Lenses: I'm so confused

[farqwar]

First of all what do I need to know about lens sizes? If I were to take my FZ15 into a camera shop what size lenses can I purchase w/out having to buy an adaptor?

Secondly, someone suggested I look at this kit: http://www.bugeyedigital.com/product_main/ray-plpp20.html Is this decent? Can you recommend something better? Different?

If I have no intentions of ever buying a macro or telephoto lens is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks,

Digicam Newbie

[farqwar]

Oops! I'm sorry. I meant filter not lens. :p

[sssand2]

farqwar,
First, to your question, my understanding is that you cannot put a filter on the FZ15 without an adaptor. However, the camera comes with an adaptor for the lens hood that you can use. If you do this, you would need 72mm filters. However, I have read that most prople do not do this for 2 reasons. First, 72mm filters are more expensive. Second, and maybe more importantly, this adaptor puts the filter further from the lens which can lead to more flaring. The Pemaraal and several others (including the Raynox you are considering) put the filter about as close as you can to the lens. I decided to go with the Pemaraal (www.pemaraal.com) since it can be had in 55, 58, or 62mm variants (I got a 62 since I have 62mm filters I can use from my SLR). I have read that several people have successfully used the Raynox as well. If you dont plan on using a conversion lens, another option I have read about is this adaptor (http://www.nextphoto.net/FZ20.htm) which snaps into the inner edge of the moving portion of the lens. This is inteded only for filters however. Hope this helps!

Steve

[genece]

That kit from Raynox is just fine.

If you want to keep the original camera look and never add any lenses this is a good way to go.

http://www.nextphoto.net/FZ20.htm

If you go that route get the smaller one 52 & 55mm

I guess I should add you will then need 52 or 55mm filters of your choice.

[emalvick]

I use the Phayee adapter, which is a nice quality adapter that will let you use 62 mm photos. It also brings the filter quite close to the lens. You can find it at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43441&item=3865219929&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V

The nice thing about the Phayee, Raynox, and Pemeraal that were all described is they do allow add-on lens if you ever decide you want one. The next photo add on limits you to filters. I don't know about the others but the Phayee adapter is actually cheaper, made of a nice metal material, and allows an add on lens if you need it. I believe the other adapters are of a similar price. I think that option of adding a lens makes those more useful.

And, for your information, I don't have any plans right now of adding a lens, but perhaps in a year my mind and finances will change and I'll find it desirable.

-Erik

[farqwar]

So if I purchase the Raynox as mentioned in my first post will I need anything else?

Is 52mm the default size for my FZ15?

I'm not looking for anything extravagant. I'm just a simple hobbyist getting my feet wet for the very first time. :o

[emalvick]

I don't think you would need anything else.

52 mm is the size at the end where you are going to connect the filter or lens. There really is no default size that I am aware of.

The most important thing is not to worry too much and have fun. Don't make the hobby stressful. As per my earlier suggestion, I think adapters like the Raynox, Phayee, and Pemeraal (and probably others) are great because they allow you to add a lens later. Afterall, hobbies tend to grow on people. I just stepped up my hobby by getting the FZ15 a couple of months ago, and I've done much like you are.

I bought an adapter, and Ritz had a special on filters. I had a simple digital camera before, and I don't foresee needing anything more than a 12 X zoom, but I wanted to at least leave the door open, which is why I bought an adapter (and not the Nextphoto item). The one thing I will probably find handy real soon is a wide angle add on lens as I love landscape shots, and that would sure help.

Good luck...

-Erik

[genece]

So if I purchase the Raynox as mentioned in my first post will I need anything else?

Is 52mm the default size for my FZ15?

I'm not looking for anything extravagant. I'm just a simple hobbyist getting my feet wet for the very first time. :o


You will not need anything else but you may find a lens hood would be nice.. as the Panasonic hood will no longer fit.

Maybe something like this but I have not tried it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=23163&is=REG

That is where that nextphoto thing can be better as all the panasonic stuff still fits.

But I like an adapter as it keeps the dust from the lens and mechanism.
I make homemade hoods so I can use a flip down lens caps but thats another story.

[StanStan]

.
I make homemade hoods so I can use a flip down lens caps but thats another story.

Sounds very interesting-flip down lens caps!
May I get a picture or/and a description.

Then only hood I have is a Hama hood, and of course the Panasonic petal hood which I never use.

BTW I always keep a lens adapter/filter on camera to protect the lens mechanism from hard knocks. The lens adapter has already protected the camera from a hard knock.

[genece]

Here you go Stan

[genece]

here is a link to one
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=170297&is=REG

[StanStan]

here is a link to one
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=170297&is=REG

Thanks Gene.
I looked at B&H. There is a universal one. Is that the one you show in your picture?
Is that your home made hood?

