It's mostly noticeable on when focusing on relatively close objects 3-5 feet. Manual focus, but also on quick zooms in Autofocus.

Barry

This week-end I was shooting, in addition to the tiny apartments, an architect's model of the building complex. At times I was maybe just a foot or two way when zooming out and in on the model, maybe three at times, but never five or more with the 3x. And I always shoot on manual focus.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Jay

sounds like it's just my lens...thanks jay.....1.800.call.canon.

Barry

Barry--

Just to be totally up front here, I'm not a "technical" person when it comes to all this. Although I've had formal training (many, many years ago), most of what I do is what I would call "flying by the seat of my pants." I know what I want. I understand what I need to do to accomplish it. But outside of the tools and methods I use, don't ask me any "technical" questions. I can't discuss the curves, knees, etc., like you and some others here do. My poor ol' brain has limited disc space, so I'm constantly dumping old stuff to make room for newer more important data!

The client tells me what they want the image to look like and I deliver it. As long as they're happy, I'm happy!

Best of luck with resolving your focus issue!

Jay

Besides not having full zoom through, is there anything wrong with the century optics .6 adapter for the xl2? I mean, is it going to give a clean image?

My goal is to get a good wide angle image from the xl2. I realize that the 3x lens would achieve that, but then again i dont want to shell out 1,200 bucks. Besides a couple of the obvious things, like "more glass" etc ....are there any real concerns with the .6 adapter?


thanks

j.

Canon 3x Wide
 

Can anyone tell me the weigth of the Canon 3x Wide. Canon does not give that information on the company's website.

See the 16x manual lens review page for comparative specs, Anders.

I don't lnow the excact weight, but it feels the same as the 16x.

The Canon 3X lens weighs 670 grams or almost 1.5 lbs. The weight is listed in Ken's excellent lens comparison article.

I agree with Jay. It is a fantastic lens.

The following has been said numerous times on the boards in one
way or another. The issue with the 3x lens being soft on the XL1(S)
was probably due to the relative low resolution on the camera.

The XL2 has a much higher resolution and can resolve much more
detail (which a wide angle view usually seems to have). I've never
heard anyone describe the 3x lens being soft on the XL2.

Can I get by with just 3X Wide Angle?
 

Doing mostly dramatic shorts with the XL2...Do you think I can get away with just using the 3X WA. Trying to keep the XL2 as small as possible. Besides DOF issues, do you think the zoom range can cover a majority of my shots or will I be wishing I had that 16X? Again, this is for dramatic work.

There's not a lot of difference in *size* between an XL2 equipped with any of the XL-series lenses.

I'm using the 3x on my XL2. There is little difference between this lens and the 20x, in terms of optical quality. I like the auto-stabilization on the 20x that I don't get with the 3x. The 3x is approximately 1/2 inch shorter. Not much difference. In fact, with an eyepiece extender on the viewfinder, it sticks out further than the 3x lens. BTW, the eyepiece extender REALLY helps balance tha camera much better on my shoulder.

what eyepiece extender are you refering to?

see bottom of this page:
http://www.amechad.com/profeel/xl2.htm

Also, check out this article for more info, Greg.

Bill, do you think you could post a photo of this item with the XL2?

STILL WONDERING
 

Trying to discern an answer to the original question, would it be feasible to go with just the wide-angle lens? I'm going to be buying an XL2 for shooting dramatic narratives, many times using small interiors for my locations. As I would like to get close to my actors in these situations, I'm wondering about getting the body-only package with the wide-angle lens (as I can't afford the standard package and an additional lens). But, like Ed, I'm wondering if this a bad idea. Will I be missing the auto-stabilization of the 20x in hand-held situations? Obviously, at some point when I could afford it, I'd buy another lens (though, I'd probably consider the manual one).

Unlike Ed, I'm not concerned about how any of this affects the size of the camera. Any input is greatly appreciated!

hi brandon,

check this article out:
http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxl2/articles/article10.php

i think chris has done a tremendously awesome job in displaying the differences between each lens's zoom capabilities. from that i think you can decide. if you really don't need any long-shots for dramatic shorts then 3x will do fine.

3x wide angle lens confusion
 

I bought the 3x wide angle a couple of days ago, and am confused...( just recently learning how to shoot in manual).

1. I was taught to focus (with the 20x lens) by first zooming all the way in, focusing, then pulling back to where I want. Then my subject would be in correct focus.

2. I tried this with the 3x.First zoom in and focus, But when I zoom out, the focus is not the same on the same object. Is this the way the lens is supposed to work, or is it faulty?

3. Another thing I noticed was that outside in daylight, I couldn't even get the focus to change, but once I went inside the house and had to open up the iris, then focus worked.

I did a search on th 3x and read lots of posts, but I'm still confused. Any feedack would be appreciated.

