Sony VCL-HGA07 HG Wide Angle Conversion Lens 0.7x for 30/37mm
From Sony
Broaden your field of view with these high grade lenses.They offer unmatched ease of use, making them the accessories of choice for reducing distortion and boosting image detail in a wide angle format
- Color: Silver
- Brand: Sony
- Model: VCL-HGA07
- Dimensions: .75 pounds
Great wide angle lens for average video shooters
I own a Sony HDR-XR520V (as of March 2009 Sony's top consumer HD camcorder) and this lens fits perfectly without any adapters. It's a bit heavy and bulky but it gives you great shots that look professional. Perfect for 'Letterbox' recording. It does not support additional filters though and recommends that you do not use them with it either. I would like to see a filter marketed that could be attached over this lens by a rubber ring. Or (even better) a rubber ring adapter that could be used to attach any different filter with standard threads.
This lens works beautifully! Worth the money. VIDEO REVIEW INCLUDED
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1J9OAVQ7F9ZBP Having recently purchased this lens, I wanted to share my opinions on it. My camera is the Sony HDR-XR520V. My biggest reason for wanting this lens was so I could fit more in the picture when I filming indoors. It works beautifully for this, I now have a lot more in the frame. The picture is clear all the way around. There is some slight barrel distortion around the edges of the picture, but it's only noticeable with straight lines, and it's very slight. I've read in places that the lens is heavy and uncomfotable to use one the camera, but I disagree. Yes, it does add some weight, not enough for me to be concerned though.
I can go on, but I can't think of a better way to illustrate this lens than to show you what it looks like in action. Please watch my video review.
I hope this review helped you in your decision. I am very happy I bought this lens, and you will be too.
Since Amazon is still having problems getting my review online, I hope they let me post the Youtube link for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFKMWblI4kw&feature=related
Nice alternative to Canon's WD37 series lenses for Samsung HMX camcorders
There are a lot of glowing reviews for Canon's various WD37 lenses -- the WD-H37, WD-H37C, and WD-H37 II. Frankly, the high price and the confusing Canon selection scared me away, and reading how nit-picky some reviewers were in comparing the various H37 models, I was apprehensive to try anything else.
But Sony has a decent reputation, so for a few bucks savings, I gave this lens a try.
It's for use with my Samsung HMX H104 camcorder, which shoots in a wide-screen 16:9 format. Naturally, I was concerned about darkening of the corners, excessive barrel distortion, and image fuzziness. I've been pleased with everything I've shot so far.
There's naturally some barrel distortion which is not really noticeable unless shooting vertical elements. It also becomes apparent when panning the camera steadily, as the image ever-so-slightly contorts at the extreme edges of the frame. But this is expected distortion; there's nothing that truly detracts from the image.
No darkening of the corners, and the images appear crisp and in focus through-and-through.
The diameter and heft of the lens is noteworthy. The size of the Samsung camcorders is roughly equivalent to gripping a mostly empty soda can. The diameter of the Sony lens is more akin to the diameter of a slender wine bottle. Its weight shifts the balance of the lightweight camera forward, and blocks off the flash bulb that sits above the camera's lens. You'll have to carry around the pop-on/pop-off lens cover to protect the substantial glass from getting scratched up whenever you're not shooting.
In summary, with Canon being the standard other lenses are held to, and with plenty of Canon WD-H37 test videos posted on YouTube and Vimeo, I don't see anything in the video I've shot with the Sony to make me think it's a lesser lens -- just a lens with a lower price.
