Summary
- FUJINON UA94x8.7BESM provides a 94x zoom range from 8.7mm to 818mm
- It supports 4K resolution, high contrast and HDR throughout the zoom range
- Its Ceramic Ball Roller System offers eight stabilisation levels
- Pairing it with ERD-50A provides 200 selectable zoom curves
- Initial shipments are expected by mid-October 2026 following its IBC showcase
Fujifilm has confirmed that the FUJINON UA94x8.7BESM, its new 94x 4K broadcast zoom covering 8.7–818mm, will begin shipping in mid-October 2026.
The official 1 September announcement turns March’s development reveal into a commercial launch. The box-type lens is designed for broadcast cameras with 2/3-inch sensors and will be shown at IBC 2026 in Amsterdam from 11 to 14 September.
Its practical value lies in combining a very broad range with controlled operation during live production. An operator can move from a stadium or concert-wide view to a close-up of an athlete or performer without changing lenses, while retaining 4K performance, HDR and active stabilisation.
A 94x zoom from 8.7mm to 818mm
The focal range starts at 8.7mm for wide establishing shots and reaches 818mm at the super-telephoto end. Fujifilm positions the model between the UA70x8.7BESM, intended for smaller venues, and the longer-reaching UA107x8.4BESM.
That position is deliberate: UA94x8.7 is not intended to replace the most expensive box zooms with the longest possible reach. It targets productions that need strong telephoto capability while retaining a wider starting point, a more manageable investment and one lens that can serve more camera positions.
PTTL covered UA94x8.7BESM when Fujifilm announced the development of four new 4K broadcast zooms. The new update adds a firm availability window and further production-control details.
4K performance throughout the zoom range
Fujifilm says the optical design suppresses aberrations that reduce resolution or create colour fringing near the frame edges. The aim is consistent imagery from the wide end to the longest focal length, where even small deviations become highly visible in a 4K broadcast.
According to the company, the multi-layer HT-EBC coating provides 99.8% light transmittance and 0.2% reflectance across a broad wavelength range. This improves colour reproduction and suppresses flare and ghosting, while the overall design supports high contrast and HDR with richer tonal gradation.
Eight levels of stabilisation
The lens uses Fujifilm’s Ceramic Ball Roller System. Ultra-precision ceramic balls reduce friction within the stabilisation mechanism, allowing a quick response and durability during continuous operation.
Operators can choose among eight stabilisation levels, adapting behaviour from a concert with relatively predictable movement to fast outdoor sport. At focal lengths approaching 818mm, this is more than a convenience: it directly affects whether a shot is usable in a live broadcast.
200 zoom curves and precise focus control
The optional ERD-50A Zoom Demand provides 200 selectable zoom curves. Operators can determine how quickly or progressively the lens responds to an input and switch stabilisation on or off from the controller.
Pairing the lens with the EPD-51A Focus Demand provides digital precision with a control feel close to manual operation. This matters when depth of field becomes shallow at the telephoto end and live production offers no second take.
Availability and price
Fujifilm says initial orders are expected to begin shipping by mid-October 2026. UA94x8.7BESM will first be shown at IBC 2026 in Amsterdam from 11 to 14 September.
No fixed price has been announced. The Japanese release lists open pricing, while Fujifilm North America directs customers to a local sales representative. More information and contact details are available in the official Fujifilm announcement and the 4K Studio/Field lens range.
What we think
The most important point is not the 94x ratio alone, but the attempt to combine reach, consistent 4K performance and predictable control in a lens that does not sit at the very top of the range. For broadcasters and production companies, its real value will depend on total system cost, stabilisation behaviour at 818mm and repeatability of zoom and focus during long live broadcasts.
Frequently asked questions
What focal range does FUJINON UA94x8.7BESM cover?
It covers 8.7–818mm, providing a 94x range from wide angle to super-telephoto.
Which cameras is it designed for?
It is designed for professional broadcast cameras with 2/3-inch sensors.
When will it be available?
Initial shipments are expected by mid-October 2026.
Has pricing been announced?
No fixed price has been announced. Fujifilm directs customers to local sales representatives.
Where will it be shown before shipping?
At IBC 2026 in Amsterdam, from 11 to 14 September 2026.
