manual Zoom quastion. at DVinfo.net

Donya Pop · November 24th, 2005, 03:49 AM

Hi All.

I have a question about the manual zoom in the original X16 lens that come with my XL-1S.
I noticed that when i try to work with the manual zoom it's very herd to get smooth results, even if i move the zoom ring in one movement, the zoom stuck for 1 sec and continue (when i still moving the zoom ring).
I noticed in few XL1 and XL-1S reviews that the manual zoom is not very good.
can some one take me out of this big "?" and tell me if this is the way the zoom work. the zooming with the button is good, no problems.

Thanks for any help.

Don Palomaki · November 24th, 2005, 06:20 AM

I would expect the manual zoom to be fairly smooth (no jerks or significant lag), but difficult to control with accuracy due to the servo control rather than a mechanical coupling to the zoom ring.

Is Image Stabalization turnd on? If so try manual zoom with it turnd off. That might possibly help a bit.

Jimmy McKenzie · November 24th, 2005, 09:13 AM

Forget the zoom ring for any production zoom in or pull back. It is there for framing only. The servo zoom that Don mentioned is the way this is designed and it has no direct effect like a full manual lens.

The new 20x lens on the XL2 does allow for some simplistic rack focussing if you plan well.

But back to the zoom issue. The best way to do this is to acquire a zoom controller and hook up via the lanc input. The Canon zr1000 controller is plasticy, but works quite well.

Chris Hurd · November 25th, 2005, 05:30 AM

I second Jimmy's suggestion. A zoom controller is worth its weight in gold, and in my opinion it is absolutely essential for recording very smooth zooms.

Dean Orewiler · February 16th, 2006, 04:26 PM

I just swapped my 16x autofocus for the manual lens and it's like God granted me with this gem from the heavens. This lens really is very nice...smooth focus, ultra silky zoom - and ultra sharper than the other zoom I had. I'm very glad I scrapped the autofocus....if you are not blind, this is the better lens to buy.

November 24th, 2005, 03:49 AM	#1
Donya Pop Tourist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Luxembourg Posts: 1	manual Zoom quastion. Hi All. I have a question about the manual zoom in the original X16 lens that come with my XL-1S. I noticed that when i try to work with the manual zoom it's very herd to get smooth results, even if i move the zoom ring in one movement, the zoom stuck for 1 sec and continue (when i still moving the zoom ring). I noticed in few XL1 and XL-1S reviews that the manual zoom is not very good. can some one take me out of this big "?" and tell me if this is the way the zoom work. the zooming with the button is good, no problems. Thanks for any help.

November 24th, 2005, 06:20 AM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	I would expect the manual zoom to be fairly smooth (no jerks or significant lag), but difficult to control with accuracy due to the servo control rather than a mechanical coupling to the zoom ring. Is Image Stabalization turnd on? If so try manual zoom with it turnd off. That might possibly help a bit. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

November 25th, 2005, 05:30 AM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	I second Jimmy's suggestion. A zoom controller is worth its weight in gold, and in my opinion it is absolutely essential for recording very smooth zooms. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 16th, 2006, 04:26 PM	#5
Dean Orewiler Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 186	Buy The Manual Lens I just swapped my 16x autofocus for the manual lens and it's like God granted me with this gem from the heavens. This lens really is very nice...smooth focus, ultra silky zoom - and ultra sharper than the other zoom I had. I'm very glad I scrapped the autofocus....if you are not blind, this is the better lens to buy.

November 24th, 2005, 09:13 AM	#3
Jimmy McKenzie Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Waterloo Ontario Posts: 721	Forget the zoom ring for any production zoom in or pull back. It is there for framing only. The servo zoom that Don mentioned is the way this is designed and it has no direct effect like a full manual lens. The new 20x lens on the XL2 does allow for some simplistic rack focussing if you plan well. But back to the zoom issue. The best way to do this is to acquire a zoom controller and hook up via the lanc input. The Canon zr1000 controller is plasticy, but works quite well.