Hello Everybody:

I placed my HPX500 order about 7 weeks ago. I decided to upgrade from the Canon KJ16ex7.7 CAC lens to the Canon HJ17ex7.6 High-Def lens. According to my supplier the lens should arrive by the end of June.

My questions are:

1. Does anyone have experience with this lens and can offer their opinions?

2. Any thoughts on the camera/lens package in general?

3. Should I consider a similar High-Def Fujinon lens instead? Why?

4. Any recommendations for a good heavy-duty hand cart for my camera & gear?


Most Appreciated

Mark,

I am in the DC area as well (Bethesda) and am considering the same camera/lens combo as you. I haven't compared side by side CAC lenses with more expensive non-CAC HD lenses. I'd be curious if that Canon HJ lens has equal/better CA correction for the extra money (It's only a "few thousand dollars" more according to my dealer). I'll be in NY soon, maybe I can check out those lenses.
I suspect the cac lenses breathe more than their more expensive bretheren.
I use an HVX camera but just last week I was trying to get a podium head/shoulders shot from almost 100' away. Client had to settle for the longer lens of my ancient Betacam (still a money maker!) after having been spoiled by the P2 workflow.
I find the DC market to be very tape oriented and none of the rental houses have ordered the HPX cameras. One of them has sold off their HVX camera. Plenty of Varicams, HDX/SDX 900's, etc.
On to carts - I suspect you are in the market for a 4 wheeler like the UPS/Fedex/Beverage drivers use? The standard cart is commonly referred to as the Magliner(senior or junior sized). The smaller size can fit in a mini-van fairly easily at around 4'. If you check out the FilmTools site, you can see the myriad of choices/accessories/mods available. You'll discover that there is a superior cart for a little less money, I think, called a Liberty.
I found a local dealer in Fairfax, VA (Cooper Materials, I think) that sells them for less and no expensive shipping from CA.
E-mail or pm me and I'll look up their phone number/address.