I am considering the use of a high grade (Century?) 2X extender for my PD150. I would appreciate any comments, especially from those who have used them ( even on other cameras). The bayonet type has obvious advantages, but a screw on would be more universally usuable.(even on a still camera).

Comments?

Thanks
Martin

Hi martin

I don't know about the optex one but i have just got the raynox 2.2 tele converter for my pd170, and for close ups it dose a fine job.

The Raynox 2.2X is a good-quality item for the price, but it has a big drawback. It is useful on the PD170 and its close relatives only at about 85% zoom and above. It's so long, that it vignettes badly at any lower zoom position.

My choice is the Sony HG telextender that has 1.7X zoom. It doesn't vignette until you drop back to about 40% zoom and below, more or less, depending on the light level.

I have both these add-on lenses and even though I do mostly long-range outdoor shooting, I use the Raynox only rarely.
The Raynox cost $200., the Sony $260. and the Century Optics 2X goes for about $400., in U.S. currency.

I have used the big Raynox most successfully on my Olympus digital camera, that has a 10X zoom and a 49mm lens filter thread.

I'd go for the focal length extension you want (1.7, 2.0, 2.2x) rather than worrying about the vignetting that occurs when you zoom back. They're all going to do that anyway at some point - even the 1.4x I have does it. Remember that your camera's zoom gives better quality without any concerter screwed to the front.

tom.