"R. Westermeyer" <rwestermeyer@earthlink.net> wrote in message

news:m9781016ju2v3tg62h8t4b015884v3ufd5@4ax.com...

> I'm interested in purchasing a wide angle lens for my new vx2100, but

> I"m only finding info about theSony vx2000. Is the 58mm thread the

> same, that is, will lenses that fit the vx2000 also fit the newer

> camera?

Yes - the lens and mounting threads are the same, as far as I know...

> Also, can anyone speak to a preference in converters? I read the David

> Ruether article on converters, and it would seem that the Raynox

> hd-6600 58 performs as well as the Sony VCL h60758, and at about a

> third the price.

The Raynox is much lighter and cheaper and

it performs very well at the WA end, though not so well at the

tele end - and flare is high (it really needs a shade - but it does

have front threads, making this easier). For shade ideas, see:

www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/VX2000_odds.htm. For the WA

converters, see: www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/WA-converters.htm.

> Also, and recommendations for UV and other filters would be much

> appreciated.

I like the Hoya single-coated UV filters for sufficient quality at

reasonable prices. Same for the circular polarizer. I have no

use for other filters...

> And my last question: what have people's experiences been buying used

> lenses (like on ebay) ? I see a lot of them, but since you can't

> actually hold the lens, it's impossible to know the real condition.

> I'd be inclined to think that most people into this relatively

> expensive field would treat their equipment gingerly, but then again,

> this is just another "hobby" for some, and this might be naivety on my

> part.

It is ESSENTIAL that WA converters and filters for these small-chip

camcorders have no dust inside or "ticks" or scratches in the glass.

At f5.6 and smaller near infinity-focus with wide-angle, you WILL see

glass defects in the image, and these are annoying if the camera is

moving. Buy used (or new!) only if you can return for refund/exchange

if not satisfied (I've even seen defective new HG Sony converters, and

these were not cheap!).

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com