Devon Lyon
July 19th, 2006, 09:38 AM
Yesterday I upgraded to the new LetusXL Flip Enhanced. I have only had time for a few quick tests and my INITIAL impressions are below.
I promise to post stills and a few movies within the next two days.
First, I also owned the LetusXL Flip, so I have a good sense of the differences between the two versions.
1. The new enhanced version is slightly bigger and longer. At the relay lens end there is both aperture AND back focus adjustment (which just rocks). I think this new feature will prove critical for on-the-fly adjustments when focus is critical (when is it not, I guess).
2. Most importantly, at least from my initial impressions, the image is noticeably sharper. Quyen said he is using a few new components as well as the back focus adjustment all adds to the new sharper image.
3. Light loss. Not much to report yet because I haven't run tests, but according to Quyen, there is less light loss in the enhanced version due to dropping the internal prism for two more mirrors.
I really liked my LetusXL, but in regular communication with Quyen I always made it clear I would like a sharper image. I can deal with light loss, but a soft image often won't work. Now, although my impressions are initial, it seems like the new enhanced version is clearly sharper. If the new version holds up to my initial impressions, Quyen's product might just be the best deal possible for a mere $900. Also, the fact I don't have to put the adaptor on the end of my stock lens is a huge bonus.
I promise to post stills and a few movies within the next two days.
First, I also owned the LetusXL Flip, so I have a good sense of the differences between the two versions.
1. The new enhanced version is slightly bigger and longer. At the relay lens end there is both aperture AND back focus adjustment (which just rocks). I think this new feature will prove critical for on-the-fly adjustments when focus is critical (when is it not, I guess).
2. Most importantly, at least from my initial impressions, the image is noticeably sharper. Quyen said he is using a few new components as well as the back focus adjustment all adds to the new sharper image.
3. Light loss. Not much to report yet because I haven't run tests, but according to Quyen, there is less light loss in the enhanced version due to dropping the internal prism for two more mirrors.
I really liked my LetusXL, but in regular communication with Quyen I always made it clear I would like a sharper image. I can deal with light loss, but a soft image often won't work. Now, although my impressions are initial, it seems like the new enhanced version is clearly sharper. If the new version holds up to my initial impressions, Quyen's product might just be the best deal possible for a mere $900. Also, the fact I don't have to put the adaptor on the end of my stock lens is a huge bonus.