Lenses are never wide or long enough. If a lens could allow me to shoot a closeup of a star at full telephoto, and at full wide the image would actually wrap around behind me, maybe I'd be satisfied.

I could provide you with sample screenshots tomorrow of the lens at full tele, midway, wide, and then the same with the Sony wide angle, if that would help. It's not a lot wider, and I'd like more. BUT, I can't imagine giving up the zoom-through capability.

if you dont mind posting some examples, that would be awesome, just so I can be prepared. I think you are right, and the zoom through is key, and like everything else in my list of things to buy, if I going to spend that much cash, might as well do it right!

Here they are. Apologies for not messing much with exposure, white balance, color, etc.

you're my hero! thanks!

These guys Camera Bag and Backpack Manufacturer - Kiesel Bags make some great, very reasonably priced bags. I have 3 of them, including the larger backpack bag, which does hold a laptop as well.

This is an example someone gave me of the Century .6 wide angle on the EX3. Yes, the sidewalk and rock wall are actually straight.

Ronn,

Are you saying that these backpacks hold an EX3? Both say that they max out at 6 inches internally for accommodating the height of the camera. If you remove a tripod plate, you are still looking at nearly 9 inches in height with this camera!

Actually, Kiesel doesn't have a single bag that fits the EX3 well. The closest is this one:
KIESELBAGS.COM - TZ600 Professional Style Camera Bag : [ Black ]
but the width is only listed at 9 inches whereas the EX3 is about 10" wide.

You really need 16x10x9 (LxWxH) to fit the EX3 - none of them list those dimensions.

Unless you choose to store the camera on it's side - then you could use this bag!

ted, thanks for the image of the .6 I updated my cart for the zoom through .8.

oh, and I also called BH, and asked about the included 8gb card. at first they said it didnt come with one, and then they found out it was an error on their site, so they are fixing it now.

so I took off the extra cards, and will be getting the one that comes with it, plus the rebate one, and then the kensington adapter setup.

so now my shopping cart is:

camera
wide angle .8
two bu60 batteries
tiffen clear filter

and until I can find something different, I am keeping the porta brace rain slicker for the ex3 on the list.

so, all in all, you guys all helped save me a at least 1500 bucks! THANKS!

of course now I will be spending that upgrading monitors and video cards. go figure.

My monitor of choice:

Dell Monitor 3007WFP Product Details

umm....yeah, that would be pretty sweet, but dont think it would fit on my desk! hahaha

Rain Cover - RS-EX3
 

Hi Ian,

My name is Chris and I work for Portabrace here in VT. Of course I'm going to recommend that you go with the RS-EX3 but all bias aside, I did want to let you know that the RS-EX3 is designed for the RS-EX3 and not any other camera.

You can see the product details here:

PortaBrace - Product Detail:RS-EX3

Another option for you would be the CBA-EX3, which is the Camera BodyArmor. This case is a padded, protective wrap that is custom fit to your EX3. It protects from bumps and scratches and there is a fold-up Quick-Slick rain cover in case you get caught in the rain. If you plan on shooting in the wet weather frequently or in heavy storms, I would stick with the RS.

You can see the CBA here:

PortaBrace - Product Detail:CBA-EX3

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at chris@portabrace.com or respond to this thread with any questions.

Thanks for your interest in Portabrace. As you may know, all our cases are hand made here in the US and your satisfaction is fully guaranteed.

If you go ahead with the RS-EX3 or CBA, please send us a picture of you and your camera for our family photo album:

PortaBrace - Photo Album

Thanks!

Chris

chris, thanks for the info. I am ordering the rain slicker, I didnt see any other option I liked, and portabrace has always been the best for me. so I am excited to give it a try!

Sorry guys - I don't have an EX-3 and I should have looked up the dimensions before I posted. My EX-1 DOES fit in the Kiesel backpack (it's a couple years old so the new one may be different). It does fit on its side. The interior dimensions are 17 long x 12 wide x 6 deep. EX-1 is 6" wide. My EX-1 is usually in a Kata bag, but I put it in the Kiesel Backpack when I take it on the motorcycle, to avoid vibration from strapping it on. BTW I use the TZ600 for my Z1U and it's a perfect fit, with room for accessories.