Hey, I'm new to the fourms and i've been searching around to see whether or not there is a 0.3x Fisheye for the Z5 or FX1000. I called around and Century says they won't be making one because of a vingetting issue. Does anybody know how bad this issue really is? And is it because when your zoomed out 100% the lens on the camera is already a wide? I've been told by a local store that if need be I can buy the fisheye for the Z7 and it will fit, however I don't entirely want to shell out $1200 for a fisheye lens thats going to be rubbish for my camera. Any input or alternatives would be very much appreciated on this topic, thanks.

PS. The cameras are being used to film rollerblading.

I have similar question since I want to get FX1000. Does anyone put wide-angle lens on FX1000/Z5? How much wider the image gets? I like the W/A distortion look, so it's not a problem.

There are mixed opinions about this, but I feel, that you do not need a WA. Note, that the FX1000 already has a very wide end as it comes from the shop. 29.5. And that wide is without disturbing distortions.

There are mixed opinions about this, but I feel, that you do not need a WA. Note, that the FX1000 already has a very wide end as it comes from the shop. 29.5. And that wide is without disturbing distortions.

I agree - and that's great for "regular" use, but both Nigel and I want that fish-eye look as it gives extra dynamic effect. So the question is - did anyone try to put 72mm 0.7x/0.4x W/A or 0.3x fish-eye adapter onto FX1000/Z5 lens?

I want to see what the Century guy has to say about this. Obviously they tried it to come to the conclusion that it wasn't worthwhile to make it.

Vignetting issue? With a fisheye lens? The whole point about a fisheye image is that you get a circular image contained within your rectangular frame. In other words vignetted corners are par for the course.

Vignetting issue? With a fisheye lens? The whole point about a fisheye image is that you get a circular image contained within your rectangular frame. In other words vignetted corners are par for the course.

Some fisheyes dont vignette at all, they just greatly distort the image.

Ah - full frame fish-eyes. These are few and far between in the video game (they see 180 degrees corner to corner) but powerful wide-angles that barrel distort hugely are ten a penny.

Worth starting here on the Raynox site Nigel:

Raynox Video Camcorder Accessory Lens Index (http://raynox.co.jp/english/video/egvideoindex.htm)

as they do a huge selection of lenses and have very good demos on line.

tom.

Thanks for the response Tom, unfortunately still not quite what I'm looking for with the Raynox lens'. I think Lukas and I are both looking more off for a lens like this one.

http://ideal-photo.de/Bilder/Vorsatzlinsen/Broadcast/72mm/72mm_FE_HDV_0,3x/IMG_0089Kamera.JPG
http://ideal-photo.de/Bilder/Vorsatzlinsen/Broadcast/72mm/72mm_FE_HDV_0,3x/IMG_0091Kamera.JPG

I know Century makes one like it for the Z7 that fits on the Z5 as I mentioned before. I'm just uncertain of its performance due to these rumoured problems with vignetting that I imagine are quite bad for them to not release the lens.

I know Century makes one like it for the Z7 that fits on the Z5 as I mentioned before. I'm just uncertain of its performance due to these rumoured problems with vignetting that I imagine are quite bad for them to not release the lens.

I think there is nothing else to do then just make a trip to B&H and try few adapters on FX1000/Z5.

I've used the 0.4 fisheye by 16x9. Doesn't have a circular field and is a bit soft at the corners at times (keep app. small) but not too bad since the effect is more than worth it. Makes clouds and big horizons look great. There's a bunch of that lens in there but most surely check shots at 1:00, 1:14 and 1:32 also the end sitting shot @ 2:10. Overcranked a bunch of that footage as well and was able to audio trigger the smooth slow feature to get shots of myself when I was by myself just before I would hit a jump!!
(Better Life on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/3256244))
This was the first test tape I did when I got the camera, still trying and figuring some things out but have been generally blown away by what I can do for the price!!
Thanks for all the recommendations on the camera. It's an excellent film tool

Thats a pretty sick video and some seriously sick DJ's/ trails. What do you ride? Thanks for the lens idea I'll definitely look into that unless Lukas finds a good fish at B&H.

What do you ride?
Santa Cruz Bullit as well as a Transition Double, Also got a V-10 for when stuff gets real big
The camera is almost as fun as the bikes especially when I'm feeling my age

Thats a pretty sick video and some seriously sick DJ's/ trails. What do you ride? Thanks for the lens idea I'll definitely look into that unless Lukas finds a good fish at B&H.

That's exactly what I wanted to see :-)

Wow Rich - lovely film! Brave cutting indeed. And even braver jumping - those boys (you included) are mad, and it shows up well.

Such very short focal lengths need spotless spotless optics though (you know what I mean), but this is a nit-pick in a film that's so full of variety in pace.

tom.

