VX2000 Must-have Accessories?

[Jason D. Moore]

After following these forums for a couple months now, I'm ready to buy my VX2000. First of all, I want to thank everyone for all of their help and information, and especially Chris Hurd for running this site.

My question however, is what are some necessary accessories to buy first off. So far I have:

VX2000
UV Haze filter (protect from scratches)
NPF-960 L-Series
4 Year Extended Warranty
WD-58H .7x WA Lens (Am I able to screw the haze filter onto this? If not, how can I protect it from scratches?)

If there's anything else I need, or maybe something that isn't necessary right away, let me know guys... any suggestions are appreciated, thanks.


Moore

[Steven Forrest]

You might want to look at my system's components for an idea of what you might need. See my post on this site under the Private Classified section from a while back where I am advertising my system for sale.

This is the URL:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4761

Steven Forrest

[Matt Stahley]

the canon WD-58 does not except filters for it has no threads.
the optex bayonet wide angle has filter threads and retails for about $100 more than the canon plus gives you a wider picture.

[Mike Rehmus]

I don't recall if you ever stated what your purpose is that leads you to purchase the VX-2000. So I don't know if that is all the kit you need or not.

Most people become dissatisfied with on-camera microhones and add one fairly soon. Sort of depends on whether your need for high-quality sound outweighs the inconvenience of using an external microphone.

[Jason D. Moore]

Hey Mike,

Good point, I did forget to mention my purpose for purchasing the gear. I'm going to be using it for filmmaking, and I've already secured professional audio gear, so I just left that stuff out. I guess my question was directed more toward the visual aspect, as well as technical aspect of the equipment. i.e. sunshade/mattebox, WA lens (Canon vs Optex w/Bayonet), Warranty or No Warranty, Filters, Good Tri-pod brands, etc. Any recommendations would be great...


Moore

Hi Moore,

I have a suggestion for a fairly decent and very inexpensive video tripod. Check out the Quantaray Titan II-950. I got mine at Wolf Camera for about US$100.00

It is very lightweight and has a fluid head.

Hope this helps,

Tony

[Paul Tauger]

I just bought a VX2000 last month. I use it for travel videograpy. Here are the accessories I've gotten/use:

Wideangle lens:

I've ordered an Optex wide-angle lens. The Optex is supposed to be very high quality (it's available for $299 from ZGC) and has three benefits over the Sony and Canon wide angle adaptors:

1. A slightly wider field of view (.65x vs. .7x).
2. Bayonet-mount, which allows for fast, easy and secure attachment to the camera without worrying about stripping the screw threads.
3. The ability to take threaded accessories (82mm). The Sony and Canon lenses are not threaded to accept filters. This was important to me for two reasons: first, I like to use a polarizing filter outdoors, and I think it is much more secure to have the filter front-mounted, rather than screw a wideangle lens into a 58mm filter. Second, I prefer to keep a haze or UV filter mounted on the front to protect the lens -- that's one expensive piece of glass, at least as far as I'm concerned. I have no idea how badly the lens will vignette with a filter attached, if at all, but ZGC claims it won't be a problem. If worse comes to worse I can buy a low-profile filter.

Extra batteries: I picked up one NP-F960, and two NP-F750s on ebay (I bought Sony, only, and made sure they were type L -- total cost for all three, about $120). I'll probably pick up one or two more. I think the 750s make a little more sense than the 960. Yes the latter will provide 8 or 9 hours of shooting time, but the 750s will provide about 5, which is more than enough for what I do. The lighter weight is a factor for me.

Quick charger: I had this left over from my previous camcorder, but it makes life a lot easier. Sony's AC-VQ800 is a good one that can charge L and M series batteries, run the camera, and displays remaining charge time. It will work on 115v/220v 50/60 hz, which makes it ideal for travel.

Rubber lens hood: There are times when size and weight become critical, e.g. travelling. I picked up a collapsible rubber lens hood that screws into the (of course mandatory) UV filter which I keep on the front of the lens (even with the Sony lens shade).

Circular polarizing filter: does wonderful things in sunlight -- darkens skies, eliminates reflections in windows, etc.

Monopod: Another leftover from my previous camera. Adorama makes a very good, sturdy monopod that collapses down to about 15". I put a small ball head on it and carry it with me when I travel.

Accessory light: Probaby overkill given the VX2000's wonderful low light performance. However, Sony makes (made -- I think it's discontinued, but you can still find it at the larger camera dealers) a switchable 10w/20w light that runs of NP-F-series batteries, i.e. the same batteries as the VX2000. It fits the accessory shoe, but doesn't use internal battery power. This means it can work on or off camera. It's small, light and easy to carry, so it goes in camera bag. The model number is HVL-20DW2.

