EX3 with higher quality fujinon lens ?

[doondoon]

I'm wondering if anyone has compared the EX3 stock lens to a lens like the Fujinon HS18X5.5BERM .

http://www.fujinon.com/Broadcast/Product.aspx?cat=27&id=252

I'm assuming the stock lens quality doesn't match this other lens... but I'm wondering how much of a difference there really is. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the extra cost, weight and using an adapter.

Also, the ACM-21 B4-2/3" adapter which has a 1.38X magnification (which is certainly a consideration) ....

anyone use this lens? thoughts?

thanks : )

 

[chrisccw]

I've used both

I've used both

I have tried the Fuji 18x5.5 with the 1/2" adapter and several Fuji lenses with my 2/3" adapter (as well as Nikon 80-200 with my Adaptimax). All work together seamlessly. The weight, as you suspected, is an issue in all these instances. Seriously front heavy! I use a Sachtler Soom FSB6 tripod/head and it puts the dovetail plate so far back to balance that it's scary. I would get the heavier base plates that are talked about on the forums that let you hook on a counterbalance, depending on what your head can carry safely. Optically, they are beautiful, but if you do not need the additional focal length on either end, the stock lens is amazingly crisp and clean and I use it most of the time. The 1.375 magnification with th 2/3" adapter is actually quite handy on the long end, but if you need wide, it becomes a bit of an issue on a 20x8. There's no perceptible light loss with any of the adapters. I suggest you rent an adapter and lens to see what you think before you make that kind of investment for a camera in this price range. I bought the adapters, but I just rent 2/3" lenses when I need them for $200 or so. 1/2" lenses are hard to find.

 

[doondoon]

thanks for the information. I would just be renting them for a ten day job so no worries on the purchase cost. I'm going to be doing quite a bit of hand held so I'm sort of leaning towards the stock lens (I have used the EX1 a lot and am fine with the stock lens). I'm assuming they're very close. It doesn't seem like the difference between the 5.5 Fujinon and the stock lens is night and day difference (although I should test).