On Tue, 19 Jun 2001 17:40:56 -0500, "Richard Cruse" wrote:

>I have a Panasonic PV-DV800 (a minidv camcorder) with 49mm filter threads
>and have been looking at a couple of lenses by Century Optics...
>
>www.centuryoptics.com
>
> DS-06WA-58 .6X Wide Angle Adapter - 58mm thread; includes one step
>ring for camcorders with smaller lens fronts -- $225.00
>
> DS-65CV-58 .65X Wide Angle Converter - 58mm thread; includes one step
>ring for camcorders with smaller lens fronts -- $495.00
>
>
>They seem to make some really nice glass!
>
>The .6x is a fixed adapter while the .65x is a zoom thru convertor (meaning
>that when using the .65x the camera will can maintain focus even while
>zooming unlike the .6x adapter). Unfortunately the zoom thru is $495
>(versus $225 for the other)...
>
>Do I need the "Zoom Thru" functionality? Is it worth the additional $270?
>
>Is there anywhere else that might have a better price on the zoom thru?
>
>Anybody got one out there they just want to send me because I am so nice?
>;)))
>
>Anywho, thanks for all the advice,

I would look elsewhere for WA converters that are about
the same quality (short the very top C. models), but a
small fraction of the the cost. Look at Kenko, Raynox,
Sony, and Canon WA offerings... I often trade compactness
for zoom-through capability, and sometimes get better
performance, too. The Sony VCL-ES06 is a good one for most
camcorders, is .6X, non-zoom-through, but with spacers
between the very light and short converter and the lens, it
can be closer to .5X). The Raynox Pro 5050 .5X is good on
most small camcorder lenses, and it is zoom-through. Both
are under $100, but may need additional stepping rings to
fit (cheap)...