Hey guys- I've picked up a Raynox 2.2x High Definition tele-lens and shot some sample footage. This footage was shot at Orchard Beach, Bx NY within an hour's time span- so there's no National Geographic moments here- but it might give a fair indication of what this lens is capable of.

http://stevenunez.com/hosted/Raynox3.mov

Observations:
~Plastic build while inexpensive also reduces weight to a point where there's no concern for it's weight onto the 72mm camera threading.
~There's quite a bit of vignetting going on- it's only useable within the last 5% of your camera's total zoom- so this is only useable as an extreme tele-lens add-on- you wont get zoom-thru capbilities here.
~AF (camera) will work, but manual focus is best.
~Light falloff at edges visible in anything but the brightest scenes (vignetting.)
~I'd estimate 2 stops most of light loss- not too bad and quite useable.
~Sharpest at center- softens as you go towards the outside of the lens.
~Works best for subjects under 30feet away- not suitable for wide area shots.
~ You'd also need a 72mm-62mm step-down ring to mount this lens.
~ Tends to blow out highlights- use zebras while using this lens.
~ Quite sharp for extreme close-ups for subjects under 20 feet!
~ Holds colors well in bright light and mutes as light dims.
~ Tripod is a must- 44X total zoom is just too much to hand-hold.

For $189 I find it a worthwhile accessory. Raynox also makes a $999 HD lens supposedly for the FX1 and other HD cams, this is not that lens.
Hope this info helps anyone considering this lens add-on.

Thank you Steve.

Great shots. Very clear details. I suppose to have a zoom through we would need a lens 6"-10" in diameter!

This Canon XHA1 certainly beckons one . . .

Those are some nice shots. Interesting "wormhole" effect as you zoom in :-) The vignetting is pretty noticeable though, especially when you shoot towards the sky or the pavement. But not bad at all for $189.

I see Century has just released a 2x teleconverter - pricey at $1,500 but probably very nice glass:

http://www.schneideroptics.com/Ecommerce/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?CID=1075&IID=5908

They are only listing a Sony Z1 version now, but I know their lenses are modular so I'm sure they'll come out with the correct bayonet mount for the Canon, or just 72mm threads. But I'll bet that's one big heavy hunk of glass! I have the Century 1.6x and it's a monster. Note that they are suggesting the use of rods for the 2x lens.

What kind of settings did you use with that? Shutter speed, Format, etc.? Great looking shots!

Could you tell us where to find that tele on the web?
many thanks. ciao

B&H has them.

Yes, found it, thanks!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=337263&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
but don't see 72mm feature to mount on XH-A1...

just buy 62mm to 72mm step-up ring.

Thanks, but don't think will buy at B&H, international orders require to fax the copy of the credit card on both sides and they do not accept Paypal from international clients.

What kind of settings did you use with that? Shutter speed, Format, etc.? Great looking shots!

Anything there Steve? Just wondering! Thanks!

Thanks, but don't think will buy at B&H, international orders require to fax the copy of the credit card on both sides and they do not accept Paypal from international clients.

Huh? Some of the biggest rip off scams are done internationally, because It's next to impossible to prosecute somebody outside of your country for theft. It doesn't matter where you live. I'm sure policies are set up like this worldwide.

Why don't you stick to the topic at hand.

Steve-
Why did you say it works best for subjects less than 30 ft away. Does the lens not focus well at long distances?

"~Works best for subjects under 30feet away- not suitable for wide area shots."

Rick