AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › 2.35:1 Constant Image Height Chat › New Prismasonic H-FE1500R vs. "The King" (ISCO III). Any evaluations yet? Alan?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

New Prismasonic H-FE1500R vs. "The King" (ISCO III). Any evaluations yet? Alan?

post #1 of 30
2/9/07 at 12:25pm
Thread Starter 
Note, the other thread by the same name must have gotten gorked when AVS went down. So here is another one.

Alan, or anyone else for that matter, are you planning to evaluate this lens?

Quote from the Power Buy Post:

The H-FE1500R model has five optical elements. The prisms of H-FE1500 series have been finished by the optical glass using the highest possible surface accuracy parameters during the manufacturing process. This means a crystal clear image with no optical artifacts. In addition to this the prisms are achromatic, which means that both prisms are made by two glass materials having different optical properties. This specific technology significantly reduces the chromatic aberration from the image. Compared to the preceding H-1400 lenses, the H-FE1500 series has further optimized achromatic prisms still to decrease the chromatic aberration from former. An additional optical front element increases the image sharpness to an extreme level, and also eliminates a slight focus shift between the 'stretch' and 'pass' modes. Moreover, all the optical surfaces have the anti-reflection coatings to maximize the light output of your projector.

I am a little confused at what Prismasonic is saying. First they say This means a crystal clear image with no optical artifacts. But then they go on to say This specific technology significantly reduces the chromatic aberration from the image. So in one sentence they claim no optical artifacts and then they follow shortly after with reduces chromatic aberration. So it sounds like there is still some CA. Question is, how much?

I guess I'd just like to see how well this lens performs agains t the ISCO III and also how much has it improved versus the H1200. Alan reviewed the H1200 some time ago along with other lenses so that may be a good comparison.

ISCO IIII is my current choice, but I don't look forward to paying for an ISCO III. Prismasonic has always been my second choice after the ISCO III. They may now be at the point where the additional dollars for an ISCO III is no longer worth it.

So, understanding that the ISCO III is the undisputed king, just how does the H-FE1500R compare?
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 30
2/9/07 at 3:23pm
The Panamorph UH380 should be included in this best of class evaluation. I own one, having previously owned a H1200 and also having recently seen an ISCO III (the Sim2 one), I believe the UH380 is very comparable.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 30
2/9/07 at 3:29pm
Quote:


I am a little confused at what Prismasonic is saying. First they say This means a crystal clear image with no optical artifacts. But then they go on to say This specific technology significantly reduces the chromatic aberration from the image. So in one sentence they claim no optical artifacts and then they follow shortly after with reduces chromatic aberration. So it sounds like there is still some CA. Question is, how much?

I can't specifically answer that, but - it may just be that they are explaining how they got to conclusion #1 (no artifacts) by using method #2. In other words, they simply reversed the order of how things work : 1st we use these elements, etc and THEN, we get no artifacts. Anyway, that's how I would read it for now, but I'm sure Anssi will be here to clarify (and hopefully add some info on upgrade pricing for H1500R owners).
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 30
2/9/07 at 5:46pm
I'm really interested in hearing reports on the quality of this lens also. I'm looking at going to a 2.35 setup soon and like the idea of a lens with a pass-through mode. Of course since the power-buy is only a couple of hundred dollars less than the regular price, I don't feel any need to rush into a purchase without reading a few reviews first.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 30
2/9/07 at 5:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Citation4444 View Post

The Panamorph UH380 should be included in this best of class evaluation. I own one, having previously owned a H1200 and also having recently seen an ISCO III (the Sim2 one), I believe the UH380 is very comparable.


Citation,
The 380 is comparable to the H1200 or to the Isco III or both?

Thanks,
Scott
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 30
2/9/07 at 6:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by acegamer View Post

I'm really interested in hearing reports on the quality of this lens also. I'm looking at going to a 2.35 setup soon and like the idea of a lens with a pass-through mode. Of course since the power-buy is only a couple of hundred dollars less than the regular price, I don't feel any need to rush into a purchase without reading a few reviews first.

Count me in as well! Very interested in the results.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 30
2/9/07 at 8:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottyb View Post

Citation,
The 380 is comparable to the H1200 or to the Isco III or both?

