Cannon GL2 longrange video question

[oldmossy]

I have a Cannon GL2 camcorder. Looking for information on what I need to purchase to get the best video possible from that camera at longer distances(1000-1500 yd range). Is there a telephoto lense out there, or maybe go with an adapter and a spotting scope? Any suggestions???

 

[dgarrett]

They make doublers that will make your Canon GL2 a 40x. The problem with the doublers is it also doubles the F-Stop so full sunny days are required to get nice video. Really if you want crisp great video the closer you can get the better. Heat waves and distortion and just the slightest movement all cause grainy unusable video. Dave Garrett

 

[aroshtr]

I ran into this same problem. It seems like all the high quality cameras with decent sensors have max optical zooms of 10x and 20x. I found I can get decent results on critters at 1000+ yards with some of the nicer "camcorders" that have 35-45 optical zooms. They can be had for $500-$750. Granted you will be giving up some quality compared to your GL2 for any shots that are zoomed out. But if you want to see bullet impacts, and have the animal look bigger than a mouse on your screen, you really need the 40X zoom.

The other problem to consider if you decide to get a doubler for the GL2, is that when you zoom out there will be some form of vignetting.

Joel

 

[oldmossy]

thanks for the info guys

 

[oldmossy]

I have a 2x lense for my camera. But it will not focus when zoomed all the way. I talked to a guy with cambell cameras and he said I had a junk lense that comes with the camera. He said for 300.00 I can get a quality 2x lense. Will this make a difference? Should I buy that lense?

 

[midwesthunter]

short answer a different camera. you will need a lens that cost twice as much as the camera is worth. GL2's aren't worth anything anymore. I still have mine from back in the day just because. Since everything is HD you can get a smaller consumer camera with a 40x optical zoom that will give you better video. I'm running a sony v1u and a sony ax-2000 my 1.8x lense for the ax-2000 was right around $1000, and you still loose some quality. I would seriously look at a consumer hd cam

 

[oldmossy]

any suggestions on which smaller consumer camera to go with? I didn't research the GL2 before purchasing off of EBAY. I thought they were good cameras. Never gave it much thought until I seen cheap HD cameras at Walmart that had more zoom than mine. Figured I messed up.

 

[dgarrett]

The reason your camera won't focus when zoomed all the way out is that you are then using the Digital Zoom not just the Optical Zoom. There is a little zoom indicator light bar you can watch as you zoom out in your view finder. I can't remember what colors it shows but I think its green on optical zoom and changes to red when you pass that and get into digital zoom. None of the cheap cameras are going to take as good of video as your GL2. Cheap never is the answer to a good camera just like in rifle scopes. Dave Garrett

 

[midwesthunter]

Now the GL2 isn't a bad camera, it use to be the work horse of the industry. And garrets is kind of right about the cheap camera not being as good at GL2. I guess it depends on what you consider cheap. Me thats a $1000.00 cam.

 

[bayedup7]

I would buy the best doubler you can afford and only use your optical zoom. Raynox makes a good one for under $300. You can see some video I shot with it just search here or youtube for 2012 338 edge long range hunting video.

 

[oldmossy]

Thanks bayedup7. Ill check your videos out on youtube.

 

[oldmossy]

Watched the video on youtube. great job and thanks for info

 

[Broz]

Thanks bayedup7. Ill check your videos out on youtube.

I got a question or two for you please. First that is an outstanding video!!!!

What did you use to edit it, and put it all together?

Have you had professional classes for this?

I assume you did it all on your lap top then transferred it to youtube? Does it take a super computer?

Do you have to change format to get it to youtube?

Guess that was more than a few Q's...

Thanks
Jeff

 

[bayedup7]

I got a question or two for you please. First that is an outstanding video!!!!

What did you use to edit it, and put it all together?

Have you had professional classes for this?

I assume you did it all on your lap top then transferred it to youtube? Does it take a super computer?

Do you have to change format to get it to youtube?

Guess that was more than a few Q's...

Thanks
Jeff

I use Adobe After Effects for intro edit with Adobe premiere pro.
No training unless you count hours and hours watching Youtube tutorials
Used desktop computer could use laptop if not to old you need least 2 gigs of Ram more is better.
In premiere you can burn Bluray or DvD or export to about any format
Hope that helps