In the genre of professional film and video production, there are special requirements for the optics used. All of them are taken into account in the Canon CN-E series of video lenses, which are compatible with EF mounts (for SLRs) and PM mounts (for cinema cameras). The lenses of the family create an image in the "cine" style and a single warm colour scheme.

Canon CN-E video lenses are designated by T-stops with an 11-blade design, have the smoothest focus and zoom rings. To interact with follow-focus systems, special teeth are placed on the rings. Near the focus ring of video lenses, a detailed scale of distances in feet and metres is usually applied.

Canon CN-E cinema lenses are sharpened for professional video shooting.

A similar optical design guarantees an image that is as close as possible in colour and contrast. This makes it possible to change lenses during the shooting process without disturbing the overall tone of the video sequence. Only a few can afford Canon CN-E cinematic optics. The reason for this is the exorbitant cost of models for professional video filming.