Use of W/A adaptors with stabilisers
 

Having looked through many forums, I have not seen any postings regarding this, so apologies if I have missed them and am causing a repeat......

What are the general thoughts of using a wide-angle lens adaptor on your cameras prime lens when using a stabiliser?

Is it generally good enough to just use the wide setting on the cameras lens, or, does it increase the dramatic impact visually to go for the extra wide? - or, as I suspect, is it really down to what type of look is required for that particular shot, and therfore NOT to always have a W/A on lens.

Hey Simon, it’s usually recommended to use a wide-angle converter when using a stabilizer, as it helps to visually dampen any undesired movement caused by the stabilizer. For example, if you look at any skating videos shot with a fish eye converter, you can see that that the picture tends to appear smoother when the camera is moving. This is the same effect but on a lesser level.

Hope this helps(and makes sense) ;)

Richard - thanks for that - it makes perfect sense!

I look forward to trying my unit out when it arrives......... (Animagique, Magicam II)

Yeah, good luck with that. From what I’ve heard, you’re going to need it.

I have had varying reports of them - but, when they work, they work!

I looked at a number of units from various places and received their demo DVD's, spent time reading peoples comments about them all, and spoken with people who use them.

I know one person in particular has not had such a good time with them, but I hope my experience is better! - watch this space!!

As said, it depends. The needs of teh shot should dictate which lense is used.

of course the wider the shot the less shake is showen, but that (OF COURSE) effects framing.
Also some wide angles distort the shot some.

One example that springs to mind is in "The Shining" during the final chase in the maze. It's shot with an extreme WA lense - for it's own reasons, but the shot works. But if you look carefully you can see that ther ei squite a lot of distortion in the shots - notice how Garrett (the operator) takes the corners very close the inside to minimise panning which whill be one of the things ot give away the use of a wide angle very quickly.

SO whatever it takes for the shot. - Try both and use what works best!

- Mikko

Good one Mikko - I guess its like conventional shooting - you get a "feel" for what is required! :)