20x zoom lens -- various topics

Kevin Randolph · February 22nd, 2007, 10:35 PM

Now keep in mind, I haven't actually used either of these lenses, but based on what I've read at the XL2 Watchdog site, I'd lean towards the 16x Servo Lens. It gives you motorized zoom as an option, with a slightly wider/longer zoom range. There is an extensive review on the Chris Hurd's XL2 Watchdog site.

http://dvinfo.net/canon/articles/article82.php

Also, FYI there's a great 16x for sale in the private classifieds right now...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=86839

Now I'm not on commission for Ken, or anything, just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents...

Kevin

Charles Papert · February 22nd, 2007, 11:46 PM

The 16x is longer but not wider than the 14x. Also the 14x has a true manual stepless iris ring, like a pro video lens. I opted for this over the 16x back in the day and didn't regret it (or miss the extra length on the telephoto side of things, to be honest).

I am actually selling my 14x with a Century wide angle adaptor here also.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=65633

Bill Hamell · February 23rd, 2007, 02:30 AM

Kevin, Charles,

Thank you both for your replies, not better, but different that is what I get from them.

Hmmm... gotta think on this. :-)

Bill

Ash Greyson · February 23rd, 2007, 02:33 AM

True iris can be helpful in many situations... image quality is similar in both and IMHO improved over the stock lens. 16X has more aberration on the long end but adds the servo motor.

ash =o)

Tony Davies-Patrick · February 23rd, 2007, 03:12 AM

I much prefer the handling of the 16X Manual Servo over the 14X lens. I also got on better with the 16X MF over the Optex converted Fujinon XL 14X MF lens.

Tony Davies-Patrick · February 23rd, 2007, 03:13 AM

double post edited

Bill Hamell · February 23rd, 2007, 09:24 AM

Ash, Tony,

Thanks, now if I could only fit a servo to the 14x. (large grin)

Being that I prefer to shoot totally manual I'm thinking the 14x is the one I want.

Anyone else care to comment?

Bill

Tony Davies-Patrick · February 23rd, 2007, 09:50 AM

The 16X can shoot totally manual...you simply disengage the Servo switch.

Jonathan Kirsch · April 6th, 2007, 04:42 PM

Without using the Tv or Av mode, is there any way to get a smooth iris change (rather than having a "stepped" look) on the 20x? Like the iris ring on a more professional camera lens (or like the old 14x full manual lens. I don't think the 16x has one, does it?). Wouldn't that be easier? I never shoot on auto, For example, if I need to go from inside to outside quickly. I shoot a lot off the shoulder, and I just think it's a hassle moving my hand from the focus and zoom rings down to the iris/shutter buttons, while keeping my eye in the viewfinder, fumbling around for the buttons. Wouldn't it just be easier if there was a ring next to the others? Or am I just being picky? Guess I'm used to the news cameras I used to use. Yes, I know it might be comparing apples and oranges...

Jonathan

Richard Hunter · April 6th, 2007, 05:58 PM

Hi Jonathan. I'm afraid this is one of the "features" of the XL2. It's no consolation for you at the moment, but at least Canon did improve this when they designed the XH-A1. It has a smooth action iris ring that is so easy to use.

Richard

Chris C. Collins · April 6th, 2007, 07:16 PM

My only suggestion would be to shoot the scenes that you need to do indoor/outdoor transitions on in Auto...?

Jonathan Kirsch · April 9th, 2007, 08:49 AM

Richard...Thanks for the clarification.

Chris...I was thinking about that, but with the stuff I shoot, I have to keep rolling. You can't switch from manual mode to Av or Tv while the tape's still rolling and not get a black picture, can you? I'd hate to try it and mess up my transport if you can't.

Jonathan

Chris Hurd · April 9th, 2007, 10:00 AM

There's a much easier way to switch between manual and auto modes than using the power dial. For manual mode, shoot in Tv (shutter priority mode) with the Exposure Lock button pressed. This is identical to shooting in Manual mode. Press the Exp. Lock button again to revert to auto exposure. Press it again to revert to manual exposure. Works like a charm, and is much better than Manual mode in that you can instantly switch to AE if you need it.

Jonathan Kirsch · April 9th, 2007, 10:34 AM

Thanks, Chris, I'll try it out. Never thought of that!

Jonathan

Reas Conner · May 21st, 2007, 03:40 AM

I too have discovered the autofocus noise, its like a constant clicking, very subtle but definatly not right. when fully zoomed in I can see the picture slightly moving with the clicks too, this is anoying, luckily my cam is still under warenty so I shal be asking advise from the shop. I will post a full report to let everyone know of my findings.