[junji98]

just a question gene,

if i had a raynox adapter, which diameter lens cap would i need (for the op-tech spring loaded ones) or and would it be the screw in or the one between the filter and lens thing? thanks!

[genece]

just a question gene,

if i had a raynox adapter, which diameter lens cap would i need (for the op-tech spring loaded ones) or and would it be the screw in or the one between the filter and lens thing? thanks!


you would need a 52mm one and I think the one that is held in place by the filter would be the best one as the other one is pretty thick and I think it might vignette with the raynox adapter but thats just a guess as I did not use one on the Raynox adapter.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=197147&is=REG




.

[genece]

Thanks Gene.
I looked at B&H. There is a universal one. Is that the one you show in your picture?
Is that your home made hood?

That is my homade hood Stan a plastic water glass from the dollar store.

And I like the one that fits under the filter as shown in this link and if your putting it on the Phayee adapter it would be the 62mm one.

Like this one Click here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=214591&is=REG)


.



.

[junji98]

thanks gene

[StanStan]

Gene. I thank you too.

I have my TCON 17 on almost all the time. Would like to hinge the slip on cover. Got it tethered now.

If I have your attention, is there a spotting scope or a gun sight that could be attached to the hot shoe. I have a hard time finding the birds when I am at full zoom. 432 x 1.7 = 734 sometimes digital zoom If there is not I will have to make one.

Love the DPS 9000 you suggested! Able to leave the camera on for most of the day. And yes you were right again: Left Pana bat in and then two dead batteries. Got to get to Walmart for an AC supply.

Thanks.

[gary_hendricks]

Yes, sssand2 is right. You need adpater with the FZ15 before fitting in your own lenses.

[genece]

red dot sight (http://www.brasseagle.com/products/product_detail2.asp?item_num=7810&cat=Accessories) Gene. I thank you too.

I have my TCON 17 on almost all the time. Would like to hinge the slip on cover. Got it tethered now.

If I have your attention, is there a spotting scope or a gun sight that could be attached to the hot shoe. I have a hard time finding the birds when I am at full zoom. 432 x 1.7 = 734 sometimes digital zoom If there is not I will have to make one.

Love the DPS 9000 you suggested! Able to leave the camera on for most of the day. And yes you were right again: Left Pana bat in and then two dead batteries. Got to get to Walmart for an AC supply.

Thanks.
Stan here is a link to a red dot sight, these can be bought in Walmarts for about 9 bucks.

red dot sight (http://www.brasseagle.com/products/product_detail2.asp?item_num=7810&cat=Accessories)






Here are a couple pictures of what it takes to mount it on the FZ20.

http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/P11907
21.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/P1190721.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/Red%20dot2.jpg[/IMG]

Should be a piece of cake for you to make.

http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/Red%20dot2.jpg

[StanStan]

Gene you are always one step ahead of me.

Wife 'had' to goto Walmart where I bought my camera 120 VAC power supply. She didn't know I wanted to get the PS. Works great.

Had found the Red-Dot this morning but could not find one for a hot-shoe mount. Googled a few terms.

Glad you showed pictures of it.
Questions? Did you make the mount? And does it do what it is advertised.
I want to pan birds!

Oh yes. My 'resident' black bear made it's first visit this year. Will try to get it on 'film' or should I say 'card'?

Gene: You have so much info did you ever think of putting it down and 'posting' it all. Would definitely help all the newbies like me.

Thanks again!

[genece]

Yes stan I made the mount and those measurements are pretty accurate.
I am sure you could machine that out or a 3/4 in X 1/4 strap or plate.

And Yes it does make it easy to pick out a flying bird or even something bigger when you have a couple teleconverters stacked.

I have used them to find hawks soaring overhead. You hold the camera about an armslenght away and line up the red dot on the bird and snap the photo. When I started with the FZ10 I had to be prefocused but I am having some luck using the 3pt auto focus with the FZ20. Pre focus still seems to be the best though.

If you machine that you need to get the part that slides under the rails pretty tight and the smaller part very close as it keeps everything centered even if you take it off and on it pretty well stays zeroed in.

Give it a go you will see.

Good luck with that bear.

I changed how I make that mount I think you can see what I did.
It would still be better machined but it works fine . As I say I can take it off and when I put it back on it is still on target.

[StanStan]

I need some brain rejuvenating pills.

Where is the red-dot? I gather it is not a lazer dot ?

[genece]

No Stan it is not a lazer dot it is a dot projected on the screen at the front of the sight.
It really works well and is not harmful to anyone as a lazer dot would be.

Just go in Walmart and try one you will see it is very bright and accurate.
I really did not have much faith in it until I tried it.

The guy that owns Photosolve is selling these things now.( I new this was a money maker)
maybe you want to follow this thread

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=12592595

[StanStan]

I bought the Daisy Max View tonight.

Can't wait for it to come.

Thanks Gene.