Thanks,
Scott

IMO better than H1200 and comparable to Isco III.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 30
2/10/07 at 5:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nowandthen View Post

I am a little confused at what Prismasonic is saying. First they say This means a crystal clear image with no optical artifacts. But then they go on to say This specific technology significantly reduces the chromatic aberration from the image. So in one sentence they claim no optical artifacts and then they follow shortly after with reduces chromatic aberration. So it sounds like there is still some CA. Question is, how much?

I agree that This means a crystal clear image with no optical artifacts" sounds salesman jargon, and actually is from salesman pen.
The amount chromatic aberration is directly dependent on the used throw (D/W) ratio. The H-1500 series with achromatic prisms reduces the chromatic aberration ~75 % from H-700 series with single prisms. If the the throw ratio is ~2.3 the CA is pretty much nonexistent with H-1500 series and small with H-700 series. If the D/W is 1.7 The CA is still very small with the H1500 series but is quite evident with H-700 series.

There are some specs for 2,3,4, and 5 element prismasonic lenses side by side at:

http://www.prismasonic.com/english/specs.shtml


Quote:
Originally Posted by flint350 View Post

(and hopefully add some info on upgrade pricing for H1500R owners)

Please look at the new product list at:

http://www.prismasonic.com/english/order_form.php

The upgrade parts has been added to the list


Best regards,
Anssi Leppanen
Prismasonic
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 30
2/10/07 at 8:50am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by prismasonic View Post

If the the throw ratio is ~2.3 the CA is pretty much nonexistent with H-1500 series and small with H-700 series. If the D/W is 1.7 The CA is still very small with the H1500 series but is quite evident with H-700 series.

Best regards,
Anssi Leppanen
Prismasonic


Anssi, for the throw ratios you mention, is the width the 16:9 width or the 2.37:1 width?
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 30
2/10/07 at 4:02pm
I would always assume 16:9 as that is the native throw ratio of the projector. It really comes down to how big is the beam of light as it pass through the lense.

Rod319
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 30
2/10/07 at 11:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nowandthen View Post

Anssi, for the throw ratios you mention, is the width the 16:9 width or the 2.37:1 width?


It is calculated for the unexpanded 16:9 width

Best,
Anssi Leppanen
Prismasonic
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 30
2/11/07 at 7:17am
Anssi, thanks for providing the upgrade kits. I have the 1200R and now realize I can upgrade to the newest FE1500R. Nice!

Will the front element swing as you go from pass to stretch as well? Also, what is the total light loss for the FE1500 model?

Thanks.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 30
2/11/07 at 8:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TorAtle View Post

Anssi, thanks for providing the upgrade kits. I have the 1200R and now realize I can upgrade to the newest FE1500R. Nice!

Will the front element swing as you go from pass to stretch as well? Also, what is the total light loss for the FE1500 model?

Thanks.

The front element stays still all the time. The light loss of front element is very minimal, because it is AR coated and is always perpendicular towards to the beam.

Best Regadrs,
Anssi Leppanen
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 30
2/11/07 at 9:00am
Anssi,

Will the DIY kits to upgrade my current lens (H1200R) to the model FE1500 be part of a powerbuy at some point?

Mike
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 30
2/12/07 at 6:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike N Ike View Post

Anssi,

Will the DIY kits to upgrade my current lens (H1200R) to the model FE1500 be part of a powerbuy at some point?

Mike

Hi Mike,

No, they are not. However, we have discounted all our prices already 20-30%.

Best regards,
Anssi Leppanen
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 30
2/12/07 at 9:05am
Anssi,

My only question is about possible benefits of the new kit over what I am seeing now. Honestly, my setup works so well now that I wonder what improvement I will see (I have an H1400R). I look at overall picture quality and edge sharpness and both are very good. I am always tempted to improve, so I am thinking of upgrading to the new lens. I don't really notice any chromatic aberration with my current lens, so is it truly worth upgrading? Are there other benefits as well? Thanks.
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 30
2/12/07 at 6:27pm
Anssi-
It's not clear to me what parts I would order to upgrade my 1200R to a FE1500R.
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 30
2/12/07 at 10:23pm
3no,

H1200 owners need to get the new aluminium casing for 250euro as well as the FE lense for 290euro. (i placed my order for both the other day)
Apparently the FE lense is designed to fit within the front frame section of the aluminium casing.
Apparently H1400 owners with the existing aluminium casing have to replace the bottom plate for the FE lens to fit (which is included with the basic FE Lense pack)

Matt.G
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 30
2/12/07 at 11:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by flint350 View Post

Anssi,

My only question is about possible benefits of the new kit over what I am seeing now. Honestly, my setup works so well now that I wonder what improvement I will see (I have an H1400R). I look at overall picture quality and edge sharpness and both are very good. I am always tempted to improve, so I am thinking of upgrading to the new lens. I don't really notice any chromatic aberration with my current lens, so is it truly worth upgrading? Are there other benefits as well? Thanks.


