---
title: Adding An XD Lens
slug: ncam-reality/adding-an-xd-lens
createdAt: 2022-11-18T10:55:11.000Z
---

Ncam Reality fully supports the eXtended Data (XD) protocol from supported lenses

This means when using an XD enabled lens with your Ncam system, no lens calibration is required

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# Firmware Version

The Zeiss lens must be using firmware **version 1.7.1** or later to work with Ncam Reality.

If the lens being used contains an older firmware, then XD data can not be used and calibration should be done manually
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:::hint{type="danger"}
# Supported Lenses

The XD integration currently only supports XD lenses from Zeiss.  Lenses with XD data from other manufacturers such as Canon and Fujinon have not been tested and can not be guaranteed to work as intended
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Ncam is required to be connected to the XD port on lens barrel via the Ncam "/i encoder cable"
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# Process

Select the "**Zeiss eXtended data**" encoder option from the drop down menu

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Qn0sdcVrDcDbwMFmH0oYn/rYYocz9e95hq2ClA9GnAs_encoderselect.gif)

Connect the Ncam /i cable to the xd data port on the lens, plug the other end into the **RS232 **port of the Mk2 server or connection box

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Qn0sdcVrDcDbwMFmH0oYn/h4ShNDXF1G0EVCeImiiHw_plug1.gif" size="66" width="600" height="338" position="center" showCaption="false"}

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Qn0sdcVrDcDbwMFmH0oYn/e4o9FramMZLJcTDoxULYn_plug2.gif" size="64" width="600" height="338" position="center" showCaption="false"}

In the **FullUI**, a dialog will be displayed informing you that an XD lens has been detected

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Qn0sdcVrDcDbwMFmH0oYn/m8-MBWtJPBUbiiFFcKhfL_lensdetected.gif)

If the lens has not been added previously then choose the OK option, this will open the "Calibration Panel"

:::hint{type="info"}
If the lens is not automatically detected, make sure that Ncam is "connected" by ensuring the power icon in the top left of the UI is Green
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In the panel, select the camera body you are using and then ensure the "**XD Lens**" option is enabled

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Qn0sdcVrDcDbwMFmH0oYn/FkostMQXwxMN84EbBz2_X_setcamersa.gif)

Then press the "**Calibrate/Map lens**" button

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Qn0sdcVrDcDbwMFmH0oYn/G58pJCqxTZ9F4TLJvq9XK_startmapping.gif)

Fully rotate the lens barrels all the way to the physical limits

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Qn0sdcVrDcDbwMFmH0oYn/4s7elONdftniehlKFnJcS_homing.gif)

Press Ok

Save the calibration by pressing Ok

The lens is now ready to use

# Converting Distortion Model

When initially adding an XD lens, it will automatically select the "XDLensModel" type.  Depending on the render engine you are connecting to however, it may be necessary to convert this to a more standard format. Typically "**CineLensDegree2**".

The Distortion type can be changed after the lens has been added by returning to the calibration panel and either "creating" or "editing" the calibration and selecting the new distortion type before saving

More information can be found in the Converting lens distortion section:

:::CtaButton{label="Converting Lens Distortion Models" docId="dib1J_F_vWoRhDhtcHbvX" docAnchorId="#pcwGY" openInNewTab="true"}

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