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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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