2/3" SD lens on EX3
 

So it was quite some time ago in another thread that I mentioned that I was very impressed with the look of my Canon SD 2/3" Broadcast lens on my EX3. Someone (I think it was Simon) requested some capture frames which has taken me far too long to produce.
While packing today for a shoot, I finally (and very quickly) threw a couple of charts up and cranked out some quick clips. The following are capture frames from those clips.
I had the camera set at 1080 60i (I know, I know.... but that's what the client wants) and I just did a frame grab from the clips. I doubt this is the optimal way to compare the lenses, but at least it gives a pretty good idea of how they compare. I used the Sony 2/3" adapter (the one without power connectors, so iris is set by eye, zebras, and histogram)
Call me crazy (many do) but does the SD lens look a little crisper?

Derek,

It's a small world when Heber becomes the homebase for more than one forum member.

I don't have any experience with SD lenses on our EX-3, but the 1/2 fujinon HD lens I put on our camera was worth the price. To me it looks crisper and has more punch than with the standard lens. Test charts do not however, indicate any perceived gains in resolution. I would love to compare notes in the future as you settle into a day to day workflow with your camera.

Best, Dave

Difficult to tell from the charts. Not sure you have the Fuji in focus on the resolution chart. Another thing to look at is contrast. I have found the HD lenses generally give higher contrast that the SD lenses I have tried, but that may be down to them being newer lenses with cleaner internal elements.

The bottom line is that there is a lot of variation between lenses. There are good SD lenses and bad HD lenses. I think the stock EX lens is pretty good considering what it costs. I also have a Canon KH20 1/2" HD lens which works very well on the EX3. My 2/3" lens experience with the EX3 and F350 (also 1/2") has been mixed. Even some of the very expensive HD lenses I have used have been disappointing.

If you have found a 2/3" SD lens that works well let us know what it is!

The red text on the bottle looks better with the SD. Also, the borders on the test charts look slightly better with the SD in that the markers are slightly sharper.

Hi Derek, so removing the Ex3 lens you put a Sony 2/3rd adapter and SD lens on...is that right? Do you have to use the EX3 1/2 adapter too?

Bit confused how you set it up.
Any links to the Sony 2/3rd adapter?

Evan

Hey, Dave-
Yeah.... small world! e-mail me directly if you want to compare notes. I bought my camera at TV Specialists, and we tested my 2/3" lens there before I purchased on a Sony HD monitor. They didn't expect it to look as good as it did... in fact we were all quite surprised. I don't have any really sophisticated means to test here, other than how it looks to my eye. So far, I'm pretty happy!

Hi, Evan
Yes, you have to use the 1/2" adapter, then the 2/3" adapter to mount the B4 lens. It's not too cumbersome, they're both pretty small adapters, and the Sony 2/3" adapter does not have any glass, it's just a mount. That adapter is the Sony LO-32BMT, and is available from B&H: Sony | LO-32BMT 2/3" to 1/2" Lens Mount | LO32BMT and also from 16x9 (I think) It runs about $600+.... pretty steep for a piece of aluminum, but that's Sony for ya. Fuji makes one (ACM-21) with electrical contacts so you can plug your 2/3" lens in and have servo zoom, auto iris, and record start/stop, but it runs about $1,000 more. Here is a link to B&H, but they are more expensive than other retailers I have found which sell it for about $1,595. Fujinon | ACM-21 2/3" Lens Adapter for Sony PMW-EX3

I never use auto iris anyway, and John Huffman at Jony Jib is making me an adapter cable from my Hirose power tap on my Bebob battery adapter to my Canon lens, which will provide power for the servo zoom. That's all I really need. (he also made me an adapter cable for my stock Fuji EX lens to work with my Fuji broadcast zoom controller that I have for my Beta which works like a charm)

I can post a photo of the setup if that will help.

Hi, Alister
I did my best to make sure the Fuji was in focus, using the expanded focus on the lens. (it wouldn't zoom in near as close as the Canon)

The SD lens I am using is a Canon J20ax8B4 IRS.

I think I might set the record for the most replies to my own post....

just wanted to share that Mike Tapa at MTF tells me he offers a 1/2" to 2/3" adapter (like the Sony LO-32BMT) for about half the price.
B4 to 1/2" Sony adaptor

I wish I'd known this before I gave all my money to Sony!

Yeah, and I lived in Provo/Orem for 20 years and I still share an office there. Small world, indeed.

I haven't tried a 2/3" lens on my EX3, but a couple of years ago I bought the 2/3" adapter for my F350. Sold it after one shoot. My old 15x8 Fujinon Betacam lens wasn't anywhere near as sharp as my newer 1/2" Fujinon. If I hadn't already owned the 1/2" lens I might have been fooled into thinking the 2/3" was good enough, but I had already been spoiled by the HD lens. I'm not sure how any of that applies to the EX3.

I ordered an Adaptimax adapter this week and I can't wait to see how my Nikon lenses look on the EX3.

I am sure they will look great Doug. If you get the chance to post some clips I am sure there will be plenty on this forum who would like to see the results.