Bruce Yarock

To your queries:

1. That is textbook focus racking. Just like the pros with manual lenses. Hopefully the back focus troubles have been eliminated with the 20x lens.

2. Common to the 3x lens. Tends to be generally soft at full wide.

3. This is true with all lenses. Small iris = greater depth of field or less discrimination of near and far objects in focus. The minute you step inside, the iris needs to be opened up and presto, less depth of field and more control over the objects needed to be in critical focus.

You will have to decide as you work with the lens (the 3x) where it will be useful to you. I like it for grand, up close shots at low angles to reveal a dramatic look of large objects. Also, for in vehicle shots it is absolutely a must. Used tactfully, it is a great lens.

Thanks for the info,Jimmy. I was under the impression that if I were shooting several people in a small area ( patio table today outside, 3-4 people) then the 3x would be the best. However, I was bothered by the look at full wide, and thought maybe something was wrong with the lens. Now I ubderstand what you mean by "soft' at full wide.
I'd like to hear what situations anyone else prefers the 3x over the 20x.

Bruce Yarock

Threaded filters on C's 3x lens?
 

Can I put threaded 72mm filters in front of the Canon 3x wide-angle lens?

Has anyone tried mounting several to see at what point vignetting starts to happen?

I can't seem to find much detail on the front end of this lens anywhere.

1.) Yes you can

2.) Just how many do you want to mount?

I can easily see situations where I might slap the three threaded filters I own on it: polarizer, UV and an ND filter.

Might be better to have a three-stage clamp-on matte box for all those.

What's the weather like down there? Isn't it springtime in NZ right now?

Can you post a link to an example of a three-stage clamp-on mattebox?

It's a glorious summer day down here. Christmas parades are marking the start of the "the Silly Season" and it's hot out. Hot being a relative word in NZ - a pleasant 23 C and blue skies.

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Mills : I can easily see situations where I might slap the three threaded filters I own on it: polarizer, UV and an ND filter. -->>>

I heard the 20x lens that comes with the XL2 turnes in the front when zooming so you can't add a polarizer lens in front. Is that true ?

Frank

Why would you need a UV filter with a polarizer & ND on?

Nothing saying one couldn't give it a try if desired, but Canon does specifically say in the instruction sheet for the 3x that more than one filter is not recommended. Dust and image defects from the filters are expected to be much more visible than when using a long lenses.

Frank, I'm pleased to report that it is NOT true that zooming causes a filter to rotate on either the 30x or the 3x...NOR will focusing do so. One may use a circ polarizer at will!

Your polarizer alone will accomplish all you will likely need. It does what it does to blue skies, swimming pools and car windows. A by-product of this filter is that it will absorb f-stops. If you need even less light, try -3db gain. This way you will not need the ND filter. Of course there is the built in ND that will take you to far end.
As for the UV, this will also become redundant, when using the polarizer.
The 3x lens is soft enough without any filter.

Canon 3x Wide Lens
 

Can anybody recommend any UK retailers that stock this item?

Thanks in advance

Have you tried Optex?

Thanks guys eventually ordered from simply computers

http://www.simply.co.uk/kelkoo/68993...ters/index.htm

£800 inc Vat

The best thing to do is to search uk web retailers to find the best price you can get it for and then go to Jessops and price match the online price. That way you get the best price but with a little more reliability in terms of customer service. Also as Jessops don't keep any of the 3x wideangles in stock they didn't seem to require that the online retailer has them in stock either to match the price. (I got mine down to £750)

They have to get them directly from Canon and it took about a month to arrive once I'd put the order in.

Good advice there Kieran. I wasn't aware that Jessops price match (more the fool me). I will keep that in mind for any future purchases.

sloppy focus on 3x lens?
 

Has anyone experienced problems with the focus on the wide angle lens?I zoomed into two people indoors at an amply lit table on a high shot.I manually focused, started rolling tape and pulled back while rolling only to see the couple get soft in the viewfinder which was only confirmed on playback.I also notice that the focus drifts easily and there's never a great affirmation that you are in focus or that it won't drift......very frustrating.-Tom

Hey Tom, I'm getting my 3x lens sometime next week and I'll let you know if I experience the same thing. I postivie it's not your technical skills as your profile states that you are a staff cameraman at FOX. Maybe a bad batch? I'll keep you posted.


Andrew

When I first tried out my new 3x lens, I was also frustrated. I found the focus to be a bit soft in wide position. Since I'm still learning to use my xl2 in manual , I wasn't sure whether it was me or the lens. I posted about this problem, and the feedback I got was that this softness in full wide was typical of that kind of lens.
But the more I use it, the better I like it. Yesterday I shot the inside of a condo for some friends, and it was great. ( No way to get the wide shots in a tight space with the stock lens). I also did a shot for my motorcycle business, and sitting close on the ground, I got a nice dramatic shot of the bike thanks to the 3x.
I'd be happy to hear any other feedback.
Bruce yarock