Shooting with Canon Manual 16 X lens at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XL and GL Series DV Camcorders > Canon XL1S / XL1 Watchdog
Register FAQ Today's Posts Buyer's Guides

Canon XL1S / XL1 Watchdog
Can't find it on the XL1 Watchdog site? Discuss it here.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old January 26th, 2004, 09:09 AM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, England
Posts: 154
Shooting with Canon Manual 16 X lens

Hello All.
I am thinking about upgrading my XL1s by purchasing the manual 16x lense. It looks terrific.

I am shooting a fishing/ wildlife programme for Discovery over the next year. Most of it will be shot on the shoulder. My question. Just how much difference how you found it makes not having an image stabilzer on the lens? Does not having it make that much difference to the steadyness of the shot? The review noted that it should only be used when on legs or using a steadycam.

Would I be better just sticking to the stock lens and perhaps getting a 1.6x extender for a quarter of the price?

The budget is not an issue.

I would appreciate any comments.
Cheers
Mark
Mark McCarthy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 27th, 2004, 08:14 AM   #2
Obstreperous Rex
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Marcos, TX
Posts: 27,366
Images: 513
Hi Mark,

The question really is, can you work effectively without the autofocus and optical image stabilization of the standard 16x auto (white) lens. Are you experienced in the skill of being a "human tripod," if you can make that evaluation about yourself, that's what will help determine your decision.
__________________
CH

Search DV Info Net | 20 years of DVi | ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!
Chris Hurd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 27th, 2004, 10:31 AM   #3
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, England
Posts: 154
Thanks Chris.
I only ever use the camera in Manual mode. Although I have never shot anything with the image stablizer switched off.

I imagine that as the camera is already too heavy loaded weight wise to the front of the camera, with the additional weight on the manual 16x, the problem is greatly increased! Do any other shooters shoot on the shoulder with the manual 16x lense? How have you got on.

regards to all, sparky.
Mark McCarthy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 27th, 2004, 03:22 PM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Michigan
Posts: 87
Hi Mark,

We use the 16x manual exclusively on our XL. Much of that work is handheld.

I haven't noticed any problems with camera movement as a result of no image stabilization.

However we do try to use some tricks.....brace against something when possible.....stay close and stay wide, etc.

I love that manual lens. It would be very hard for me to go back to the stock lens at this point.

Mike Avery
Mike Avery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 28th, 2004, 10:13 AM   #5
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, England
Posts: 154
Thanks Mike.

When you're shooting handheld, do you the find increased weight of the manual 16x an issue?
Thanks, Mark
Mark McCarthy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 28th, 2004, 11:32 AM   #6
Obstreperous Rex
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Marcos, TX
Posts: 27,366
Images: 513
Mark,

With a good accessory shoulder support, the front weight shouldn't be an issue. There are a wide variety of third-party shoulder supports available for the XL1S, here are just a few of them. Hope this helps,
__________________
CH

Search DV Info Net | 20 years of DVi | ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!
Chris Hurd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 28th, 2004, 12:10 PM   #7
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 817
On the topic of using the manual lens...

Do you need a focus puller? Do you just do that yourself?

If so, do you need to have the B&W viewfinder? Seems like you couldn't get it sharp with the color one....

Thanks...
Barry Gribble is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 28th, 2004, 12:24 PM   #8
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, England
Posts: 154
No, if only my budget covered one of those!

I did a lot of filming out in Zambia last year and was so impressed by the quality of the picture. I told my client it was shot on DSR 500 and they didn't bat an eyelid.

I basically used the circular polarizer the entire time, upped the shutter speed and kept it around F6. The pictures were fantastic. But sometimes it is hard to focus on the color viewfinder, esp on objects in the distance. But generally when you look at the footage later, it's better than you expected.

I am doing a series later this year to be shown on Discovery. I am planning to upgrade to the manual lense from my standard one. It justs looks so heavy. I already use the MA 200 which is a great piece of kit. I may even get the 1.6x extender. Seems useful for wildlife shots.

Anyway, when you look at what you get from the XL1S, it's such a great camera, You get so much for your money, I can't say enough about it. There's no question. It is broadcast standart. I have the money to buy a more expensive camera, but I don't think I could do any better.

Mark.
Mark McCarthy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 28th, 2004, 04:30 PM   #9
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Michigan
Posts: 87
Hi Mark,

I agree with you about the XL1. I too have more expensive "professional broadcast" cameras, but I don't even use them anymore.

Now that I know you have experience with such gear I recommend the 16x manual even more.

Before I got the lens I couldn't get comfortable with the XL. With that addition it felt more like a "real" camera to me.

And no, I don't notice the difference in weight between the two lenses, even hand held.

Mike Avery
Mike Avery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 29th, 2004, 04:24 AM   #10
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, England
Posts: 154
Thanks Mike.
Have you used the 1.6x extender with the 16x manual lens?
How did you get on?

regards
Mark.
Mark McCarthy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 29th, 2004, 07:28 AM   #11
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Michigan
Posts: 87
Yes we have used the extender, but definately not hand held.

It works fine for our needs. Of course it drops the light level quite a bit, and focus is more critical.

For the money I'd say its a good tool to have in your bag.

Mike Avery
Mike Avery is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XL and GL Series DV Camcorders > Canon XL1S / XL1 Watchdog


 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:09 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network