There was some 3D marketing material shot with the lens shown at the AIIM show in NYC over a year ago. Interesting. But sadly, they used relatively now resolution 3D LED goggles for individual viewing, so it was not demoed to its potential. Surprised that the adult video industry did not take advantage of this lens and create a market for it.

Actually Don, the adult video industry as well as the medical imaging market wanted the 3D lens badly... there were many orders placed... it seemed Canon would have no trouble selling the lens at $8K apiece. However, the project was cancelled before production ever began due to a manufacturing problem with a certain outsourced component, which would have adversely affected quality control. So the whole idea was dropped... that's the story I heard, anyway.

Then it might come back someday when the problem can be addressed, but perhaps in HD mode where 3D could really sing. I gather that Canon did not want their name on a problem lens.

"canon did not want their name on a problem lens"
Don

---and the original xl1 lens isnt :)

There isn't really anything wrong with the original XL lens. In 90% of cases the original lens is great for general use. It's where people want a full manual lens, ie those coming from or using the camera for ENG work, that the lens isn't up to par. Remember this is a sub $5000 camera including a lens. It is basically the best lens you are going to get on a camera in this price range.

Adrian's right, the original 16x auto lens was fine for what it was intended... hand-held running and gunning, on auto-focus, with image stabilisation. It's not a good choice for tripods-mounted work; for that, any of the three manual lenses would be much better.

Too bad the never released a manual 3x lens. Sigh