What Telextenders Do You Use with HD Camcorders? at DVinfo.net

J. Stephen McDonald · September 8th, 2006, 05:00 AM

Is there a good telextender that has enough resolution to use with the FX1 and Z1? Are the ones that are sold by Sony really sharp enough to do the job? How does this question apply to telexes for high-MP still cameras? Are there some telex models that could be used for both HD-video and high-MP stills?

Chris Barcellos · September 8th, 2006, 02:08 PM

I have FX1, and have used Sony's VCL-HG1758 1.7 teleextender on it. I needed a step down ring to match the threads. It works decently, I think. Of course, it will not zoom wide, however, as severe vignetting will occur on the wide setting. Picture is decent, considering it was originally designed for lower definition specs.

Boyd Ostroff · September 8th, 2006, 05:55 PM

See the links I posted in this recent thread as they cover your questions:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=75010

If using a step down ring, be sure to test for vignetting using a monitor that shows the full frame. The Z1 has allscan mode for this but the FX1 does not. Every consumer HD screen I've seen also overscans and doesn't show the full frame. Looking at the footage on your computer should show the full frame.

Vignetting may also show up as a darkening of the image towards the corners instead of actually chopping the corners off. Depending on what you're shooting this might or might not be obvious.

Robin Davies-Rollinson · September 9th, 2006, 08:35 AM

We're using the Century Optics tele-extender on our Z1 and FX1.
It does a good job within the range of 50 to 100 on the Z1's zoom scale. Go below 50 (or the halfway bar on the FX1) and serious vignetting will occur.
I like the bayonet fitting with this lens - much better than having to screw/unscrew an attachment.
Using this degree on magnification really shows up the deficiencies of cheap pan and tilt head combos like the 503/525 however. You really do need good solid tripod legs and a decent head if you want smooth, steady moves at full telephoto.

Robin

September 8th, 2006, 05:00 AM	#1
J. Stephen McDonald Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 909	What Telextenders Do You Use with HD Camcorders? Is there a good telextender that has enough resolution to use with the FX1 and Z1? Are the ones that are sold by Sony really sharp enough to do the job? How does this question apply to telexes for high-MP still cameras? Are there some telex models that could be used for both HD-video and high-MP stills? __________________ Steve McDonald https://onedrive.com/?cid=229807ce52dd4fe0 http://www.flickr.com/photos/22121562@N00/ http://www.vimeo.com/user458315/videos

September 8th, 2006, 02:08 PM	#2
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	I have FX1, and have used Sony's VCL-HG1758 1.7 teleextender on it. I needed a step down ring to match the threads. It works decently, I think. Of course, it will not zoom wide, however, as severe vignetting will occur on the wide setting. Picture is decent, considering it was originally designed for lower definition specs. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

September 8th, 2006, 05:55 PM	#3
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	See the links I posted in this recent thread as they cover your questions: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=75010 If using a step down ring, be sure to test for vignetting using a monitor that shows the full frame. The Z1 has allscan mode for this but the FX1 does not. Every consumer HD screen I've seen also overscans and doesn't show the full frame. Looking at the footage on your computer should show the full frame. Vignetting may also show up as a darkening of the image towards the corners instead of actually chopping the corners off. Depending on what you're shooting this might or might not be obvious.

September 9th, 2006, 08:35 AM	#4
Robin Davies-Rollinson Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff, CYMRU/WALES Posts: 1,215	We're using the Century Optics tele-extender on our Z1 and FX1. It does a good job within the range of 50 to 100 on the Z1's zoom scale. Go below 50 (or the halfway bar on the FX1) and serious vignetting will occur. I like the bayonet fitting with this lens - much better than having to screw/unscrew an attachment. Using this degree on magnification really shows up the deficiencies of cheap pan and tilt head combos like the 503/525 however. You really do need good solid tripod legs and a decent head if you want smooth, steady moves at full telephoto. Robin