XCD 120 macro vs HC120 II macro?

[Michael H. Cothran]

Wasn't sure where to post this, as it deals with lenses, but at the same time, is related to the X1D. So I chose the X1D category. If it needs to be moved, go ahead.

My quandary -
Whether to wait upon the arrival of the XCD 120 macro lens ($4500 US) for my new X1D. Or...purchase a used HC120 II lens, which can be found in the $3500 ballpark. Of course, the latter would require the XH adapter, which is another item I have pre-ordered, but still see no ETA in sight. So...at the moment, I really don't have any choice at all.

I have weighed the pros & cons available for each lens, and simply cannot make up my mind on one or the other. If both were currently available, that is to say, that the XH adapter was also currently available for the HC lens, I'm just not sure which way I'd go. 

[hcubell]

I would wait for the XCD 120mm Macro later this year. The HC 120mmII Macro is a very big and very heavy lens. Judging by the MTF charts for it, thr former looks like it will be an exceptional lens.
Actually, the HC 120II is so big and heavy, I would never mount it on the X1D with the XH adapter because of concerns over stressing the lens mount. You can buy a lens collar for the XH adapter, but that will just move the stress point to the adapter.

[Michael H. Cothran]

Yes - The HC lens weighs significantly more than the XCD, plus it is longer, and even more so with the XH adapter. On the plus side, the HC120II will focus to 1:1, while the XCD will only go to 1:2. A third point to consider is that the HC120II lens can be purchased @ about $1000 less than the XCD, assuming you buy it used.
I would presume that either lens will deliver outstanding images.
Tough choice.

[docmoore]

A case of diminishing returns for the HC lens ... one ... the shutter unless it is new will not match that of the XCD at 1/2000. Two ... I think that the native lens is more likely to have
corrections in software that may be more successful as it was designed for the lens flange distance and the sensor.

As most macro usually is a manual focus affair ... the third concern for me may be a non-issue .... just would not want to moving all that glass in AF with the adapted lens ... especially
considering the 1:1 focus.

The HC is a wonderful lens ... but my experience with the Leica S and adapted lenses tells me to use the native lens when you have the choice ... and reserve the adapter for lenses
not in the XCD mount ... like the 150, 210 and 300.

[Michael H. Cothran]

Good advice, and that's probably the way I will ultimately go.

[HBIEVP]

A case of diminishing returns for the HC lens ... one ... the shutter unless it is new will not match that of the XCD at 1/2000. Two ... I think that the native lens is more likely to have
corrections in software that may be more successful as it was designed for the lens flange distance and the sensor.

As most macro usually is a manual focus affair ... the third concern for me may be a non-issue .... just would not want to moving all that glass in AF with the adapted lens ... especially
considering the 1:1 focus.

The HC is a wonderful lens ... but my experience with the Leica S and adapted lenses tells me to use the native lens when you have the choice ... and reserve the adapter for lenses
not in the XCD mount ... like the 150, 210 and 300.

DocMoore,

I really appreciate your input in this discussion. I like to re-emphasize that the 1/2000th is only available for new lenses, the one's marked with the "orange square" -- EhEU (Enhanced Exposure Unit) lenses. Also, I'd like to assure you that the Digital Automatic Corrections (chromatic aberrations, distortion, vignetting) in Phocus will be available the XH adapter and HC/HCD lenses combinations.

Sincerely,

Eric Peterson
Field Sales Specialist
Hasselblad