Canon 6x Zoom XL

The Canon HD Video Lens 6x XL 3.4-20.4mm L is made for the High Definition ENG, commercial, documentary and feature videographer who demands uncompromising optical quality. The 3.4 to 20.4mm wide-angle zoom lens provides users with an extensive range of focal lengths from 24.5 to 147mm (in 35mm photographic terms). Designed for Canon's XL lens mount system, it adds even more versatility and artistic range to Canon's XL HD camcorder, the XL H1.

Canon reserves the "L-Series" designation for its highest quality photographic lenses. As an L-Series lens, the Canon HD Video Lens 6x XL 3.4-20.4mm L has excellent color reproduction and delivers edge-to-edge sharpness. With high-refraction glass and the integration of Canon's newly developed UA (Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical) lens design, the lens achieves high resolution and increased zoom magnification in a compact size. It features Canon's multi-coating to reduce ghosting and flare for a clear, crisp image. It also ensures minimal distortion that makes it the ideal lens for wide-screen TV.

The XL mount system supports the HDV standard, ensuring communication compatibility and full HDV functionality with the XL H1. This includes HDV functions such as HD auto-focusing, still image auto-focusing, still image stabilization, and distance information.

Features:

• Manual Iris Ring - In response to XL H1 users, the Canon HD Video Lens 6x Zoom XL 3.4-20.4mm L features a manual iris adjustment ring on the lens itself. Previously, the f-number could only be selected using an iris dial on the camera. The manual iris adjustment ring of the HD 6x zoom lens lets you adjust your f-stop with the same hand and in the same way you focus and zoom.
• Distance Display - In combination with the XL H1, the lens lets you see a subject-distance read-out in your viewfinder. This function provides you with the same, useful subject distance information you get from reading the markings on the barrel of a front focusing lens.
• MOD (Minimum Object Distance) Function - The lens includes a Minimum Object Distance (MOD) feature, which creates an Autofocus range suitable for normal shooting situations from one meter to infinity. This feature prevents the lens from focusing on dust particles that can occasionally appear on the surface of the lens. For macro applications, the AF range can be extended to a minimum focusing distance of 20mm.
• Focus Preset Function - The focus preset function lets you manually focus on your subject, then store that information in memory. Once the focus is set, you can then capture shots in which you change your focus from infinity (or some other distance) to your subject - using three different speed settings.
• Zoom Preset Function - The zoom preset function lets you preset the focal length of your lens, then store that information in memory. This feature is useful when you want to preset a focal length for the end of a shot - for example, when you want to zoom in on your subject.
• One-push AF Function - The one-push AF function is used when you want to fix the focus on a particular subject using AF. For example, when you are tracking a specific person in a shot that includes many people moving in different directions.
• (2) Built-in ND Filters - The built-in ND filter lets you select one of two neutral density levels (1/6, 1/32), giving you the flexibility to obtain optimal results under a wide variety of lighting conditions. An ND warning display even alerts you to bright conditions that can result in the deterioration of image quality.