Good source for a wide angle lens?

[kylie]

Hi I have a Sony F828 and am wanting to buy a serious wide angle lens that will adapt to a Sony of this model. I have seen a few on Ebay of various makes that seem rather cheap and claim to do the business. But thought I would talk to the experts first, Sony seems to have bugger all stuff.
If you wondered why I need one, I am a New Zealand landscape painter in my spare time, so instead of taking three shots across the subject, just one big fat pic will do

[simpo two]

I can't be specific but the key thing is to check the size of the filter thread and then look for a 'wide-angle adaptor' that will fit it. IIRC they reduce the focal length by 35-40%.
Hopefully somone else will be able to make a specific recommendation!

[GetCarter]

Hi again Kylie.

I don't know what your budget is, but had you considered a panoramic camera?

There are now quite a lot of second hand 'X pans' on the market. I don't use mine a lot now (I can't stand film!) but they dan't half do landscapes well

For a cheaper alternative there are some cheap APS cameras out there that will do the same thing.

www.stevecarter.com/panoramics/panoramics.htm

Steve

[kylie]

simpo two said:

I can't be specific but the key thing is to check the size of the filter thread and then look for a 'wide-angle adaptor' that will fit it. IIRC they reduce the focal length by 35-40%. Hopefully somone else will be able to make a specific recommendation!

Thank you so much was hoping you would chim in Any info is good info.
So you mean when I use a another lens like this there is a compromise of long distance focus points, so only works best for shorter distances?

[simpo two]

kylie said:

So you mean when I use a another lens like this there is a compromise of long distance focus points, so only works best for shorter distances?

No, focal length is not the same as focus. Focal length is a teccy way to describe how much you get in the shot. With a wide-angle adapter you will get more in the shot, but you will still be able to focus on infinity. In fact, as focal length decreases (more wide-angle), depth of field increases as well - so more of what you see will be sharp anyway!

Of course there's always a DSLR

[kylie]

Nah guys have already invested in the brand new Sony, good or bad features I will get the dam thing to work. Still reading the manual and pushing buttons wondering what they do, so you will have to excuse the odd numpty question Taking it to Rarotonga (Cook Islands in South Pacific) in a few weeks, so will have plenty of time to learn it. But I know that I need a clear lens for general protection and a wide angle job. I got most other things.

[simpo two]

kylie said:

Taking it to Rarotonga (Cook Islands in South Pacific) in a few weeks

:Envy: By contrast my nearest exotic location is Clacton-on-Bloody-Sea!

kylie said:

But I know that I need a clear lens for general protection

UV or Skylight filter, not a lens.
We look forward to some corking photos of Rarotonga though Perhaps you could invite everyone from the Photo forum over for hols?

[DustyC]

kylie said:

Taking it to Rarotonga (Cook Islands in South Pacific) in a few weeks

Went there on my slow trek back from Australia.
Went for a couple of weeks but could have stayed forever.
You'll find everything yourself OK so wont need any tips (the island is only 32KMs round).

Makes sure you go to one of the dance shows. There Rarotongian/Cook Island music and dancing is the fastest in the south pacific and brilliant. (Yet when you buy the CD and play it at home it just doesent feel quite the same!).

There is also a great little art shop on the inside of the road somewhere (Only really one road round the whole island!). Its a little white building. The artist is very good and friendly. Large limited prints are relatively cheap too.

Rent a scooter for a couple of days to make sure you see everything. Great views up the hill behind the hospital. You'll need a Cook Islands licence but you can buy them from the police station.

Also rent a canoe and paddle out to the 3 little islands within the reef. Cant remember where they are but you'll find them!
If you are staying at the Shangri La cottages say hello to Princess (the black Labrador) for us!

Are you going to any other Cook Islands too?

[kylie]

simpo two said:

kylie said: Taking it to Rarotonga (Cook Islands in South Pacific) in a few weeks :Envy: By contrast my nearest exotic location is Clacton-on-Bloody-Sea! kylie said: But I know that I need a clear lens for general protection UV or Skylight filter, not a lens. We look forward to some corking photos of Rarotonga though Perhaps you could invite everyone from the Photo forum over for hols?

Heck yeah, anyone from PH is more than welcome to stay, no weirdos' need not apply

Gotch ya with the lens thingy, ta.