Lowepro backpack: I needed something to carry the camera when I travel. The Lowepro Minitrekker fits the VX2000 almost perfectly, and has lots of room for accessories, tapes, batteries, an umbrella, a sweater, and all the other detritus I carry when I travel. It easily fits underneath airline seats, is very comfortable, and offers protection against the rain.

Micropohone windscreen: Radio Shack has a microphone windscreen, part number 33-373A, that is virtually an exact fit for the VX2000's microphone. It will cost you about $4.

Rain cape: I priced these and thought they were ridiculously expensive. I made my own out of clear vinyl which I bought at a fabric store. I sewed it into something that looked like a toaster-cover, cut a circular hole in one side. I took a 58mm UV filter, "sacrificed" a 58mm polarizer by removing the glass, and screwed the the UV filter into the polarizer's mount, through the hole. I carefully sealed everything with clear silicon glue and, voila, a foldable, lightweight, but effective rain cape that cost me about $20. I've used something more primative on my old camera at Niagara Falls and was able to get spectacular shots behind the falls without risking my equipment. A rain cape is a much better option than trying to hold an umbrella in one hand, with the camera in the other.

[Bryan Beasleigh]

You've mentioned that you already have audio gear. you'll need an interface to connect to the 1/8 stereo mini plug on the camera to the balanced mic cables (XLR). I'd suggest the Beach Tec. The Beach will attach to the camera base and plug into your 1/8 stereo jack next to the built in mic.

There are adapters that clip to your belt or dangle in the breeze but to me they provide the potential for damaging stress to the camera body and/or jack. An XLR is a robust connection and even in the off chance it's damaged , it's easier to repair than the camera.

http://www.beachtek.com/

You didn't mention if you'd be trekking your gear all over the country or not. portability will play a part in what tripod you settle on. Select a well made and robust set of legs and a quality fluid head. The absolute minimum would be a manfrotto 055 set of legs and a 136 head.
If weight and portability is not important then get a more robust set of legs, with a spreader and ball leveler for the head. Again the 136 head is minimum.

http://www.manfrotto.com/products/index.html?doc_from=home

http://www.gitzo.com/

So far as camera cases, there is none better than the Porta Brace, second choice would be Petrol. they aren't cheap, but then you've just spent a few thousand on a camera. Why chintz on a case to protect it? Both porta Brace and petrol are well made and offer the ultimate in protection. The cases are made for the various camera models so it's not a one size fits all deal. I have the CS-DV3
http://www.portabrace.com/Details/CS/CS-DVdetail/cs-dvdetail.htm

http://www.petrolbags.com/


Rain cape
Again the Porta Brace , petrol and I hear the Kata isn't bad.
http://www.portabrace.com/asp/ProdDesc.asp?DescCode=RP

http://www.petrolbags.com/cgi-bin/petrolbags/search.html?id=7xXQkoc7

http://www.tiffen.com/kataindexnew.htm

The WD58 canon Wide Angle is now available with a lens hood. This will offer protection from the sun and deflect some collisions with more solid matter. It's well worth the few extra bucks. ideally though I'd op[t for a bayonet mount. Kenko and Century make one at opposite ends of the food chain.

Some smaller considerations

get a rubber squeeze bulb to blow the dust off your lense area or out off the tape transport. Much better than the canned air products, and cheaper.

Some microfibre cleaning cloth. You can pick up a pack of 3 at any optomotrist for a few bucks. You can always pay double at the camera shop.

A good supply of tape. Pick a brand and stick with it. Sony uses a wet lubricant. Sony premium is just fine , it's really not worth it to pay double for the excellance and the tape with a chip is waaaaaay outta sight. Panasonic and Fuji are good also, just don't switch.

Keep a cleaning tape in your bag just in case. use it only when necessary and follow directions.

polarizer
You don't have to spend double on a circular, a linear will dfo the job. Thje circular is for 35 MM SLR's or any camera that uses a beam splitter auto focus. The VX2K uses contrast so don't waste money.

UV
Good to have as lens protection but buy one that's coated to avoid any flaring or reflections.

lights
very simply avoid on camera lights, unless your after that deer in the headlights look. The small consumer 5 and 10 watters are a joke. Spend your money on off camera lighting gear.

These are just my opinions

Enjoy

[Jason D. Moore]

Hey guys, thanks for all the info... keep it coming!

Moore

[Paul Tauger]

Quote:

Kenko and Century make one [wide angle lens] at opposite ends of the food chain.

The Kenko is pretty dismal on the VX2000. If you take a look at my website at:

http://members.cox.net/tauger.paul/Video%20Page/Kenko%20Comparison.htm

you'll see comparison shots of the Kenko and the VX2000 lens. The Kenko has extremely poor edge sharpness, fringing and chromatic aberration. I returned mine. I'm expecting an Optex next week (ZGC was out of stock). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be a decent lens.

[Bryan Beasleigh]

I did say at oposite end of the food chain. Obviously the Century is the top of the line. For $150 you can't expect much more than coke bottle glass.