XH A1 w/ WD-H72
 

Any one use this combo (XH A1 + WD-H72) with good results, I know it's not going to looks like a "real" wide angle lens, but does it do the job? Any footage online would be cool too see if anyone has any posted somewhere.

Canon | WD-H72 72mm 0.8x Wide Angle Lens | 1724B001 | B&H Photo

Thanks,
O.D.

Yup, I use this for weddings I film as it helps to have that little extra in a place where you can't move back much more. It's on the camera 95% of the time.

I don't have any sample clips for you, sorry. I will have some in a few weeks though as I don't edit most of the videos we shoot. It does stay sharp all the way thru.

I HIGHLY recommend it, try ebay. You may be able to get it much cheaper than it's retail price if you don't need it right away.

Yeah, I have this combo, it's great. Only disadvantage is its weight. But its not so bad. Great, optically. I really recommend it. It's a bargain at around $400.

Oh yeah, the weight..lol.

I forgot to mention that it is ALOT more weight than you think you're adding on if you shoot primarily hand held. As steady as my hand was on the DVX and FX1 I used to shoot with, I have a little bit of shake when shooting for a long period of time handheld with this badboy attached.

I've gotten some sharp pains in my wrist/forearm a few times when I pushed it too long so exercise caution.

cool guys, thanks for the info!

I think this lens doesn't allow external filters. Is this correct?

If so it's something to be aware of if you can't protect the lens while shooting.

Good piece of glass, I used it on this doc for Big Ten Network:

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

I use the Canon wide-angle adapter wd-h72 and find it excellent.

I also have the Century .6x. It is also excellent. (It also only weighs 8.9 oz. It is an adapter so it is not 100% zoomable, but it is zoomable through about 1/3-1/2 the camera's range.):
.6X WIDE ANGLE ADAPT HD CANON - Schneider Optics

The Century .6x works well with the Merlin (with newer gimble), because it is lightweight.

WD-H72 is an exelent piece of glass, but makes the camera badly front heavy. Ok with tripod, but a killer to handhold for any length of time.

I have also the century 0.6X, only for real wide angle needs, can not be zoomed much.

That is correct, no filter threads

And for very good reason. At these sort of focal lengths any filter adds two more imperfectly clean surfaces in front of the lens. It adds to the flare levels and generally spoils image quality. Avoid.

Fair enough. If there was a compelling need for for, say a polarising filter, would it be possible to mount it in between the fixed lens and the WD-H72? Would that be any better (anyone tried it)?

Not possible because the WD-H72 extends past the threads. A filter would block being able to put on the adapter.

Agreed, I use the Redrock Micromattebox which allows for 4X5.56mm filters if needed and no chance of lense flares. There is a slight bit of vingetteing that can occur though unless you move the mattebox deeper than usual over the WD-H72 lens....or zoom through (but why ruin the wide angle....)

I love the WD-H72!
 

Oliver,
I've been using the WD-H72 for a while now and I really love it. I do mostly automotive stuff (product installations/demonstrations, vehicle/owner bios, etc.), as I work for a large truck accessory company.

The WD-H72 has come in real handy for getting up close and personal with vehicles. I really like it a lot.

BUT: Everybody is right about the weight. I'm not stretching too much to say that this thing feels like it doubled the weight of your camera. And my mid-level tripod is forever trying dip forward. And no, you cannot use filters and whatnot with this installed. It screws into the front of the A1 and has a lip that extends further back than the threads. And really, this thing is heavy and it would probably rip any filter right off of your lens.

Here are some examples of stuff I shot with it: MOST of this footage is with the adaptor installed. I usually leave it on for most situations, as it doesn't take away any of the reach of my zoom and allows me to get much closer to my subject:

Classic Car show (outdoors):
Classical Cruisers By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom

Another Classic Car Show (Indoors):
2008 Cleveland Auto-Rama By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom

Product Installation/Information (Shoulder mount, Indoors.)
CoverCraft SeatSaver Seat Cover Install - StylinTrucks.com By Will Mahoney On ExposureRoom

Hope this helps.