I was wondering if the lens here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=183523&is=REG
Would be compatible with the XL1s? If it is compatible, will it show any blemishes in the picture quality when used? It is a 1/3" lens and It was listed with the other Canon lenses on B&H so I was hoping it would work with my camera. I was just wondering because I was looking for a cheap alternative to purchasing the 16x manual servo lens, holding that off for a later date. Any info would be appreciated, thank you in advance!

No it will not work. The mount is wrong and there is no adapter for the electronic (cable).

Plus you would have to do some surgery on that lens, to remove the zoom motor / grip housing. Otherwise it wouldn't clear the built-in hand grip on the right side of the XL1S.

The price is right and you could do it. But it would be manual zoom and focus only, using the lens rings as your only control. You'll need to fabricate a lens adapter. Plus the "check lens" warning would constantly flash in the viewfinder display. In the long run it's just easier to use the black Canon 16x manual XL lens anyway, so why bother.

Thanks for the reply Jeff & Chris! You said it to the T, thanks for the input. It was just a curious little thought of mine. I cant deal with crappy jury rigged set ups and the hassles that come with them. The 16X manual seems like my cup of tea, but a side note, I've heard that the 14x manual had a slightly better quality in picture than the 16x, but only under certain circumstances. Either way, I'm leaning toward the 16X.

The 14X is indeed a beautiful piece of equipement. And you can save over 400$ going this way. And this lens have a true professionnal iris ring, instead of an electronically controled iris like the 16X auto and manual lenses. On the other hand, you lose the servo zoom and the two steps built-in ND filter.

And you are right, some users reported an increased sharpness over the manual 16X under certain circumstances.

Hmmm, I might just want to buy the 14x lens while dealers still have it in stock. Maybe I'll get lucky and see yet another drop in its price. I wouldn't mind having this lens for the iris control alone. But first thing is first, pay off the XL1s, buy filters, THEN a new lens.