Good value ENG lens for HPX3000

KINOKS

KINOKS

Well-known member
Can somebody please recommend some good value used lenses (eng lenses) to go with an hpx3000? I'm trying to figure out if I can put an under 10k (€) package for shooting verite docs as used HPX3000s keep poping up arround an 5 - 7k.

I've seen some Canon HJ21 cine used for about 3-4k, and I've seen tons of used SD lenses.

Does anyboy know anything about the stock hpx600 lens?
I think it's the FUJINON XA16x8 but I can't find any solid info about it...
 
Typical used SD lens has poor edge performance at wideset or closest range. You can get away on a 720p HPX 2000 series. But all the 3000 & 5000 1080p series are not so forgiving w/ lackluster optics. The 1080p sensors are significantly sharper from 720p. It's sharp that even a few mm off the focus you can instantly discern. 720p - most of the times. Plus chromatic aberrations will pop up a lot on SD lens. This is kind of like a purplish or halo around the image when shooting at certain lighting conditions. CAC is mostly only on newer lens. It's virtually impossible to get CAC on legacy SD lens due to the servo electronics serial communication required between the lens and the cam. Even a small dust on the clear filter will show as an ugly spot on the final image. This is especially true w/ super wide angle HD lens. And those who use the 4K large sensor cams, SD lens just won't cut it. No wonder why they're everywhere now. Used lens varies. You got to have it maintained by relubrication and readjustment for the highest MTF performance. A must on 1080p native 2/3" cam. That can cost anywhere from $800-$1600, depending on how much wear and tear. Typically under average use, every 3-5 years you have to get it serviced. Just like a car.
 
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Okey. I kinda expected that. I also think that we've already had this conversation on this forum:)

So any words on used HD lenses?
 
KINOKS said:
Okey. I kinda expected that. I also think that we've already had this conversation on this forum:)

So any words on used HD lenses?
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Used 2/3" HD lens are great bargain and should be chosen over SD. Excellent MTF performance is still there even after 5-8 years of use. The glass itself doesn't wear out unless you point it at direct sunlight for years. Just the servo focus & zoom, focus ring's lubricants and of course the zoom glass elements all have to be readjusted again. $35K new can now be $15-18K. All you would need is send it in for service to make sure everything's in order. Fujinon told me they have customers still using a 25 yrs old SD lens til this day as long as it's well serviced every 3-5 years! Excellent return of investment. I prefer used HD lens especially for international travel shoots where if it's damaged, it won't be as bad vs the new. Plus you can get rid of them on the shoot because most hard core local folks would love to get them. They're hard to come by in most 3rd word countries. The only issue is the lack of CAC on the older models generation and features such as serial control, faster servo zooms and slightly improved edge corners are not found on the older generations. Because the lack of CAC on older generations of the same model, you'll have to live w/ a bit of CAC here and there. But it's not as bad vs SD lens.

More specific examples of generations: Fujinon HA22x7.3BERD has 6 generations since 2003. I got a chance to use both the first and the 5th. The fifth overall has a slightly faster zoom servo models and improved edge corners similar to their latest HA19x7.4. But overall it's extremely hard to tell them apart optically - which is a good thing for multicams shoot.

The Fujinon XA16x8 is a stock OEM lens. All of the bell & whistles found on their HA & ZA series will not be on this model. If you used their higher end models, this will be a disappointment. The focus ring is not as smooth for starter. Full of annoying focus & zoom breathing. The grip just doesn't feel as comfortable. I give it a C grade overall.
 
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I presume that you have bought used HD lenses before? What should I be looking out for? Rings that's one thing okey, but what about coatings and flare and cac, etc.? Do you kniw any sites that one can find some good info, rewievs on eng lenses?

So you've actually shoot with the stock Fujinon? I kbow it's probably bad in most departements, but this lens would really be just a steping stone untill we save up for something better. We can live with focus breathing and not so good ergonomics and zooming mechanism. We can't live though with really bad CA, bad edge to edge sharpenss and other IQ factors. How would you say that it performns in the IQ departement? Would you say it's close to the stock lens on the PMW350K?
 
Yes. Just a few 2/3" HD lenes for special international productions. Obviously the most basic is to point the lens at a strong light source and do a visual inspection for any scratches or fungus. Unfortunately the 2/3" lens market is pretty much now a rarity. Useful reviews on 2/3" lenses, data are generally kept in house between broadcasters, DPs. They are not shared widely. I myself can't find any useful & tests reviews on the popular 2/3" lens anywhere on the net. You pretty much have to contact the mfg.'s to get more concrete data for CAC, type of coating for lens model & year mfg. Those are somewhat confidential and secretive data.



KINOKS said:
I presume that you have bought used HD lenses before? What should I be looking out for? Rings that's one thing okey, but what about coatings and flare and cac, etc.? Do you kniw any sites that one can find some good info, rewievs on eng lenses?

So you've actually shoot with the stock Fujinon? I kbow it's probably bad in most departements, but this lens would really be just a steping stone untill we save up for something better. We can live with focus breathing and not so good ergonomics and zooming mechanism. We can't live though with really bad CA, bad edge to edge sharpenss and other IQ factors. How would you say that it performns in the IQ departement? Would you say it's close to the stock lens on the PMW350K?
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Hj21hd

Hj21hd

KINOKS said:
Can somebody please recommend some good value used lenses (eng lenses) to go with an hpx3000? I'm trying to figure out if I can put an under 10k (€) package for shooting verite docs as used HPX3000s keep poping up arround an 5 - 7k.
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Last year I Ebay bought a HPX3000 (11k$) and a Canon HJ21 HD lens (lacked CAC version though) for 6400$. Could not be happier and even more so after this AM dowloading several new HPX3000 scene files:
http://www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/scene-files.asp?model=HPX3000

Not sure about finding HPX3000 in the 5-7k$ range and sure; a HD lens can be head for way under 10k$ but it will lack CAC of course. Do not buy your lens from a broker (long story) or even dealer (longer story) and instead buy from an actual real person (end users) and always insist on being returnable.
 
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