If you're concerned about barrell distortion here's a link to a clip I shot using the Raynox WA mentioned previously.

http://vimeo.com/890157

With all the parallel lines it would be easy to spot any distortion from this lens. There's also some zooming going on and you can see that the PQ suffers almost imperceptibly.

Rick (aka CycleWriter)

Impressive, Rick. What camera is the 6600 bolted to?

HV20, of course. :)

just wanted to be sure ...

Here's a link to a little comparison I did using the Raynox SRW6600 and a cheap Ambico 0.5X Wide Angle lenses at various stages of Zoom-Through. I think you can see the differences between a cheap WA adapter and one like the Raynox that is used by so many in here. Although the Raynox does show some degradation of PQ towards the end of the zoom range, it is nowhere near as bad as the Ambico, which shows dramatic increases in both chromatic aberrations and edge blur very early on. All shots were taken on a tripod using Auto settings. Click on the full size pics to see the real differences.

http://www.sameteam.net/WA/index.html

Another interesting thing is that although the Ambico is labeled as 0.5X, the field of view is less than the Raynox's .66.

I have similar lens with HV10:
a 37mm 0,55x cheap Focus Optics wide angle
and a 58mm 0,66x Raynox 6600 Pro. (with 37->58 adaptor)

My experience is the same as yours.
The cheap lens have more distorsion on the edge, and shows vignetting even at full wide setting. But if i remove the macro part ot the lens, the viewing angle increase, and i think it is the 0,55x. But in this case the distorsion and vignetting is very BIG! useless.. only for special shots.

With the Raynox. We have the same lens? What is the SRW code?
It is too bad, not to have a full zoom capability. Because each time i need a very close view i have to pick off the lens, and when i want the widest view i have to put on. I dont have any vignetting, because the 37->58mm ring, but a little distorsion at edge. Liveable.

Can anybody recommend a good 0,5-0,6x WA in 37-43mm filter size, that doesnt show vignetting and make no more distorsion than the 6600?
I have another cam for stereo video, and i dont think a new 6600 is the best choice. What is with the 5050Pro? Or with other brand?

thx,
Marton

Prech - these people make a lens that satisfies your requirements for no barrel distortion and no vignetting:

http://www.wittner-kinotechnik.de/ka...a/b_optike.php

the SCHNEIDER KREUZNACH Ultra Wide Lens Aspheric III (UWL III) Version C is the one you should look at I reckon.

It's not a full zoom through and you'll have to check to see if it's a coated optic, but it's powerful - and door frames won't bow outwards as you track room to room.

tom.

Tom, thank you for recommendation.
we have discussed this lens in email some months ago.
the price is a bit high for me, and there is also the lensflare issue.
i have to buy a good hood.
if someone here in hungary sell this lens, i can test it, and buy.

Marton

Crystal Vision Lenses
 

Hello Forum Members,
Has anyone purchased the Crystal Vision Limited Edition High Definition 58mm 0.5x Pro Wide Lens W/ Macro as a replacement for the unavailable 43mm Wide angle Lenses from Canon or Raynox? Distributor is New World Video Direct
http://www.newworldvideodirect.com/p...ProductID=2568
Saleman says it is on a promotional sale for $190 each including step ring???
Post your experiences with this lens please.
Cheers,
Christo

It sounds like a lot of money for a 'no-name' lens Christo, but might be worth a try if they say you can get a refund if you're unhappy. If they're not happy to sell under this proviso, it probably means it's a bit iffy. I'd stick to the known names if at all possible.

Schneider's 43mm wide angle
 

Anyone tried out Schneider's 43mm wide angle lens yet?

It's listed as a .5x, so it's not as wide as the Canon's WD-H43.

Best,

Trust is a virtue...
 

Tom,
Yes, you were correct,.. that was a bait-and-switch going down! I had just found this forum's sponsor listing for the "Century" WD glass, http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=127178 So, I just purchased (2). Has anyone done a field test and or side by side comparison, with the Canon and Ray WD lenses? I have yet seen anything from forum users, I had to trust on this for a Sunday excursion departure.
Cheers,
Christo

Hi Christo,

Which 2 Century items did you buy? And how is it with the HV20/30?

Best,

Century WD Angle
 

Hello Jeff,
I purchased Century .5X WD Angle HD 43 MM lenses for a new Canon HV-30 Cam. Also a 67E Clear UV Haze (010) filter lens screwed on the front of each Century WD. From the Cam out I have a Neutral Density filter first, then a Polarizer filter before the Century. I have not captured from tape yet, but I noticed that Wide Out give a barreling around the corners. That is just looking at the flip monitor. Is that normal for that lens configuration? If I touch the Tele just a tad, the corner distortion is eliminated. Has anyone else field test these (Century) lenses yet?
Cheers,
Christo

Thanks Christo.

I needed to buy a wide angle quickly (purchased from Zotz Digital), so I went ahead and bought the Canon WD-H43 instead. But the Century sounds like it has filter threads on the front (unlike the Canon). So far, the Canon wide has been working fine for me.

Best,