February 22nd, 2007, 10:35 PM	#196
Kevin Randolph Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 423	Now keep in mind, I haven't actually used either of these lenses, but based on what I've read at the XL2 Watchdog site, I'd lean towards the 16x Servo Lens. It gives you motorized zoom as an option, with a slightly wider/longer zoom range. There is an extensive review on the Chris Hurd's XL2 Watchdog site. http://dvinfo.net/canon/articles/article82.php Also, FYI there's a great 16x for sale in the private classifieds right now... http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=86839 Now I'm not on commission for Ken, or anything, just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents... Kevin __________________ "... the drama is on your doorstep..." - John Grierson www.grvideo.net

February 22nd, 2007, 11:46 PM	#197
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	The 16x is longer but not wider than the 14x. Also the 14x has a true manual stepless iris ring, like a pro video lens. I opted for this over the 16x back in the day and didn't regret it (or miss the extra length on the telephoto side of things, to be honest). I am actually selling my 14x with a Century wide angle adaptor here also. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=65633 __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

February 23rd, 2007, 02:30 AM	#198
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	Kevin, Charles, Thank you both for your replies, not better, but different that is what I get from them. Hmmm... gotta think on this. :-) Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light Last edited by Bill Hamell; February 23rd, 2007 at 10:11 AM.

February 23rd, 2007, 03:12 AM	#200
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	I much prefer the handling of the 16X Manual Servo over the 14X lens. I also got on better with the 16X MF over the Optex converted Fujinon XL 14X MF lens. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk Last edited by Tony Davies-Patrick; February 23rd, 2007 at 09:48 AM.

February 23rd, 2007, 03:13 AM	#201
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	double post edited __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

February 23rd, 2007, 02:33 AM	#199
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	True iris can be helpful in many situations... image quality is similar in both and IMHO improved over the stock lens. 16X has more aberration on the long end but adds the servo motor. ash =o)

February 23rd, 2007, 09:24 AM	#202
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	Ash, Tony, Thanks, now if I could only fit a servo to the 14x. (large grin) Being that I prefer to shoot totally manual I'm thinking the 14x is the one I want. Anyone else care to comment? Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

February 23rd, 2007, 09:50 AM	#203
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	The 16X can shoot totally manual...you simply disengage the Servo switch. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

April 6th, 2007, 04:42 PM	#204
Jonathan Kirsch Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 204	Iris change on 20x question Without using the Tv or Av mode, is there any way to get a smooth iris change (rather than having a "stepped" look) on the 20x? Like the iris ring on a more professional camera lens (or like the old 14x full manual lens. I don't think the 16x has one, does it?). Wouldn't that be easier? I never shoot on auto, For example, if I need to go from inside to outside quickly. I shoot a lot off the shoulder, and I just think it's a hassle moving my hand from the focus and zoom rings down to the iris/shutter buttons, while keeping my eye in the viewfinder, fumbling around for the buttons. Wouldn't it just be easier if there was a ring next to the others? Or am I just being picky? Guess I'm used to the news cameras I used to use. Yes, I know it might be comparing apples and oranges... Jonathan

April 6th, 2007, 05:58 PM	#205
Richard Hunter Trustee Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lipa City Batangas, Philippines Posts: 1,110	Hi Jonathan. I'm afraid this is one of the "features" of the XL2. It's no consolation for you at the moment, but at least Canon did improve this when they designed the XH-A1. It has a smooth action iris ring that is so easy to use. Richard

April 6th, 2007, 07:16 PM	#206
Chris C. Collins Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Muskegon, Michigan Posts: 75	My only suggestion would be to shoot the scenes that you need to do indoor/outdoor transitions on in Auto...?

April 9th, 2007, 08:49 AM	#207
Jonathan Kirsch Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 204	Richard...Thanks for the clarification. Chris...I was thinking about that, but with the stuff I shoot, I have to keep rolling. You can't switch from manual mode to Av or Tv while the tape's still rolling and not get a black picture, can you? I'd hate to try it and mess up my transport if you can't. Jonathan

April 9th, 2007, 10:00 AM	#208
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	There's a much easier way to switch between manual and auto modes than using the power dial. For manual mode, shoot in Tv (shutter priority mode) with the Exposure Lock button pressed. This is identical to shooting in Manual mode. Press the Exp. Lock button again to revert to auto exposure. Press it again to revert to manual exposure. Works like a charm, and is much better than Manual mode in that you can instantly switch to AE if you need it. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 9th, 2007, 10:34 AM	#209
Jonathan Kirsch Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 204	Thanks, Chris, I'll try it out. Never thought of that! Jonathan

May 21st, 2007, 03:40 AM	#210
Reas Conner New Boot Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tamworth UK Posts: 8	I too have discovered the autofocus noise, its like a constant clicking, very subtle but definatly not right. when fully zoomed in I can see the picture slightly moving with the clicks too, this is anoying, luckily my cam is still under warenty so I shal be asking advise from the shop. I will post a full report to let everyone know of my findings.