Nigel,

here are the Raynox details for the FX1000:

Raynox High Definition Conversion Lens Accessories for SONY HDR-FX1000, HDR-FX1000E, HVR-Z5E, HVR-Z5U, HVR-Z5 HVR Camcorders

Thanks Tom, I know what you mean about the spotless optics. When I saw those dust specs & bloches I cringed. Day one, Lesson one of HD - mad atention to a clean lens -which is quite a chore in the southwest as bikes go zipping by you. I use to get away with alot more with the old VX2100

I guess you'll keep a micro-fibre cloth with you at all times on such a shoot. And like I've been saying on other threads all over DVi - don't use filters with such extremely short focal lengths unless you absolutely, gun2thehead have to. Every air2glass surface is another surface that must be kept spotless.

Has anyone tried the century Z7U Century lens on either of these cameras yet?

Dovision 0.3x Ultra Fisheye Adapter????


Anyone? looks like century optics and it's 0.3

Yup, I was looking at that not long before I started this thread. It looks alright, I mean its German so it must be well made. However I emailed them and they haven't gotten back to me with what it would look like on an HVR-Z5 not to mention I thought we couldn't thread mount on our cams.

it's pricey too. Wish they posted frame grabs with and without the adapter.

I agree - lots and lots of technical pictures of the lens but not a single frame grab. This lens isn't to look pretty on your camera, it's to film through.

If one needs translation or communication help with the company let me know. I'm German ;)

Peter if its not to much trouble could you ask them if they can give us an actual frame with that lens on?

Sorry Nigel, took me some time to send them the question. Just did it now. Now buys with the FX which arrived yesterday :D

Will keep you posted.

I've got a very useful wide-converter - it's the Tecpro 0.5S. It's a 58 mm fitting, is full zoom-through and interestingly it can be unscrewed so that you can use part of it as a powerful macro lens (+10 dioptre) and the front part when used on its own gives you a 0.3x fisheye lens (partial zoom-through).

tom.

Nigel,

here is the reply from the German Ebay guy - translated of course:

=================================================================
Pictures have not been edited:

http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx10...F/DSC00126.JPG
[http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx10.../DSC00126.JPG]
http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx10...F/DSC00125.JPG [http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx10.../DSC00125.JPG]
http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx10...F/DSC00123.JPG [http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx10.../DSC00123.JPG]


This is a 180 degree shot - he was with the cam already in the door frame

http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx10...CF/180grad.JPG [http://ideal-photo.de/test_pics/fx10...F/180grad.JPG]

More shots with the lens on Vimeo:

XH-A1

EndlessPictures Banditos Edit on Vimeo [http://vimeo.com/2972950]

FX7 ( the cam is not so wide angle therefore you don't have the typical Fisheye look)

DOVISION test on Vimeo [http://vimeo.com/3200170]

Tip: As more wide angle capability the cam has, as stronger the effect

The lens is filling the horizontal frame optimal if the focal is between 28-36mm KB, which is the best with the Canon XH Series and the Sony FX1000,Z5,z7,FX1 Series

The effect is also not that fisheye style for 4:3 cams like Canon XM1 and Xm2 and the old XL Series.

Currently you will not find any stronger ones then the 0.3x of Dovision

I hope this helps
Ersen Islak

===============================================================

Let me konw if you have further questions.

Wow thank you very much Peter. This definitely helps my decision a lot. Has anybody else heard about a recall on Century fisheyes for Sony's again?