Wide angle "add on/adapter"

[momentz]

Hi

I'm considering an "add-on" lens/adapter to go on the end of the standard 18-55 lit lens, which transforms the angle into the equivalent of close to the ef 10-22mm. It's a no-brand device which looks a bit like a funnel, attaches to the end of the lens in place of the filter/cap, and is about 2-3 inches long.

I've seen a few sample shots (but no hi-re versions) and the wide angle seems excellent, but I'm not sure what effect such a device would have on the IQ?

Have done a search but haven't dug up anything on such adapters. Has anyone tried these? Comments? Worth the money at USD$80?

Thanks :)

[Jon]

Not really worth it. They generally seriously degrade the image, especially around the edges. Attached are a full frame and a 100% crop (lower left corner) from one on a Kodak DC260.

[momentz]

Thanks Jon, those pics are pretty shocking. Are you able to post a picture of the adapter itself?

Have you had any experience with such adapters on canon dslr's?

[Jon]

For SLRs, I have real lenses. The adapter in question doesn't look much different from any other. It was a Kodak or Tiffen brand, IIRC.

[picturecrazy]

I have a similar device for my trusty old Canon A40 point and shoot. It's great for point and shoots because you can't change lenses, giving you more flexibility. But for an SLR it is not worth it unless you are getting it for free or next to nothing, or are using it only for web sized shots.

Attached is a crappy shot using one of those adapters. You can see there is huge distortion, tons of chromatic abberation towards the edges, and it makes it a LOT more prone to flare.

BUT... if I had to choose between getting the shot with these drawbacks and NOT getting the shot because you didn't have a wide enough lens, I'd choose to get the shot...

[momentz]

I have a similar device for my trusty old Canon A40 point and shoot. It's great for point and shoots because you can't change lenses, giving you more flexibility. But for an SLR it is not worth it unless you are getting it for free or next to nothing, or are using it only for web sized shots.

Attached is a crappy shot using one of those adapters. You can see there is huge distortion, tons of chromatic abberation towards the edges, and it makes it a LOT more prone to flare.

BUT... if I had to choose between getting the shot with these drawbacks and NOT getting the shot because you didn't have a wide enough lens, I'd choose to get the shot...

That's the thing, it's only USD$80, as opposed to around $500 for a real 10-20mm lens, which we definitely cannot afford right now.

Could be worth it?