aperture of f/2.5. Built around a C-Mount connection, it fits into the Cinema and Video camera system category and is classified within the Video and Broadcast format lens family. Weighing in at 1,200g, this is a substantial piece of glass that reflects the robust Swiss engineering Kern Paillard became known for during the height of 16mm filmmaking.

The lens operates entirely in manual focus mode, with no autofocus capability, which suits the deliberate, controlled shooting style typical of cine production work. Image stabilization is not present, consistent with fixed-rig or supported camera setups common in professional cine environments. The wide-angle focal length classification, combined with the zoom range stretching from 18mm through 86mm, gives operators meaningful versatility across a single lens — from broader environmental shots to tighter, more compressed framing.

For collectors and working cinematographers seeking a characterful vintage zoom lens on a C-Mount platform, the Vario-Switar EE occupies a distinctive place in the vintage cine lens market.

Key Features — Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE

18-86mm Zoom Range: Covers wide-angle through medium telephoto in a single lens, reducing the need to swap glass during a shoot.

T2.5 Maximum Aperture: Unusually fast for a zoom of this era, allowing usable exposure in lower light conditions without sacrificing the zoom capability.

C-Mount Interface: Standard cine mount compatible with a wide range of 16mm film cameras and modern C-Mount digital cinema bodies.

Swiss Kern Paillard Construction: Built to the exacting manufacturing standards Kern Paillard established during the peak of 16mm professional filmmaking.

Manual Focus Design: Smooth manual focus ring suited to deliberate focus pulls in controlled cine production environments.

EE Automatic Exposure: Features an Electric Eye auto-exposure mechanism, a notable design element of this variant that automates iris control when connected to compatible camera bodies.

Lens Specifications — Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE

Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesVideo / Cinematography, Creative Effects
Lens TypeZoom
FormatSuper 16
Zoom/PrimeZoom
Focal Length18–86mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.5
Camera SystemCinema / Video
Lens MountC-Mount
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual Focus
Image StabilizationNone
Weight1200g

Description — Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE

The Kern Paillard Vario-Switar EE is a vintage zoom cine lens spanning 18mm to 86mm with a maximum aperture of f/2.5. Mounted via C-Mount, it sits firmly within the Cinema and Video camera system category and carries a Video/Broadcast format lens classification. Weighing 1,200g, this is a solidly built piece of equipment that demands proper support in a production setup.

Focus is entirely manual, with no autofocus system present, rewarding operators who prefer hands-on control over focus transitions. Image stabilization is not included, so stable shooting relies on the camera support infrastructure used on set. The zoom range — spanning from 18mm at the wide end to 86mm at the long end — provides meaningful compositional flexibility across a single lens, covering wide environmental framing through to more concentrated mid-telephoto shots. For cinematographers and collectors drawn to vintage cine glass with a C-Mount footprint, the Vario-Switar EE represents a substantial and versatile option from Kern Paillard's storied production history.

Pros — Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE

  • ✓Wide f/2.5 maximum aperture for a zoom lens in its class
  • ✓Broad 18mm to 86mm focal length range covers wide-angle through medium telephoto in a single lens
  • ✓C-Mount interface offers compatibility with Cinema and Video camera systems

Cons — Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE

  • ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, requiring skilled operators for run-and-gun scenarios
  • ✗At 1,200g, the lens is relatively heavy, demanding solid support or rig infrastructure
  • ✗No image stabilization, meaning camera support is essential for smooth footage

Resources & Downloads — Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 EE

What mount does the Kern Paillard 18-86mm f/2.5 Vario-Switar EE use?+
This lens uses a C-Mount interface, as specified in the mount data. C-Mount is a standard found across Cinema and Video camera systems, which aligns with this lens's classification.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No — the lens is manual focus only. Autofocus is not supported, making it best suited for productions where focus is pulled deliberately by an operator or focus puller.
What is the focal length range and maximum aperture?+
The lens covers 18mm to 86mm, classified as a wide-angle focal length range. The maximum aperture is f/2.5, which is notably fast for a zoom lens of this type.
How heavy is this lens?+
The Vario-Switar EE weighs 1,200g. Given this weight, users should plan for appropriate lens support or a well-balanced rig when mounting it to a camera.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. Camera support such as a tripod, shoulder rig, or stabilizer is recommended for stable footage.
What camera system is this lens designed for?+
The lens is categorized under the Cinema and Video camera system, with a Video and Broadcast format lens classification. It is a zoom-type lens intended for professional cine production use.