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View Full Version : Do step down/step up filters work ok?


sugar_babygirli
8th of February 2010 (Mon), 17:29
Hi! I haven't been here in so long! :confused:

Anyways, last year I was using a Sony DCR-SR47 camcorder with a 30 mm thread size to screw my polarizer and other lenses onto. I now have a Sony HDR CX-500v that has a 37 mm size.

If I get a step down ring to convert all of my 30 mm filters to fit on the 37 mm new camcorder, do you think there would be a problem with focusing or vignetting? I only plan to use 1 filter at a time, not stack them.

And lastly, I've done searching and am having a very hard time to find a ring that would fit the sizes mentioned. I believe the only place was on Ebay, but I'm curious as to why it's so difficult? Are these not popular size threads or something?

Thanks!

P.S. This is the one I'm looking at. I contacted the seller and supposedly it will fit on my camcorder, but I'm curious why they show a photo of a camera? http://cgi.ebay.com/lens-FILTER-ADAPTER-RING-37-30-MM-step-Stepping-DOWN_W0QQitemZ190366442623QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLens_ Accessories?hash=item2c52b9647f

Does it sound sketchy to you? (plus no returns accepted) I simply can't find one anywhere else though!

sugar_babygirli
9th of February 2010 (Tue), 10:34
Ok, so if no one has experience with step down rings for camcorders, can you at least tell me how well they work on regular cameras, in comparison? Thanks.

tkbslc
9th of February 2010 (Tue), 11:33
I think with a difference that great (about 25% smaller filters) you would have vignetting or probably even just black rings at the video edges when shooting at wide angles. Step up is usually no problem, but step down you can't push it too much.

sugar_babygirli
10th of February 2010 (Wed), 05:44
Thank you for the reply, tkbslc. This is what I was worried about, but since I had no experience with trying this, wanted to ask an "expert".

Thanks. And now it looks like I'll be spending more money. :P