Cokin Magnefix lenses

[Saudidave]

Hi

I just thought I would issue some advice regarding the new magnefix lenses manufactured by Cokin.

They are a 2x teleconverter and a 0.5 wide angle converter which attach to cameras magnetically via a metal "washer" which you fix to your lens (it's self adhesive). They are designed for compacts with no thread for a lens mount.

I rushed out to buy them when I saw them announced. I thought they would be a great enhancement for my trusty ixus 400.

The tele is OK but I reckon its about 1.7x, not 2x.

The wide angle is useless. It is only clear in the centre and the outside is so blurred that you don't clearly capture any more than with the basic lens on its own, so it's all a bit pointless!

They are £53 each in the UK and the tele is reasonable value, I suppose. The wide angle is a waste of money

Dave

[marzipan]

I recently tried the cokin magnefix 2x tele lens on my pentax optio 555 5x zoom and I was not impressed at all.

The lens is more like 1.2x than 2x, an increase hardly noticeable.

But the worse thing is the appaling quality of photos I took using the lens. It is out of focus across the whole picture except for a very small area in the centre. This is completely useless, not even useful as a novelty 'creative' effect. DO NOT waste your money on this product!!!

I was however, satisfied with the magnetic feature. The magnetic ring sticks on to the front of the camera lens, and the cokin lens sticks very well to it, it didn't fall off or move about at all - although I have only used it for a few weeks. I don't know if the magnetism wears off after a while.

I am eagerly awaiting the polariser and ND filters, as I think these won't suffer the same quality problems that the teleconvertor has. These lens will also be far more useful for non filter thread digital compact cameras since even the cheapest digitals have optical zoom now anyway and I think a polariser is the easiest and cheapest way to improve pictures from a digital compact.

There is also the magnetic a series filter holder, although I am a bit dubious about the strength of the magnetic ring to hold this in place!

I would like to hear if anyone has used any of these products and has any opinons.

[PhotosGuy]

But the worse thing is the appaling quality of photos I took using the lens. It is out of focus across the whole picture except for a very small area in the centre. Not completly useless! You used to be able to buy portrait lenses with that feature, & Conkin sells filters which do that, too!
Of course, you can get the same result with a filter & some grease, too. The magnetic ring sticks on to the front of the camera lens, and the cokin lens sticks very well to it, it didn't fall off I'd worry about knocking it off sometime.