I know there are many teleconverters for the Z1 but is there one out yet that does not vignette when pulled wide?? I am fairly sure there isnt, but would think since the camera has been out for a few years someone would try to tackle the issue of vignetting. Any suggestions under 3k would be welcomed, the 12X zoom just isnt getting it done. THX

I'm not 100% sure but I don't think it's possible unless the glass inside the lens moves. Like a still camera SLR lens.

I'm not 100% sure but I don't think it's possible unless the glass inside the lens moves. Like a still camera SLR lens. If this is the case Justin, Sounds like something Century Optics or some other lens manufacturer might need to look at. Thanks

I don't think you will ever see something like this with a 72mm lens mount. In order to go full wide the conversion lens would have to be HUGE. I think the nature of teleconvertors is that they will always vignette when zoomed wide. If you have a camcorder with 37mm filter threads you might be able to put a big teleconvertor on it and zoom full wide. But I think the size (not to mention the cost) would be prohibitive for a camera like the Z1.

I have the Century optics 1.6x which is quite large and heavy, and it vignettes at about 50% zoom. I really don't see this as a limitation; if I need to do wider shots I just remove it - better not to add extra glass unless really needed.

There is a workaround, though not ideal. It involves using a 35mm adaptor with groundglass removed and shooting the aerial image of a 35mm stills lens.

You end up shooting with the camcorder on full zoom to get inside the vignette of the relayed 35mm lens.

If it is a non-flip adaptor, then you have the issue of flipping the image in post or via Cineform capture.

This clip was shot with the Z1, home-made AGUS35 and Sigma 50mm - 500mm f4-6.3 zoom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4rC5dVPq1s

There is a vignette evident in thid clip due to

1. operator error. - inadvertantly closed ther Sigma iris.

2. Poor build quality of my adaptor since fixed. The optical centre was off by 1.2mm which brought the left edge of the iris into the frame.