View Full Version : What is "Camera Optimization Kit" for a letus Extreme?
mrbrycel
12-31-2008, 01:34 AM
I was looking into buying a Letus Extreme from Letus Direct, and under the options it said "Camera Optimization Kit". One was for the HVX200, which I'd be using it with, but the Camera Optimization Kit is an extra $200. Is that necessary? What is it? I already chose 82mm for the thread size.
thekreative
12-31-2008, 02:41 AM
It wasn't out when I bought my LEX so I held off when it came out but I'm sorry to say it really made a big difference for me. Way better edge to edge sharpness. I'd like to save you $200 but I'd say you need it with the HVX. Without it I was always seeing a large portion of the screen out of focus.
fixitinpost
12-31-2008, 02:44 AM
The "Camera Optimization Kit" is essentially an improved achromat/macro lens that screws into the back of the Letus. It has nothing to do with the thread size selected, as it doesn't interface with the camera directly (the threaded ring for attaching to the camera is an entirely different piece). In my experience, the upgrade makes a huge difference on the HVX.
It is the new achromat, same as used with the EX1 and HPX170. I find the latter two cameras
have better edge to edge focus than with the HVX200/A, even though it's called an HVX200
optimization kit.
AwakenedFilms
12-31-2008, 09:12 AM
Didn't do much for me. You can do a search to find out a lot of information about this. One of my posts has before and after screen grabs of rez-charts with multiple lenses.
J
ImpossibleBishop
12-31-2008, 11:05 AM
The optimization is ESSENTIAL for the EX1 / EX3. I've done numerous tests with both the regular and optimized kits, same lenses, same camera, even other adapters with correction ability, and the optimization kit is the best option.
The EX1 / EX3 has a very strange lens in terms of how it performs with attachments (wide angles, adapters, etc), but the new achromat really works well with it. The edge to edge is comparable to the bare lens! (ok, this is just IMHO).
The 200 bucks is worth it for the optimization kit.
mrbrycel
01-01-2009, 01:31 AM
Ok, thanks guys!
Marco.L
01-01-2009, 10:05 AM
i was researching to buy a LEX , but i decided that i will go for the Brevis35...
seems to be more professional and better than LEX , don't know about the Ultimate...
starting the feedback from manufacturer's web site...
in brevis you have a regulation on the vibration GG , for sure is better for high shutter speeds and VFR.
and the microcolimation to adjust backfocus , is easyer and faster tham LEX.
things that i'm reading...do not have personal experience/.
Huy Vu
01-01-2009, 12:03 PM
Well, the Brevis has the same f-stop and shutterspeed limitation as the LEX, about 1/120 and f4-5.6. The backfocus mechanism is better. With the flip module it's also more expensive and a little less compact. Depends on your taste, really.
The Ultimate is really in another class by itself. I had an opportunity to use it recently and it's really is a dream in term of sharpness, lightloss and bokeh rendition. The price is in another class as well.
The 35mm adapter race is starting to pick up with both SGpro and Redrock announcing new products, so hopefully Letus will come out with another competitive midrange product. The LEX when it came out was really revolutionary for the price, but I'm sad to say that it's being outclass by the new crop of adapters and by the pricing structure of its accessory line. $600 for a backfocus ring, $350 for the optimized achromat is just ridiculous.