Does somebody know the difference between these 3 Sony lenses:
VCL-HG0730X,
VCL-HG0730, and
VCL-DH0730
They all have a 30 mm thread and .7 conversion factor. The DH0730 seems significantly cheaper.

I asked the same thing at the Sony Store. The way the rep explained it to me is the more expensive of the lenses (don't recall the number) had a better surface coating etc that would yield a true HD quality image. Although the cheaper WA Adapter would fit - he indicated you would be degrading your HD Image quality - thus negating the reason I bought the camera in the first place. Not sure if he speaks the truth, but it made sense to me. Anyone else have any ideas?

Erik

The VCL-HG0730X and the VCL-HG0730 are 'high grade' lenses (thus the HG in the model number) and should be preferred over the less expensive lens. There is a minor difference in shape and size between the two high grade lenses but otherwise they would appear to be optically identical. It may be that one is simply a newer model (not sure which one). I have a high grade WA lense for my VX2000 I purchased a couple of years ago. I believe there is a new one out with a little different shape.

The challenge with some of these lenses is coming up with a suitable lense shade. There are no threads for a filter either which is too bad as there is a fairly exposed large piece of glass. Anyone solved the lense shade issue? I recently purchase a VCL-HG0730X and would like to rig up something.

Thanks

Using the high grade lens with an a1u.
You can get a lens hood here:
http://www.cavision.com/lenshoods/LH77.htm
Has the ability to accept a screw on 82mm filter.
It's rubber and the ring is somewhat flexible which may be good or bad, depending on your viewpoint. I have no issues with it, as it's light and compact.

One note on the highgrade "HG" lens is it's fairly heavy. But the glass is beautiful and would buy it again as it is superior to the non HD cousins.

If money is not a barrier, Century Optics has some WA lenses too, but they're beyond my budget - tapped out on the camcorder.

UPDATE-- sorry folks, i thought the hc3 was similar to hc1 in lens size--> 37mm. Apparently is not. Would have not posted this originally had I realized this. I was referring to the VCL-HG0737Y in my post.

I bought the cheapo aftermarket WA lens offered for sale at Best Buy. It was $40! I was skeptical that it would work...but work it does. And I don't see a noticeable loss in resolution quality, as viewed via HDMI-out on a 60-inch Sony HDTV.