TLS Canon K35 Lenses Used on The Handmaid’s Tale – Review

Nicola Daley, BSC, ACS, shared some insights with lens rehousing specialist TLS about the making of The Handmaid’s Tale and the use of TLS-rehoused Canon K35 lenses.

As the Director of Photography for The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 and Season 6, Nicola discussed her creative approach, visual techniques, and the production challenges she encountered.

Thanks to the TLS rehoused Canon K35 lenses, Nicola was able to capture the intricate and dystopian world of The Handmaid’s Tale, highlighting both the emotional depth and the controlled environments of the story. Season 6 is now available for streaming on Hulu since April 8, 2025. For viewers in the UK, the wait is a bit longer, until May 3, 2025, when it will be accessible on UK Prime and Channel 4.

The conversion process of the Canon K35 lenses involved the 18mm, 24mm, and 35mm lenses as the first ones in the series to undergo the transformation into TLS cam form. Known as the most complex in the series to convert, these three lenses went through an intricate design and development phase. Following that, the 55mm and 85mm lenses were also successfully converted, with the fixed rear glass housed in stainless steel PL mounts. This conversion process encompassed all variations within the K35 series.

One unique feature of the 18mm, 24mm, and 35mm Canon K35 lenses is their dual cam system, allowing for floating element movement. On the other hand, the 55mm and 85mm lenses operate on a conventional single cam system but include a fixed rear element. Every lens in the series features an extended focus scale with 300 degrees of rotation.

Additionally, the cam-driven focus system and chassis style lens housing enable the attachment of matte boxes and other accessories to the front of the Canon K35 lenses without affecting focus movements. This design offers benefits like zero backlash and image shift, ensuring precise dual focus scales that maintain accuracy even when changing direction, providing clear and consistent markings across the distance scale.

To guarantee durability, the lenses are crafted from aluminum alloy, stainless steel, brass, and robust construction, ensuring a long and reliable service life.