Nigel,

here are the Raynox details for the FX1000:

Raynox High Definition Conversion Lens Accessories for SONY HDR-FX1000, HDR-FX1000E, HVR-Z5E, HVR-Z5U, HVR-Z5 HVR Camcorders (http://raynox.co.jp/english/video/hdrfx1000/index.html)

Wow Rich - lovely film! Brave cutting indeed. And even braver jumping - those boys (you included) are mad, and it shows up well.

Such very short focal lengths need spotless spotless optics though (you know what I mean), but this is a nit-pick in a film that's so full of variety in pace.

tom.

Thanks Tom, I know what you mean about the spotless optics. When I saw those dust specs & bloches I cringed. Day one, Lesson one of HD - mad atention to a clean lens -which is quite a chore in the southwest as bikes go zipping by you. I use to get away with alot more with the old VX2100

I guess you'll keep a micro-fibre cloth with you at all times on such a shoot. And like I've been saying on other threads all over DVi - don't use filters with such extremely short focal lengths unless you absolutely, gun2thehead have to. Every air2glass surface is another surface that must be kept spotless.

Has anyone tried the century Z7U Century lens on either of these cameras yet?

Dovision 0.3x Ultra Fisheye Adapter????


Anyone? looks like century optics and it's 0.3

0.3x Ultra Fisheye Adap. f Sony HDR-FX1000 HDR-FX1000E - eBay, Zubehör, Professional Broadcasting, Foto Camcorder. (end time 30-Mar-09 08:50:13 AEDST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/0-3x-Ultra-Fisheye-Adap-f-Sony-HDR-FX1000-HDR-FX1000E_W0QQitemZ120384909420QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDE_Elektronik_Computer_Foto_Camcorder_Objektive_PM?h ash=item120384909420&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3A1318)

Yup, I was looking at that not long before I started this thread. It looks alright, I mean its German so it must be well made. However I emailed them and they haven't gotten back to me with what it would look like on an HVR-Z5 not to mention I thought we couldn't thread mount on our cams.

Yup, I was looking at that not long before I started this thread. It looks alright, I mean its German so it must be well made. However I emailed them and they haven't gotten back to me with what it would look like on an HVR-Z5 not to mention I thought we couldn't thread mount on our cams.

it's pricey too. Wish they posted frame grabs with and without the adapter.

I agree - lots and lots of technical pictures of the lens but not a single frame grab. This lens isn't to look pretty on your camera, it's to film through.

If one needs translation or communication help with the company let me know. I'm German ;)

Peter if its not to much trouble could you ask them if they can give us an actual frame with that lens on?

Sorry Nigel, took me some time to send them the question. Just did it now. Now buys with the FX which arrived yesterday :D

Will keep you posted.

I've got a very useful wide-converter - it's the Tecpro 0.5S. It's a 58 mm fitting, is full zoom-through and interestingly it can be unscrewed so that you can use part of it as a powerful macro lens (+10 dioptre) and the front part when used on its own gives you a 0.3x fisheye lens (partial zoom-through).

tom.

Nigel,

here is the reply from the German Ebay guy - translated of course:

=================================================================
Pictures have not been edited:

http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx1000/101MSDCF/DSC00126.JPG
[http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx1000/101MSDCF/DSC00126.JPG]
http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx1000/101MSDCF/DSC00125.JPG [http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx1000/101MSDCF/DSC00125.JPG]
http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx1000/101MSDCF/DSC00123.JPG [http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx1000/101MSDCF/DSC00123.JPG]


This is a 180 degree shot - he was with the cam already in the door frame

http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx1000/101MSDCF/180grad.JPG [http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx1000/101MSDCF/180grad.JPG]

More shots with the lens on Vimeo:

XH-A1

EndlessPictures Banditos Edit on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/2972950) [http://vimeo.com/2972950]

FX7 ( the cam is not so wide angle therefore you don't have the typical Fisheye look)

DOVISION test on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/3200170) [http://vimeo.com/3200170]

Tip: As more wide angle capability the cam has, as stronger the effect

The lens is filling the horizontal frame optimal if the focal is between 28-36mm KB, which is the best with the Canon XH Series and the Sony FX1000,Z5,z7,FX1 Series

The effect is also not that fisheye style for 4:3 cams like Canon XM1 and Xm2 and the old XL Series.

Currently you will not find any stronger ones then the 0.3x of Dovision

I hope this helps
Ersen Islak

===============================================================

Let me konw if you have further questions.

Wow thank you very much Peter. This definitely helps my decision a lot. Has anybody else heard about a recall on Century fisheyes for Sony's again?

.3X ULTRA FISHEYE HD Z7/S270 - Schneider Optics (http://www.schneideroptics.com/ecommerce/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?CID=1507&IID=6717)

I just talked to a guy from Lemac, has anyone checked this century lens out?

Yup, that was my original idea apparently they're compatible. I ordered a DoVision today however...If that doesn't work out century it is!

I got the DO Vision. Its very well made however I think I found a defect in my lens. Its got some kind of black dot on it, will keep everyone posted on the situation.

How did you go with this Nigel? I'm looking for a fisheye lens for my FX1000 and having no luck getting my hands on one!