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