I used a Raynox HDP 9000EX 1.8x tele lens for the first time on my XH-A1. I'm impressed. The lens works great for birds or other subjects between 10-200 yards. However, I noticed some degradation at infinity. The other interesting problem is that the A1 with the 9000 EX is a real wind catcher. Even while using image stabilization, a sudden wind gust can shake things up. Over all, it looks like a great combination for me.

This video was shot exclusively with the XH-A1 and the Raynox HDP 9000EX 1.8x tele lens.

By the Sea on Vimeo


Dave Rice
Sitka, Alaska

Dave, Love the shot of the boat, use of slo-mo and the composition on the closing shot. What kind of sticks and head you using?

Manfrotto 128LP . The whole kit is at my maximum for moving around. It's a lot of weight for me. I just don't have the strength and endurance any more.

For the last two months I have been dealing with 20-40 knot winds and some camera bounce on every trip out. Many of our winter birds haven't showed up yet. We have more birds in Sitka in the winter than the summer.

The Raynox lens does work great for some things. Especially when your after a critter or bird.

I'm hoping for a wide angle adapter. I see where I would need such a lens while trying to shoot on or from a boat or other confined space.

Dave

..and what kind of support did you use for the lens? My guess is you probably had to have one as this adapter is long and heavy.

I haven't found the Raynox 9000EX 1.8 Lens to be that heavy. For my use, as long as I keep a eye on the 20-40 knot wind gusts, I see no need for additional supports for the lens.

Also, if you tip the A1 in a "lens up" vertical position, the 9000EX is very easy to add or remove.

Like I said, the A1 with the Raynox 9000EX is a excellent combination for birds and wildlife. It will also work for me when shooting fishing boats, surfers, or other subjects from a distance.

Dave

Great stuff David I liked them all .. great place you live in. Have you been out with the A1 in winter? Any tips like how does the low temps affect it.

Cheers.

The scene with the volcano and waves was shot in 28 degree F with wind gusts to 50 mph. I'll let someone else figure out the wind chill. All I know, is that it was well below freezing and required cloves for my hands.

An individual from Canada was kind enough to send me a Kata Rain Cover. Used it three times. This is a much required item: Kata CRC-15 (RC-15) Compact Rain Cover KT VA-801-15 B&H Photo

Hi

I've checked the video both on Vimeo and I've also downloaded it to be able to see it in better quality. I agree with you that the quality is impressive given it's an "add on" lens used. The XH-A1 camcorder suffers a bit from chromatic abberation (CA) and that can also be seen in high contrast scenes in the film. Without extensive test it's hard to tell if the Raynox lens just increases the CA on the A1 lens or if the lens itself adds more CA. As far as I can judge from the video it seems to be reasonably sharp all over the frame. Are all scenes filmed with the Raynox lens, including the wide shots? I really liked the end shot.


Regards,

/Bo

Yes. However, wide shots are difficult to set up. Why bother? I am not impressed with extreme long distant infinity shots either. I think the sweet spot is for birds/animals between 10 and 200 yards.

got mine for sale on ebay if anyone's interested

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/f-ebay/487850-canon-xh-a1-plus-lots-extras.html