Wide angle lens for a HC7 ?

[ctcrm]

Im looking at buying a Wide angle lens and there doesn't seem to be much choice.

Its either lots of cash for a genuine Sony lens or a few quid for a "quality Japanese" off ebay via Hong Kong and HMRC.

Has anyone actually had any experience of the cheaper lenses or are they a total waste of money, I'd be interested in actual experience rather than pay your money and take your chance type of quotes!

[lurcher]

I"ve had 3 in the last couple of years , the best was a Sony VCL-HGO737 which are quite expensive to buy new but have a look at ebay now and there is a s/h one available for £70.
I think thats a bit dear and its the second time its been listed , £35/40 would be a decent s/h price.
The cheaper Sony VCL-0637 is reasonable for the price again a search on ebay will turn up s/h one.
I am currently using a Raynox HD5000 which I picked up for £30 with good results.
Be careful of vignetting when trying cheaper models.
The Century Optics gets good review but is at the dearer end.
I would sooner scout out a decent s/h model than go for a new cheapy.

HTH

[ctcrm]

cheers, anyone actually own a VCL-HG0737C ?

[ctcrm]

just as an update, ive now got the sony wide angle lens and used it extensively over the last month or so, in fact ots probably on more often than not. The only problem ive had is that you get a lot of sunlight on the lens, does anyone know if there is a wide angle lens hood available that would fit the wide angle lens, poss even one from an old pro cam ?

[felix2]

Thanks for the update, glad you like it... I'm getting more tempted to get one myself - did you get it from the US via ebay?? Let us know if you find out about a hood too!

[ctcrm]

Originally Posted by felix2

Thanks for the update, glad you like it... I'm getting more tempted to get one myself - did you get it from the US via ebay?? Let us know if you find out about a hood too!

yes it was from ebay (in US)about 90 quid i seem to remember, very good optics i cant notice any degradation in quality, only sunlight problems. Makes your camera look more professional but its quite heavy.