Z1U wide angle: 16x9Inc or Century Optics?

[Hans van den Nieuwendijk]

Hi,

Looking for a wide angle lens of 0.7 for my Sony Z1u.
In the 600 dollar region I have the choice between the:

* 0.7X Wide Converter from 16x9Inc
* Century Precision Optics VS-07CV-HDS 0 .7x

Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot!

Hans

[Boyd Ostroff]

Hi Hans and welcome to DVinfo. You might find the following threads interesting:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=77240
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=67014
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=72949

[Patrick Moreau]

Get a redeye lens for less than those at vfgadgets.com. It is the size of a uv filter so it is great if you ever need to use it on a stabilizer.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

Where are you Tim Dashwood?

Have you tried these aspherics and compared it with your Switar?

http://www.vfgadgets.com/RedEye.htm

Seems interesting, but I am worried about aberrations, both optical and color.

[Justin Carlson]

If it helps, I just picked up the Century Optics 0.7x lens last week and used it for a wedding. It worked great. My only complaint is that it doesn't come with a lens hood. Other than that, I'm very happy with it.

[Boyd Ostroff]

Century makes a hood (I have one) which is compatible with that lens but last time I looked it wasn't listed on their site. It also has a filter slot and looks pretty much like a mattebox without a rotating stage. It cost me ~$150 a year ago. Give them a call to find out about availability.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

Originally Posted by Boyd Ostroff

Century makes a hood (I have one) which is compatible with that lens but last time I looked it wasn't listed on their site. It also has a filter slot and looks pretty much like a mattebox without a rotating stage. It cost me ~$150 a year ago.

If I remember well, B&H also had them. It's worth a try.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

Originally Posted by Justin Carlson

If it helps, I just picked up the Century Optics 0.7x lens last week and used it for a wedding. It worked great. My only complaint is that it doesn't come with a lens hood. Other than that, I'm very happy with it.

Did the camera get front-heavy with that lens?

[Justin Carlson]

It definately got front heavy. Even more so when I put on the Century Optics 2.0x teleconverter.
It was ok though as I used it with a tripod or shoulder mount.

[Boyd Ostroff]

Originally Posted by Carlos E. Martinez

If I remember well, B&H also had them. It's worth a try.

Yes, they had them, but Century was offering a lower promotional price for people who had purchased their lenses. I would check directly with them if you're interested.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

B&H is not listing those shades anymore, so Boyd is right in trying Century.

[Boyd Ostroff]

Actually B&H does still list them although they're out of stock. I should point out however that they are no longer a DVinfo sponsor. But if you search for CEVSSS05 on their website, you'll find them.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

Originally Posted by Boyd Ostroff

Actually B&H does still list them although they're out of stock. I should point out however that they are no longer a DVinfo sponsor. But if you search for CEVSSS05 on their website, you'll find them.

Wow, it's really hidden!

I looked for it on both Century WA lenses and the sunshade was not listed as an accessory there, where it should be.

[Myles Williams]

(my first post) Hi everyone !!

I have had my Century wide angle for 1 month. I love this lense. I used it to shoot some footage for SpeedTv.com at Sebring this past weekend and it proved to be worth its weight in gold when in the pits and when doing interviews. I didnt have the hood in time for the event but overall I am very happy. Yes it is super front heavy with this lense, but I compared it to the Sony wide angle and for my needs the Century was the only way to go.

Myles

[Bankim Jain]

does the century optics .7x lens gives the feel of using a J11 lens on pro camers like when panning tilting etc the different feel is what i expect fropm the .7x lens.