What is \"42x AF Wide Angle Lens\" used for?

[Mikesht]

I saw it on E-bay, really cheap (hint!) - "Hi-Tech .42x AF Wide Angle Lens". They way I understand it - it's an add-on lens, that you screw on the end of your existing lens for extra wide angle. Did anybody have an experience with it?
Here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2976206075&category=4687&rd=1

Just interested, how good are they?
Mike

[defordphoto]

Cheap junk. Yeah it attaches to the front of an existing lens.

If it's too good to be true it probably is.

However, there are some decent close-up attachments that are worth the time and expense. You guys really need to stay away from Ebay...The dream lens for $30 ain't gonna happen.

[Mikesht]

I couldn't agree more, $30 L-galss will not happen. But there are some stores that sell brand new good stuff thru E-bay...
I figured those add-ons are not that great for $30, just was curious if anybody actually tried it...
Thanks.

[GenEOS]

I would say junk too.

But, I would not discount the ability to put the old Canon Wide Angle adapter from the "G" series digitals on the front of a 55 mm dia lens mount in a pinch......

I am not saying it would be the best option, but I have heard some ramblings of people doing it. That adpater, the Canon made one is not sheap though....I would never suggest buying one to do it.....

I wouldn't mind seeing someone try and post examples that has a G series camera and the adapter, who wants to give it a shot....

[defordphoto]

Mikesht wrote:
I couldn't agree more, $30 L-galss will not happen. But there are some stores that sell brand new good stuff thru E-bay...


That's very true. And here are some of those stores: http://www.panix.com/~donwiss/pictures/BrooklynStores/

[Andy_T]

Hi,

I assume you'll get heavy vignetting with using a wide angle converter designed for a 42 mm G series lens (fitting the camera's smaller sensor) on a 55 mm SLR lens.

However, most of these cheap converters are junk - also on Digicams. There just is no x42 converter, optically that's not possible. If you decide to give it a go, visit your local Canon store, ask them if the WC58 (pretty good lens with 58 mm thread, should theoretically fit on the kit lens 58 mm filter threads) can be fitted on the 300D and try it out in the shop.

Regards,
Andy

[agit-prop]

These things are horrible.

Vignietting
Barrel distortion
Chromic Abberation

very significant issues with image quality make these things almost completely useless.

[bfaust]

Andy is right the WC58 fits right on front of the lens that is stock with rebel D300. I don't use it but I have it for my G2. It does add a bit of width naturally and there is vignetting at the full 15mm setting. At about 20mm (between 15 and 24 on the dial) there is none. Using my 28 to 105 canon lens there is no vignetting. With rough testing the 28-105 and WC58 seems to show the same picture shows that the 15-80 stock lens shows at 15mm. I think the 28-105mm/WC58 combo shows more bowing of vertical lines than the 15-85mm does alone at 15.

[Mikesht]

That's very true. And here are some of those stores: http://www.panix.com/~donwiss/pictures/BrooklynStores/[/quote]



Are those all the stores that sell on E-bay? Please let me know soon so I can make sure not to buy anything on E-bay any more...
Thanks for your help.

[defordphoto]

That's very true. And here are some of those stores: http://www.panix.com/~donwiss/pictures/BrooklynStores/

Are those all the stores that sell on E-bay? Please let me know soon so I can make sure not to buy anything on E-bay any more...
Thanks for your help.[/quote]

No. There are some very legitimate people on Ebay, but you have to be careful as there are tons of snakes and serpents too. You're spending A LOT of money on your camera equipment. Ebay is a gamble and if something goes wrong, your money can be tied up for some time. I am not an Ebay'er, but 3even at that I don't see THAT many super deals out there to forego customer service to save a handful of change.

I work too hard for my money to toss it around willy-nilly like that and I have heard way too many sob stories from sales gone bad on Ebay. I have purchased a few small items on Ebay, all under $50 and have never sold anything.

[Mikesht]

Wow, thanks!
I must be really fortunate then. I sold 2 of my cameras ($200 and $800), and some old lens, bought some new lens, printer, my wife bought some closing... I bought fisheye Zenitar lens from Kiev, Ukraine.... All new and sealed... Wow.