Wide angle Lens for xl2 at DVinfo.net

John Court · May 9th, 2006, 02:00 AM

Hi All,
I need a wide angle lens for my canon XL2??
Any views and where is the best place to get one??
B&H?
Thank you
John

Tom Hardwick · May 9th, 2006, 02:19 AM

You asking about the 3x Canon zoom or alternatives?

Marko Urbic · May 9th, 2006, 07:55 AM

I'll hiijack this thread a little bit to put my question regarding the 3X.
Does it give you shallower DOF than the standard 20X or is it the same or more DOF.

I'm asking because I'm using XL2 to shoot weddings and the standard 20X is hard to manage in tight spaces.
Also, heard the 3X doesn't have the great stablisation 20X has.
Is it needed or does the wide angle make up for that?

Any advice welcome...

Tom Hardwick · May 9th, 2006, 08:09 AM

It's often good to semi-hijack as it asks questions many people have.

As the chip size remains constant whatever lens you use, shortening the focal length will always give more depth of field for any given subject size. So yes, it'll be pretty difficult to get any sort of differential focus with the 3x in place.

The 3x doesn't have any sort of stabilisation built in - optical or electronic. I feel this is a great pity as the wider angle encourages camera movements - just when you'd like a helping hand for stabilisation.

What about using your 20x with a wide-angle converter instead?

tom.

Marko Urbic · May 9th, 2006, 08:17 AM

Well, I'll have to say I'm not very familiar with any wide-angle converters for XL2.
What should I be looking for and what are the dis/advantages over the 3X?

Thanks

Tom Hardwick · May 9th, 2006, 08:49 AM

There are two types, zoom through and partial zoom through. The former are of multi-element construction (usually 3) and are bigger, heavier, generally more expensive.

The partial zoom through converters (which I like the best) are usually single elements and cheaper with it. Better that they're aspherical elements rather than spherical to minimise barrel distortion.

Advantage is that you keep the Canon's VAP OIS and some money in the bank. It's also possible to go a lot wider and wilder than the 3x allows.

tom.

Marko Urbic · May 9th, 2006, 08:56 AM

Ok, so is there any specific brand/type that is known to work good, because here in Croatia you can't test or check anyhing before you buy it. :(

Mike Teutsch · May 9th, 2006, 09:07 AM

I haven't used any wide angle adapters, but I do have the 3x.

Tom is right on the DOF. You get more with the short lens, not less. Depth of field is good for weddings.

As far as stabilization with the 3x, you don't need it at all. The short length makes it simple to hold steady. Longer lenses need the stabilization for sure, but not the short ones.

B&H is a great place to buy them for sure, but there are many used ones around right now also.

It is a great lens to have and you will love it.

Mike

Greg Boston · May 9th, 2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marko Urbic

Ok, so is there any specific brand/type that is known to work good, because here in Croatia you can't test or check anyhing before you buy it. :(

One of the best for the price range is the Century Optics adapter. I have a .7x which allows full zoom through but is bulkier and more expensive as has been mentioned. The CO .6x will be cheaper and is only partial zoom through.

regards,

-gb-

Jeff McElroy · May 9th, 2006, 04:06 PM

I read that the .6x is auto focus only (?)...

Is this true, and if so, how and why?

EDIT: Also, do you think that the new hd wide lens will drive the 3x any down in price?

John Court · May 9th, 2006, 05:44 PM

Thank you for you help but some you you talk of 3x and 6x what is this in ref to.
We are shooting a cooking show and need to be close and then pull back wide, I just need that bit of extra width.
John

Ash Greyson · May 9th, 2006, 11:24 PM

Canon make a seperate lens, the 3X wide, you can get a good used one for $800 and I HIGHLY recommend it over any adapter. OIS is not an issue at all and the images are stunning.

ash =o)

Jeff McElroy · May 20th, 2006, 02:49 PM

Mom surprised me last night with a big B&H package after getting home from my high school graduation. Lo, inside was the 3x wide lens! I concur, this thing is awesome!

:) I have the best mom ever!

Joseph Andolina · May 20th, 2006, 05:58 PM

Don't you just love Mom & Dad's like that? They're partially responsible in me getting my XL2 covering the differance I didn't have at the time :) And my goal has been to keep showing them worthy final end results of projects with the camera.

Dale Guthormsen · May 21st, 2006, 12:20 AM

Good morning,

Isn't it great we live in such affluent times??? I remember being given my bolex movie camera eons ago!!! I think it is admirable that you show them their efforts to support your passion is worthy!! keep it up, they will only love ya more for it!!

