Hello Board.

I just wanted to get some thoughts on bypassing the Standard 16x automatic and just get a package with the 16x manual lens.

I can get the XL1s, 16x manual lens and FU-500 for about $4500.
Where if I buy the XL1s Package and then get the 16x manual I am spending about $5249.

I really hated the Automatic lens on the XL1 and I don't expect to like the IS II 16x automatic lens on the XL1s.

My main style of shooting is Digital Cinematography not ENG. So I don't even need auto focus, but there is going to be that one time where I wish I had the standard 16x Automatic lens. Is that one time worth $749?

Thanks.
First time posting on this board.
Hope its fun.

Don't knock the IS II until you've tried it. It's a completely re-engineered lens. For your purposes the 16x manual lens is probably the better choice, but the main thing you'll give up is Canon's excellent Optical Image Stabilization. So if you primarily do handheld work, the IS II lens is best. If you primarily do tripod work, go for the 16x manual lens. Hope this helps,

videominds

I have both lens and I would not sell one for the other.
Chris is right the Optical Image Stabilization Standard lens will come handy with handheld work.

All my handheld work it done with the Standard IS II and use the 16x manual lens on all my tripod work.

By the way the new 16x manual lens rocks you will love this lens.

How is the standard IS II 16x automatic lens with the original XL-1? Will it give just as good an image, or is only the XL-1s capable of harnessing its potential?

It is my experience that the auto 16x lens on the XL1 has the same image quality however when used in the maual mode the focus and zoom rings have much less positive response, they are delayed much looser in response to turning.

Jerry

I bypassed the standard lens for the 14x full manual lens in my first XL1 package. I have never regretted getting this lens initially. Like you, I use my XL1 mainly from a tripod and use a GL1 for most hand-held shots. Still, I did end up wishing that I had the option of the 16x auto lens and ultimately ended up getting the new version of it when I got the XL1s.

Certainly we can't make your decision for you. I believe that you can do your work well with the manual lens. But ask yourself how truly predictable your work will be over the camera's life and whether or not forgoing the 16x auto lens will impose needless limitations on your future choices.