Canon WD-H43 wide-angle lens.

[Sean Michael]

Anyone else getting a Canon WD-H43 0.7x wide-angle lens? I ordered one a week ago, and am taking delivery tomorrow. I will post follow-up pics.

[Sean Michael]

Just got it. A few observations:

It's big (at least when compared to the HV20).

It's heavy (ditto). Makes the camera slightly front-heavy.

It's attractive. I like the design vis-a-vis the HV20. For better or worse, it does raise the profile of the camera.

It's zoom-through.

It comes with two lens covers and a leather carrying bag.

Haven't had the chance to shoot any footage with it yet. I will post some frame grabs when time allows.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/5525/1176402588.jpg

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/5525/1176402664.jpg

[Zim]

looks good on it.

I'm having problems with the mic! I've seen a few pictures with the HV20 and mics that look too big. If I happen to buy a HV20 I would like something about have the size of what you got on there.

So let us know how the wide-angle lens works.

[Sean Michael]

lol - yeah, the mic is an AT897. If any has a comparable (or better) quality mic that's more asthetically pleasing, I'm game to try it.

Although it may look a little strange, the mic doesn't throw off the balance of the camera. It actually handles better than it looks. And the audio it captures has been great.

[lovefilm]

Hi Sean,

Where did you get the shoe mount for the mic? I've heard that people need to modify the non Canon shoe mount in order to make it fit into the HV20? Did you have to modify your shoe mount also?

[Sean Michael]

I bought the shoe mount adapter from B&H for $10...

It's an Audio-Technica AUAT84697

I haven't modified it. The fit is a little snug, but it works fine.

[lovefilm]

Thanks for the info. Your setup looks very intimidating, especially the mic :) I forgot to ask where you put the XLR adapter? I don't see it in the picture. And could you tell me where you get the XLR adapter and that shock mount also? :dankk2:

[AuditoryVisuals]

Hmm... Would it give you a wider depth of field? The diagram on the box shows us what it can do!

Was it made specifically for the HV20? Or can it work with other Canon cameras?

Nice camera platform. http://www.ThePod.ca :)

[apfx07]

I was contemplating ordering one of these, does anyone know if Video Direct is a reputable outfit? They have the WD-HD 43 listed for $159 and is currently in-stock.

[Cinetastic]

I bought the Wide lens and only really shot a lot the other morning on my second wide lens session. It certainly will help with an establishibg shot of a building exterior etc, as the HV20 just does not go that wide (hence the extra lens, DOH!).

[Sean Michael]

The XLR adapter is an Audio Technics AT8341 (about $20 from B&H).

The shockmount I just picked up in a local store -- I'm not sure of the brand. I might eventually switch to a Rode shockmount, because this one could be a little more stable.

I bought the lens at the same place I bought my HV20 (mediasupplystore.com). I guess this lens will work with any 43mm threaded camera, though it appears to have been made for the HV20.

I haven't captured any footage yet on my PC, but I've watched it back via HDMI on an HDTV. It looks GREAT, placing significantly more visual info in a frame without any apparent loss of resolution. Some of the cheaper lenses will blur HD resolution (which defeats the purpose of shooting HD!). Plus, it's full zoom-through, which is nice. I think I'll keep this on my camera most of the time. I just like wide-angle shots.

[ecking]

Does it have filter threads on the front? If it does what size? Because let's say it was 72mm or something, you could put a 35mm adapter on that instead of having to use step down rings.

[rawfa]

Good point, Ecking...

Sean, that is a nice looking combo you have going on. I'm eager to see some footage with the wide angle.

[Sean Michael]

Thanks Rawfa. And ecking, alas, there are no filter threads on the front.

A couple of other observations:

1. You can't really use the camera's built-in LED light with this lens, because it partially blocks the light.

2. It also partially blocks the sensor for the remote control. This is more of an issue for me because I like to set up shots and then initiate them with the remote. It's still possible, but you don't have the same sensor range you would without the lens.

I will post footage when I get a chance!

[rawfa]

Man, that is a badly planned move from canon. How can they've missed it? Who knows, maybe an HV30 will show up soon...that also has better manual control :D

[Cinetastic]

You can't really use the camera's built-in LED light with this lens, because it partially blocks the light.

I went out shooting earlier this evening to try the Wide lens and the little (Accessory shoe fitting) 3.5W light combined, and although the lens blocked a little bit of light it was hardly noticeable. I noticed only a once an auto focus lag in the Night exterior available light (with the above combo), and was unable to repeat the focus lag when trying the panning shot a second time. Amazing camera, great accessories!

[rawfa]

Footage! Footage, my friends!

[Forsooth]

What happened to footage using the wide angle adapter? Can't wait to see how it looks.

[whachusay]

The mic looks like a friggin satellite... lol

Nice..

[vsansal]

Was it made specifically for the HV20? Or can it work with other Canon cameras?


It is only compatible with HV20 but if you use a ring adapter you can use it with other consumer models.

[Marshallarts]

I'm waiting for my WD-HD43 to arrive from MediaSupplyStore too, great company.

I have a question regarding lens adapters and filters. I assume placing a wide-angle adapter or any such lensed adapter on top of a filter (ND, Polarizer, Haze, etc...) or an adapter ring will throw off the focal length or focus of the adapter. Am I correct?

Aren't the wide-angle adapters specifically manufactured with the distance from front element to focal plane in mind? Wouldn't placing an adapter after a filter or adapter ring change this distance? I would assume optically you shouldn't do this.

Can someone please explain this to me and why it may not matter? thanks in advance

[zero_B]

I'm thinking about getting one of these for a HV30...but the mentioned weight really worries me. I've had wide angle lenses on my other Sony MiniDV camera's, and they were heavy as well. The focus rings on both camera's popped off after 3 years. I assume the weight of the wide angle was too much on the camera front end. Do you think I will have a similar problem with the HV30?

Also, does this wide angle lens require an adaptor to fit the HV30?

[Sean Michael]

Well, you can't pop off the focus ring because the HV30 has no focus ring. :) The weight of the lens is an issue. It definitely affects the ease of portability, but it's not too bad. I keep the lens on for most handheld work.

I have an HV20, but the HV30 should require no adapter -- both cams have a 43mm thread.

[zero_B]

>>Sean Michael

Thanks for the response. Most of my work will be done on a tripod so the front end weight won't really affect my shoot. But I'm glad to hear that you keep the lens on for most handheld work...I plan on keeping the wide angle on for 90% of my use!

Do you like your HV20?

[bluntforcetrauma]

I got my WD H43 and mounted it on the Hv30. Its nice. I got it at newegg.com. Fort those who feel its to heavy, get to the gym more, it may feel a little front weighted but not heavy.
My 40D with 70-200 IS L and Flash is much heavier. I waited to see if any had suggestions on this lens vs. the panny wide but no one had a comment so i went and got the canon.