Wide Angle lens for XDCAM EX?

[boroc7]

Anybody tried any of the wide angle lenses for this camera? I bought a Century Optic wide angle or my DVX a few years back, and I have to say, the image quality was horrible--significant blurring on anything but the very center of the frame.

I wonder if anybody's used one for this camera--I know there is an 0.8X made by Sony--perhaps that is better?

I'd love any feedback, thanks.

 

[thxdave]

You're new here, right?

 

[boroc7]

Well, read threads a lot during the good ol' actual DVX years. :laugh:

I did a quick search but didn't find anything on this subject...

 

[DCSensui]

I use the Sony 0.8x WA converter. No complaints except that I wish it were wider and allowed me to install a protective filter.

Image quality is good. No complaints there.

Value for the dollar, compared to the available options, is good, too.

 

[Steve Shovlar]

I own the Sony VCL-EX0877 and used it at a wedding last weekend. Its very good and excellent value. Wish it was a touch wider but when you don't have much room, like I found out at the wedding, the extra it gave me was invaluable. NO vignetting or any CA that I noticed. Worth the £300 no problem, and far cheaper than the Schneider/Century version with all it's current problems.

 

[boroc7]

Great to know, thanks so much for the feedback. I'll keep it on my purchase list with Abel.

 

[kubalsky]

A new one just out...

A new one just out...

I'll be checking out a 0.75 Wide Angle adapter for the EX1 made by Zunow Optics later today. Supposedly no barrelling and full zoom through but we'll see. It retails about $900 US . Stay tuned!

 

[kubalsky]

Another one joins the family...

Another one joins the family...

I got a chance to try out the new Zunow Wide Angle Lens here in Tokyo today. Who on earth are Zunow? Good question. They are a small Japanese Lens Maker who stiil hand make their lenses in Akita, Northern Japan. Its hard to get much information on them. They had a wide Angle for the Z1 that, although popular in Japan, seemed to get average reviews overseas.

I'm posting comparison shots with the Sony Wide Angle Adapter. I'm no pro user but here are my comments. Let me know if I left anything out. This Lens is nice piece.

My comments...
Noticeably less barrelling than the sony WA .
A wider image span than the sony WA. Its 0.75. Sony's is 0.8.
It IS full zoom through just like the sony WA.
A removable hood unlike the sony WA permanently attached hood.
Heavier than the sony WA, around 830grams compared to the sony's 630grams.
It locks onto the front lens by putting it in position and turning a metal ring to lock position.
Very solid build. The hood is a hard rubber material.
It wont be available in the US until October.
It retails at 98,000 Yen here. That's about $900 US I think. I'm told it will be about 20% more when it hits the US market.

I'm trying to work something out with my local shop here for anyone wanting to buy one from outside Japan. If you are interested let me know.

Cheers, Alex

 

[davide]

You could try VFGadgets. They have some very good single-element WA adapters.

 

[Buck Forester]

Judging by the photos, the Sony looks sharper.

 

[kubalsky]

Judging by the photos, the Sony looks sharper.

A few people have said that but I cant rule out that I didn't move the focus ring by mistake when I changed adapters. Having said that though I did notice less peaking when I had the Zunow one on.