[kylie]

DustyC said:

kylie said: Taking it to Rarotonga (Cook Islands in South Pacific) in a few weeks Went there on my slow trek back from Australia. Went for a couple of weeks but could have stayed forever. You'll find everything yourself OK so wont need any tips (the island is only 32KMs round). Makes sure you go to one of the dance shows. There Rarotongian/Cook Island music and dancing is the fastest in the south pacific and brilliant. (Yet when you buy the CD and play it at home it just doesent feel quite the same!). There is also a great little art shop on the inside of the road somewhere (Only really one road round the whole island!). Its a little white building. The artist is very good and friendly. Large limited prints are relatively cheap too. Rent a scooter for a couple of days to make sure you see everything. Great views up the hill behind the hospital. You'll need a Cook Islands licence but you can buy them from the police station. Also rent a canoe and paddle out to the 3 little islands within the reef. Cant remember where they are but you'll find them! If you are staying at the Shangri La cottages say hello to Princess (the black Labrador) for us! Are you going to any other Cook Islands too?

Hi glad you had a great time sounds like you had a blast, will make note of getting the licience thing and the performing dances for sure. It will be my first trip there, staying a total of 18days wooohoo! We are staying at the Edgewater Resort, bit pricey, but hey you live life once so might as well enjoy it.
As a keen windsurfer I will be taking my full rig!! So am hoping for some nice 10-15knot afternoon sea breezes. Sounds like heaven alright!

[DustyC]

The name of your resort rings a bell. it may be the one we saw the dance/music in. It included a huge South Pacific buffet too and whilst it was the dearest on the island it was well worth it.

If you are windsurfing I strongly recommend going to the area with the 3 small islands. It is the biggest safe area inside the reef. Outside the reef the waves are HUGE! I rode them in on a Kayak a few times.
Also out there somewhere is parts of an old ship wreck. Have a search around and you will find the engine poking up out of the reef!

Picture to show the 3 small islands


Make sure you post some of your pics up when you get back.

BTW: Where in NZ are you? We spent 2 weeks touring the North Island on our way home from Oz too. (It took us over 2 months to get home!).

[whittaker52]

i would say take a look here - www.Raynox.co.jp/english/digital/f828/index.htm

Raynox do a range of various types of lenses for the F828.

[kylie]

DustyC said:

The name of your resort rings a bell. it may be the one we saw the dance/music in. It included a huge South Pacific buffet too and whilst it was the dearest on the island it was well worth it. If you are windsurfing I strongly recommend going to the area with the 3 small islands. It is the biggest safe area inside the reef. Outside the reef the waves are HUGE! I rode them in on a Kayak a few times. Also out there somewhere is parts of an old ship wreck. Have a search around and you will find the engine poking up out of the reef! Picture to show the 3 small islands Make sure you post some of your pics up when you get back. BTW: Where in NZ are you? We spent 2 weeks touring the North Island on our way home from Oz too. (It took us over 2 months to get home!).

Thanks for the notes about windsurfing. We are located in Auckland - North Island. I lived in the south island most of my life and got a job transfer up north 6 yrs ago. Weather is a bit warmer here in the winter - bonus, but takes 3 hours to get the the mountains for a ski, am used to half an hours drive down south. Spoilt!
Will take some nice pics- promise!

[DustyC]

Consider your self lucky that the roads to snow once out of Auckland are a great traffic free drive.

The reason it takes 3hrs to get anywhere here (UK) is because of the traffic. (Unless you are going no where in particular and just hooning around the back roads!)

Loved the traffic free country roads out there, shame I was in a great big camper van! Good fun though.

[kylie]

whittaker52 said:

i would say take a look here - www.Raynox.co.jp/english/digital/f828/index.htm Raynox do a range of various types of lenses for the F828.

Hey thanks as it turns out there is a New Zealand distribution outlet on the web, so have emailed them asking for info and prices, least it gives me an idea what they are worth, and I can shop around if need be. That is serious equipment btw, those lenses nearly weigh just as much as my camera!!!
If I don't hear from them today or tom I will ring them.
Cheers
Kylie

[kylie]

whittaker52 said:

i would say take a look here - www.Raynox.co.jp/english/digital/f828/index.htm Raynox do a range of various types of lenses for the F828.

Hi, I went into the camera shop today and ordered a Raynox wide angle lens converter, should have it in the next two days. I also ordered a solarizer lens as well for water shots.

Thanks guys,
Kylie

[simpo two]

kylie said:

I also ordered a solarizer lens as well for water shots.

Anything like a polariser?

[kylie]

simpo two said:

kylie said: I also ordered a solarizer lens as well for water shots. Anything like a polariser?

yeah sorry with the typo that's what I wanted to say, you beat me to the edit function...lol.

[DustyC]

I was just going to find out whata solarizer was and if it was any better than a polariser!

Im still amazed at my circular polariser everytime I use it. It has a strange effect on the curvy bodies of TVRs.

[ehasler]

DustyC said:

Im still amazed at my circular polariser everytime I use it. It has a strange effect on the curvy bodies of Hawaiian Tropic girls.