On 19 Jun 2002 22:07:34 -0700, chaccone@yahoo.com (YSC) wrote:

>I'm looking to purchase a wide angle adaptor without finding a sample
>at the local stores. I will need to mail order the adaptor. I am
>wondering if anyone has any experience with the Sony wide angle
>adaptors? The models I am considering are as follows, both have 30mm
>which fits the Sony DCR-PC5 that I have:
>
> VCL-0630S 30mm 0.6x Wide Angle Lens
> VCL-HG0730 30mm 0.7 High-Grade Wide Angle Lens
>
>The price difference is about 2x for the high grade ($150) over the
>regular .6x ($70) wide angle. Why?

Higher image quality, especially at the picture edges/corners at widest stops - though don't expect
miracles (the image will look best either without
the converter, or in good enought light to cause the
diaphragm to stop down some, and in all cases, with
the lens zoomed somewhat away from the widest end
[this is a bit self-defeating, though, unfortunately...]).

>Also can someone enlighten me about
>what the .7x and .6x designations mean?

It is the focal-length multiplier. Since .6XFL
results in a shorter FL, the resulting lens
combination covers a wider angle of view...

>Should I get an after market
>lens, since it's so much cheaper for a wide angle at .7x as follows:
>
> Raynox
>DVM-700 30mm 0.7x Mini Wide Angle Lens

I have not tried these (though I have tried MANY
others for larger cameras...), I would recommend
the Sony .7XHG for highest image quality, and almost
anything else if price is more important than quality...