XL2 and Filters

[Aaron Shaw]

Greetings all,

Is it possible to *easily* use filters such as circular polarizers and adjustable ND filters on the XL2? I'm just not sure how this would work with the lensehood and yet still allow you to adjust the filters.

Also, I'm very curious to see some tests of the XL2s dynamic range. I'm trying to decide if buying a low contrast filter would be worth my money (as it generally is with video).

[Greg Milneck]

It appears a standard 72mm filter will thread into the lens inside the hood without any trouble. I do not have 72mm filters to confirm this as I use a matte box and 4X4 filters.

[Aaron Shaw]

Thanks Greg. Would I have access to the filters themselves or would I have to remove the lensehood to adjust my polarizer/nd filter?

[Jim Giberti]

<<Thanks Greg. Would I have access to the filters themselves or would I have to remove the lensehood to adjust my polarizer/nd filter?>>

Just did an outdoor shoot yesterday much of which required a circular polarizer. It works exactly as it did on the other XLs no problem, and the results on the XL2 were really nice.

[Aaron Shaw]

Thanks for the response Jim. Very helpful.

[Don Berube]

For what it is worth, I use a Chrosziel 4x4 DV Sunshade with a french flag and a 72mm screw-on adaptor ring which allows the matte box to screw onto any of the XL lenses. Works like a charm and also easily interfaces with all the other cams I use. I also have a special extended 72mm ring for use with the DVX, a 58mm ring for use with the GL2 and any lens using a 58mm thread mount. This box readily fits onto higher end b'cast camcorder lenses too with the proper screw-on adaptor, depending upon which lens is used. An optional 15mm rods & lightweight support bracket interface is available too.
http://zgc.com/zgc.nsf/active/5FF6A2...256B830002A540

I also use the newer Formatt Filters, all high grade Schott Water-White Optical glass design, thinner, lighter, nice black metal band marked with the filter name & value surrounding the edges (easy to write on with a grease pencil). Each filter comes wrapped in a micro-fiber cleaning cloth and packaged inside a heavy duty pre-lableled pouch.
http://zgc.com/zgc.nsf/c7a682995edb4...c?OpenDocument

I mostly use a Pola, ND's and grads and Low Contrast when required. I also still occasionally use some of my beloved Tiffen 4x4's too. One tends to create a collection of various brands as the years go by, depending on your needs.

Best of luck,

- don