Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

That's the same rig I played with at Photo Plus. In fact, the journalist who wrote the article had the press appointment before me. He also photographed me holding the rig, but I wasn't as compelling a subject as the Japanese women.

Week after next when I have the rig for a couple of days I'll post some shots.

Ned

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

More pics from Sony...
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachme...1&d=1319889351

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

The EX1 heritage really shows there, doesn't it?

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

Yes, Duke. Lens looks exactly like the EX lens except it is one big monster.

As I said, more after I have it for a day or two.

Ned

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

Anyone had the chance to play with the lens anymore?

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

I'm looking at it right now but it goes back in the AM.

I'll be writing a more complete review of the lens as well as of the SR R1 HDCAM SR solid state recorder later in the week,

It is a big and I mean big lens. Same controls as EX lenses. With 1.2 firmware (still to be released) rocker zoom works and choice of auto or manual as well as SteadyShot stabilization. Not a lot of contrast. Not a lot of detail. Respectable lens to make the F3 more of a run and gun or ENG type camera. Keep the perspective then, and if those functions are what you need, this lens will do it.

No lens markings. But if you're shooting ENG, distance is less critical than if shooting cinema. Short focus throw makes pulling focus very hard. But, then again, this is an ENG lens.

Another option is the 2/3" lens adapter from Abel and buy a used 2/3" lens.

Keep in mind the lens has a list of $12,200 and aprox street of $9900. Sony is offering a $1500 rebate for early F3 adopters (don't know when the cut off is) so that brings your cost down to $8400.

Ned

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

Looking forward to your review Ned! Where can we find the review when you write it?

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

Ned, can you check for the iris stepping as opposed to being smooth. So far I have only played with pre-production units and these have all stepped. I've been told the production units should be smooth.

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

My unit was also preproduction. It stepped.

Ned

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

Ned's Review

Going Handheld with the Sony F3Ned Soltz, Ned Soltz, Ned Soltz

Do you have any sample footage from your shoot or any screen grabs Ned?

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

I'll try to get something up. Going absolutely nuts trying to keep up at the moment...

Ned

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

much appreciated :)

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

Ned, good review. I would say you were very fair with the pros and cons. Having used the lens a little bit myself, I agree with most of the comments from all three of you.
It's not a lens for me, but I can see where it might fit in for someone else.

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

Another review about the zoom lens:

Re: Sony 14x Zoom Lens SCL-Z8X140
 

It telescopes! Another compromise. I can see the lens having certain uses, but at that price and with all those compromises its going to be a small group of people that want it.

I think what I'd want is approx 18-100mm, no telescoping, F2.8 throughout at $6k instead of $12k, but I don't think that's likely. I'd buy if they made it though.