Lenses... at DVinfo.net

Christopher Bishop · February 5th, 2005, 05:31 PM

Does anyone know the difference between the 20X lens offered with the XL2 and the 16X lens offered with the XL1-S?

Thanks;

-C-

Marty Hudzik · February 5th, 2005, 08:05 PM

I am not an expert but I know that the 20x lens is a fluorite lens and that is supposed to make it better. It has a 1/8 and 1/32 Fstop ring so you have 2 choices versus just one on the 16x lens. There is a memory feature where you can have the lens retrn to a predetermined focus point or zoom point.

As far as optical quality the 20x is better. In theory. I can't personally vouch for this as I have never used the 16x since I got the Xl2. I used it on the xl1 but that was a lower res image so it is not something I can compare really.

Some of this is very subjective. I spoke recently with a Canon rep who really knows these lenses inside and out and he told me how so many people swear that the 16x manual lens is cleaner and sharper and gives a better image when compared to the 16x servo lens. He says he can't understand that as the elements inside the lens are identical. The glass is the same....only the method that moves the glass to focus and zoom is different. You buy the 16x manual because you like the feel of a "traditional" lens....not because the optics are better.

Having said that the 20x is supposed to be optically better. But by how much I can't say. Maybe someone who has used both on the XL2 can say for sure.

In the meantime if you can wait a week I am about to sample a friend lens collection (16x manual, 16x servo XL1S and 3x wide) to compare to my 20x. I will be a much more informed lens meister after that I am sure I will have an answer for you.

Good LUck!

Chris Hurd · February 5th, 2005, 08:42 PM

Differences between these various lenses are described on my Guide to XL2 Lens Options page located at http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxl2/articles/article04.php.

February 5th, 2005, 05:31 PM	#1
Christopher Bishop New Boot Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Schenectady, NY Posts: 11	Lenses... Does anyone know the difference between the 20X lens offered with the XL2 and the 16X lens offered with the XL1-S? Thanks; -C-

February 5th, 2005, 08:42 PM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Differences between these various lenses are described on my Guide to XL2 Lens Options page located at http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxl2/articles/article04.php. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 5th, 2005, 08:05 PM	#2
Marty Hudzik Trustee Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,771	I am not an expert but I know that the 20x lens is a fluorite lens and that is supposed to make it better. It has a 1/8 and 1/32 Fstop ring so you have 2 choices versus just one on the 16x lens. There is a memory feature where you can have the lens retrn to a predetermined focus point or zoom point. As far as optical quality the 20x is better. In theory. I can't personally vouch for this as I have never used the 16x since I got the Xl2. I used it on the xl1 but that was a lower res image so it is not something I can compare really. Some of this is very subjective. I spoke recently with a Canon rep who really knows these lenses inside and out and he told me how so many people swear that the 16x manual lens is cleaner and sharper and gives a better image when compared to the 16x servo lens. He says he can't understand that as the elements inside the lens are identical. The glass is the same....only the method that moves the glass to focus and zoom is different. You buy the 16x manual because you like the feel of a "traditional" lens....not because the optics are better. Having said that the 20x is supposed to be optically better. But by how much I can't say. Maybe someone who has used both on the XL2 can say for sure. In the meantime if you can wait a week I am about to sample a friend lens collection (16x manual, 16x servo XL1S and 3x wide) to compare to my 20x. I will be a much more informed lens meister after that I am sure I will have an answer for you. Good LUck!