May 9th, 2006, 02:00 AM	#1
John Court New Boot Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 22	Wide angle Lens for xl2 Hi All, I need a wide angle lens for my canon XL2?? Any views and where is the best place to get one?? B&H? Thank you John

May 9th, 2006, 07:55 AM	#3
Marko Urbic Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Posts: 68	I'll hiijack this thread a little bit to put my question regarding the 3X. Does it give you shallower DOF than the standard 20X or is it the same or more DOF. I'm asking because I'm using XL2 to shoot weddings and the standard 20X is hard to manage in tight spaces. Also, heard the 3X doesn't have the great stablisation 20X has. Is it needed or does the wide angle make up for that? Any advice welcome... __________________ Canon 5D2 & 7D, Canon XH-A1, Senn. G2, Steadicam Merlin, Glidetrack, Sony D-50, Edius 5

May 9th, 2006, 08:17 AM	#5
Marko Urbic Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Posts: 68	Well, I'll have to say I'm not very familiar with any wide-angle converters for XL2. What should I be looking for and what are the dis/advantages over the 3X? Thanks __________________ Canon 5D2 & 7D, Canon XH-A1, Senn. G2, Steadicam Merlin, Glidetrack, Sony D-50, Edius 5

May 9th, 2006, 08:56 AM	#7
Marko Urbic Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Posts: 68	Ok, so is there any specific brand/type that is known to work good, because here in Croatia you can't test or check anyhing before you buy it. :( __________________ Canon 5D2 & 7D, Canon XH-A1, Senn. G2, Steadicam Merlin, Glidetrack, Sony D-50, Edius 5

May 9th, 2006, 09:07 AM	#8
Mike Teutsch Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida Posts: 2,614	I haven't used any wide angle adapters, but I do have the 3x. Tom is right on the DOF. You get more with the short lens, not less. Depth of field is good for weddings. As far as stabilization with the 3x, you don't need it at all. The short length makes it simple to hold steady. Longer lenses need the stabilization for sure, but not the short ones. B&H is a great place to buy them for sure, but there are many used ones around right now also. It is a great lens to have and you will love it. Mike __________________ Chapter one, line one. The BH.

May 9th, 2006, 02:19 AM	#2
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	You asking about the 3x Canon zoom or alternatives?

May 9th, 2006, 08:09 AM	#4
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	It's often good to semi-hijack as it asks questions many people have. As the chip size remains constant whatever lens you use, shortening the focal length will always give more depth of field for any given subject size. So yes, it'll be pretty difficult to get any sort of differential focus with the 3x in place. The 3x doesn't have any sort of stabilisation built in - optical or electronic. I feel this is a great pity as the wider angle encourages camera movements - just when you'd like a helping hand for stabilisation. What about using your 20x with a wide-angle converter instead? tom.

May 9th, 2006, 08:49 AM	#6
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	There are two types, zoom through and partial zoom through. The former are of multi-element construction (usually 3) and are bigger, heavier, generally more expensive. The partial zoom through converters (which I like the best) are usually single elements and cheaper with it. Better that they're aspherical elements rather than spherical to minimise barrel distortion. Advantage is that you keep the Canon's VAP OIS and some money in the bank. It's also possible to go a lot wider and wilder than the 3x allows. tom.

May 9th, 2006, 04:06 PM	#10
Jeff McElroy Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 91	I read that the .6x is auto focus only (?)... Is this true, and if so, how and why? EDIT: Also, do you think that the new hd wide lens will drive the 3x any down in price?

May 9th, 2006, 05:44 PM	#11
John Court New Boot Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 22	Wide angle for xl2 Thank you for you help but some you you talk of 3x and 6x what is this in ref to. We are shooting a cooking show and need to be close and then pull back wide, I just need that bit of extra width. John

May 9th, 2006, 11:24 PM	#12
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	Canon make a seperate lens, the 3X wide, you can get a good used one for $800 and I HIGHLY recommend it over any adapter. OIS is not an issue at all and the images are stunning. ash =o)

May 20th, 2006, 02:49 PM	#13
Jeff McElroy Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 91	Finally got it! Mom surprised me last night with a big B&H package after getting home from my high school graduation. Lo, inside was the 3x wide lens! I concur, this thing is awesome! :) I have the best mom ever!

May 20th, 2006, 05:58 PM	#14
Joseph Andolina Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 178	Don't you just love Mom & Dad's like that? They're partially responsible in me getting my XL2 covering the differance I didn't have at the time :) And my goal has been to keep showing them worthy final end results of projects with the camera.

May 21st, 2006, 12:20 AM	#15
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	times Good morning, Isn't it great we live in such affluent times??? I remember being given my bolex movie camera eons ago!!! I think it is admirable that you show them their efforts to support your passion is worthy!! keep it up, they will only love ya more for it!! __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen