Opinions on Raynox Semi-Fisheye HD-3031PRO lens?

[Michael Y Wong]

Hi Guys

Ive been debated on purchasing a semi-fish eye lens for a few weeks now.

Altho I do plan on picking up a V1 in a few months I figure I would be using the fish eye look very SPARINGLY and hence it would be much more financially practical to purchase a $100 37mm fish lens for my HC1 instead of a $350 62mm one for a V1.

I don't like the extreme fish eye look so the semi FE is definately good enough for me.

Any A1U/HC1 users have this lens?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

In particular, I am curious about image resolution and the extent of CA (if any) while using the HD-3031PRO.

Thanks in advance.

Michael

[Graham Hickling]

I use a HD-3031PRO on my HC-1. If you are happy with the semi-fisheye distortion, and using it just at full wideangle then it's a decent lens - good resolution and minimal chromatic abberation.

However, if you zoom in at all the edges rapidly go fuzzy. Here are three still photos (recorded onto the memory-stick):

The first is the HC1 at full wideangle with the Raynox fitted.
http://wildlifehealth.tennessee.edu/...aynox_wide.jpg

The second is the same scene with the Raynox removed.
http://wildlifehealth.tennessee.edu/video/hc1_wide.jpg

And the third shows what happens when one zooms in with the Raynox to a point that matches image 2 - note the fuzzy edges!
http://wildlifehealth.tennessee.edu/...nox_zoomed.jpg

[Michael Y Wong]

Graham,

thank you so much!!!!!!!! That went above and beyond what I was asking, I will defiantely be picking one up! (This will pretty much be the last HC1 specific accessory!) *i hope* - u dont use a lens hood ever for the raynox lens do u?

Thanks again for takine time for takign/posting the great pix