Hi Ray,

The front element makes the overall sharpness from 'good' to 'excellent'. It also eliminates a slight focus shift between the 'stretch' and 'pass' modes. The front element is appropriate if you think that either of both of these things are currently not satisfying you. The front element does not have an influence to the chromatic aberration.

The element will certainly improve all projector+ lens setups, but if you are happy now with your existing setup, I remind that the lens is working also without the 'fifth element'... That is why it is an optional part.

Best regards,
Anssi Leppanen
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 30
2/12/07 at 11:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3no View Post

Anssi-
It's not clear to me what parts I would order to upgrade my 1200R to a FE1500R.

Hi,

Matt gave exactly correct answers. Thanks Matt.

To be exact, your lens will be after upgrade the H-FE1400R. There is no reason for uppgrading the prisms, which still differs it from the H-FE1500R. The difference is pretty minimal (~5% less CA with 1500).

Best Regards,
Anssi Leppanen
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 30
2/20/07 at 10:04am
Is there a way to have pass-through and anamorphic modes switch automatically based on the aspect ratio of the source?

Seems to me that the FE1500R is the perfect solution for half the price since you don't have to purchase a sled or worry about moving the lens at all. (As long as it tests similar to the other well regarded lenses)
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 30
3/14/07 at 4:56am
So any news, reviews, or comparisons yet?
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 30
3/14/07 at 10:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikzip View Post

So any news, reviews, or comparisons yet?

Would be nice since the Powerbuy ends tomorrow
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 30
3/14/07 at 11:23am
Yes, maybe Alan could chime in about this as he has stated he has the 1500 in his theater. I am also wanting to make a decision before the powerbuy runs out! It is a shame that 2.35 lens adaptors are so expensive.............
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 30
3/14/07 at 6:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nowandthen View Post

Alan, or anyone else for that matter, are you planning to evaluate this lens?

There is another thread. Alan posted his comments here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&&#post9945293
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 30
3/14/07 at 6:35pm
Also a very nice review here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&&#post9951845
Reply
Reply
post #27 of 30
3/14/07 at 7:27pm
Alan's review puts me at ease...he's seen the ISCOIII IIRC and has glowing remarks for the new Prismasonic. If he's put it through the paces with 1080p test patterns then I'm sold...

I was debating to put the $700 upgrade from the H1200 to the H-FE1500m or ISCOIII + extra once I go 1080p, but the fifth element alleviates my only complaint with the older Prismasonic...focus shift & softening between pass/stretch modes. I don't plan on needing the ISCOIII size for shorter throws as I have no desire to deal with the pincushioning that comes along with it (via curved or torus screen). Nice...I notice the 1080p compatible on the Prismasonic website too although I trust Alan's review a little more of course. CA was never an issue with the H1200 (same primary prisms in the H-FE1500).

Mike
Reply
Reply
post #28 of 30
3/19/07 at 12:03am
Mike,

A theater like yours deserves a little gallery time, donchathink? Unless I missed it in Alan's sticky thread. CMRA
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 30
3/19/07 at 4:03am
Hello all. I tested the Panamorph 380 and ISCOIII and I saw that the Panamorph change a little bit the image colorimetry respect to ISCOIII. The image appears good but quite flat, while with ISCO this effect is not visible. Someone noted this difference?
I also saw the Schneider CDA 1.33x and has very good quality. For me is comparable with ISCOIII. Who knows something more about this lens?
Thanks
Michele
Reply
Reply
post #30 of 30
3/19/07 at 9:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CMRA View Post

Mike,

A theater like yours deserves a little gallery time, donchathink? Unless I missed it in Alan's sticky thread. CMRA

My theater is average at best to many that I've seen around here (especially since it was invaded by a rogue changing table for the new arrival!)...but I suppose I could snap a couple shots for the sticky.

Mike
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › 2.35:1 Constant Image Height Chat › New Prismasonic H-FE1500R vs. "The King" (ISCO III). Any evaluations yet? Alan?