Is there any way to determine the focal length of the 16x lens?
 

Hi folks,

In the Canon XL1s, has anybody come up with a way of determining the focal length of the 16x II lens for an arbitrary zoom? I'm asking this because I'd like to get in the practice of documenting all the particulars of my camera setups (e.g., aperture, shutter speed, etc.) and the focal length seems to be an important factor, especially if other elements are to be comped into the shot later. But for an arbitrary amount of zoom, is there a surefire way of figuring the focal length?

Thanks!

Probably could calculate it in post. Compare the field of view at the zoom in question to the field of view at a known focal length (e.g., a short clip of the same scene zoomed all the way out or in).

Run a few tests and you probably can calibrate your eye to estimate the focal length from the EVF indicator with reasonable accuracy.

hello,

If you read the Canon retail sheets it says if you add the 1.6x extender, it make the lens = to 1000mm, therfore it seems to me if divide the 1000mm by 1.6, you get 625mm. In reality, it's probably 600mm to 960mm. Perhaps it too simple a way to look at it but I know the moon looks a heck of a lot closer (and bigger too!) with the 1.6x.

Bruce