video converters on still cameras at DVinfo.net

Dylan Couper · July 17th, 2005, 09:30 PM

What happens if I use a screw on wide angle or telephoto converter for a video camera (say an XL1) on a D-SLR (my 10d with 28-135mm)? Would the picture suck?

Just wondering.

Thanks!

Dan Diaconu · July 17th, 2005, 11:02 PM

I doubt it! As long as the coverage of the lens allows (72mm), the image should perform as expected.

Kyle Ringin · July 17th, 2005, 11:13 PM

You might see a fall off in sharpness depending on the quality of the convertor as you'll be shooting at a much higher resolution than SD DV (probably what it was designed for).

You also may not be able to use all focal lengths on the slr lens (if it's a zoom)

The only way to be sure is to try it and see.

Brian Kennedy · July 17th, 2005, 11:25 PM

Also, since the sensor of the XL-1 is much smaller than a DSLR sensor, the lens attachments for the XL-1 may be made for its smaller image circle.

In other words, you may get vignetting (dark corners) with the DSLR when using XL-1 lens accessories that you wouldn't get with the XL-1. If this happens, try stopping down -- this will increase the image circle size somewhat, although maybe not enough to cover the whole DSLR sensor.

I've never tried it myself, so the only way to know for sure is to try. But typically a manufacturer won't make the image circle from a lens (or lens attachment) any bigger than it needs to be for the format, since that usually increases production costs.

Dylan Couper · July 18th, 2005, 01:16 AM

What I'm thinking is:
Sigma 12-24mm lens: $1000
vs.
72mm thread screw on 0.5 wide angle: $200-$400 (depending on quality)

I'm likely going to spend the money on the 12-24mm lens in the end.

Michael Salzlechner · July 18th, 2005, 06:26 AM

Dylan

the quality of the screw on converters is lousy compared to still camera lenses.

Also not a lot of them will work without vignetting. Some do as long as you use them on a smaller sensor digital SLR such as the 20D but the results are not very good.

Get the lens

Dylan Couper · August 6th, 2005, 10:03 PM

Update:
I bought a Sigma 12-24mm lens. It is pimp.

July 17th, 2005, 09:30 PM	#1
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	video converters on still cameras What happens if I use a screw on wide angle or telephoto converter for a video camera (say an XL1) on a D-SLR (my 10d with 28-135mm)? Would the picture suck? Just wondering. Thanks! __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

July 17th, 2005, 11:25 PM	#4
Brian Kennedy Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Washington DC Posts: 126	Also, since the sensor of the XL-1 is much smaller than a DSLR sensor, the lens attachments for the XL-1 may be made for its smaller image circle. In other words, you may get vignetting (dark corners) with the DSLR when using XL-1 lens accessories that you wouldn't get with the XL-1. If this happens, try stopping down -- this will increase the image circle size somewhat, although maybe not enough to cover the whole DSLR sensor. I've never tried it myself, so the only way to know for sure is to try. But typically a manufacturer won't make the image circle from a lens (or lens attachment) any bigger than it needs to be for the format, since that usually increases production costs. __________________ Brian Kennedy

July 18th, 2005, 01:16 AM	#5
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	What I'm thinking is: Sigma 12-24mm lens: $1000 vs. 72mm thread screw on 0.5 wide angle: $200-$400 (depending on quality) I'm likely going to spend the money on the 12-24mm lens in the end. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

July 18th, 2005, 06:26 AM	#6
Michael Salzlechner Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL, US Posts: 228	Dylan the quality of the screw on converters is lousy compared to still camera lenses. Also not a lot of them will work without vignetting. Some do as long as you use them on a smaller sensor digital SLR such as the 20D but the results are not very good. Get the lens __________________ Michael Salzlechner

August 6th, 2005, 10:03 PM	#7
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Update: I bought a Sigma 12-24mm lens. It is pimp. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

July 17th, 2005, 11:02 PM	#2
Dan Diaconu Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 804	I doubt it! As long as the coverage of the lens allows (72mm), the image should perform as expected.

July 17th, 2005, 11:13 PM	#3
Kyle Ringin Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 241	You might see a fall off in sharpness depending on the quality of the convertor as you'll be shooting at a much higher resolution than SD DV (probably what it was designed for). You also may not be able to use all focal lengths on the slr lens (if it's a zoom) The only way to be sure is to try it and see.