HD7000 .7X WA first impressions

[LoveLife]

Although Raynox has no information regarding this lens on the FZ zooms, there seems to be enought interest to try it out.

I placed an order for the HD7000 yesterday at 3:30PM, and received

it today at 8:00pm. If the tests are favorable..

Don't ask?

First quick impressions:



It has substantial weight for its size 11 oz., while the Raynox

DCR2020 weighs 9.8 oz. The HD7000 stands 32mm tall with a 82mm

front thread and a 58mm rear. The shape of the front element

precludes a direct filter attachment but the correct hood should

work fine. It does not appear to vignette through the entire zoom.

The Wcon 07 sells for about $135.00 and has a limited range 25.2 -

32mm, beyond 32mm, it vignettes and the edges distort. I will test

and post the results tomorrow at

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892/1/22520354 (http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892/1/22520354)

[genece]

The shape of the front element

precludes a direct filter attachment


Boy I am already glad I did not buy that lens that was one of my main concerns when I ask RAynox about the HD7000.
I wanted to use a polarizer with it and they said it would work fine.

[lennn]

I have the HD7000 and have a TIFFEN 82mm UV PROTECTOR
FITTED IT APPEARS NOT to touch the front of the lens.

[genece]

Thanks

Tell us about the lens.
You get no vignetting with the filter mounted?

Some photos taken with the lens would be nice.


Thanks again






.

[LoveLife]

HD7000:

It has substantial weight for its size 11 oz., while the Raynox DCR2020 weighs 9.8 oz. The HD7000 stands 32mm tall with a 82mm front thread and a 58mm rear. It was too late last night. It can take filters and a hood. The Wcon 07 sells for about $130.00 and has a limited range 25.2 -32mm, beyond 32mm, it vignettes and the edges distort.



Raynox HD7000Pro average selling price: $148.00





Testing environment: Tripod mount with OIS off. ISO=50, F4.6, AP, and 1/400 average speed. Tested with a CRing adapter w/62-58CRing.



My opinion:

There still not a perfect wide-angle lens for the FZ10, 15 and 20. The Wcon07 produces sharp end-to-end pictures but does have a bit of distortion in the 23 – 32mm range.



The Good News:

This new HD7000 has no visible horizontal or vertical distortion, zero vignetting, and is usable from 23mm to 67mm

The Fair News:

From 23 – 29 the edges are soft, 29-67 sharp end-to-end, 67- 135mm soft edges, 135mm+ the quality declines rapidly.



This link will only work after tonight’s system maintence.

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=hd7000%2007&searchType=InUser&NickName=LoveLife (http://lovelife.smugmug.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=hd7000%2007&searchType=InUser&NickName=LoveLife)

If you want to pick out the pictures now go here http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892 (http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892) they are the ones with a cloudy grey sky.

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/photos/26681631-L-1.jpg

[genece]

Thanks lovelife.
Those photos look good to me.
Do you think it really is a .7 lens unlike the 720?
Any chance you have a polarizer to try on either end?



.

[StanStan]

The Wcon 07 has a limited range 25.2 -32mm, beyond 32mm, it vignettes and the edges distort.

I have the WCON-08B. How do you measure/calculate the 25.2 - 32 mm for the 07? [EXIF?] after the fact.

Thanks

Stan

P.S. What is a CRing [step down ring]?

[LoveLife]

I have the WCON-08B. How do you measure/calculate the 25.2 - 32 mm for the 07? [EXIF?] after the fact.

Thanks

Stan

P.S. What is a CRing [step down ring]?

The Leica lens goes from 36 – 432mm and the Exif data within the picture contains the calculated focal length. The multiplication factor for the Wcon07 or HD7000 is .7. Therefore 36*.7=25.2mm. The ending range is calculated by visually inspecting the results at each setting. The Wcon08 has a multiplication factor of .8 so the starting value is 28.8mm. The ending range on the 07 is 43 Leica mm or 30mm. The 08 should be 34mm. I have not tested the 08 yet, it is an educated guess based on the design similarity between the two units. After testing the HD7000, I conclude it is a clear contender to the 07’s distortion and limited shooting range. The choice is a large shooting range of almost distortion free images with occasional soft edges vs. the Wcon07’s sharp end to end with distortion over a limited range.


Remember I said I was starting a business. What better way to start then with products that are demonstrably different then the competition? I have designed and patented a unique 62mm CRing adapter and CRing that converts to alternate sizes without shifting the position of the lens. In essence, it is a 52, 55, 58 or 62mm adapter. It also has an anti-slip slot for the elastic loop of a lens cap keeper. The CRings can also be “permanently” mounted to the non 62mm accessory and remain on. I also have a replacement rear cap that fits over the CRing when mounted to the lens or filter. The adapter is fully functional at 62mm without the need for a CRing. The adapter is made in the states on an Omni-turn GT-75. The rings are made in India on specialized ring turning equipment. I have tested many converted lenses and they all fit in their transportation containers. I also expect to sell my own manufactured Tcon14b lens hood, which will use the Olympus lens cap when mounted and store behind the lens in the pouch. I also have a stretch cap keeper with a 4” elastic cord instead of a 6” string.



HTH

The Leica lens goes from 36 – 432mm and the Exif data within the picture contains the calculated focal length. The multiplication factor for the Wcon07 or HD7000 is .7. Therefore 36*.7=25.2mm. The ending range is calculated by visually inspecting the results at each setting. The Wcon08 has a multiplication factor of .8 so the starting value is 28.8mm. The ending range on the 07 is 43 Leica mm or 30mm. The 08 should be 34mm. I have not tested the 08 yet, it is an educated guess based on the design similarity between the two units. After testing the HD7000, I conclude it is a clear contender to the 07’s distortion and limited shooting range. The choice is a large shooting range of almost distortion free images with occasional soft edges vs. the Wcon07’s sharp end to end with distortion over a limited range.



Remember I said I was starting a business. What better way to start then with products that are demonstrably different then the competition? I have designed and patented a unique 62mm CRing adapter and CRing that converts to alternate sizes without shifting the position of the lens. In essence, it is a 52, 55, 58 or 62mm adapter. It also has an anti-slip slot for the elastic loop of a lens cap keeper. The CRings can also be “permanently” mounted to the non 62mm accessory and remain on. I also have a replacement rear cap that fits over the CRing when mounted to the lens or filter. The adapter is fully functional at 62mm without the need for a CRing. The adapter is made in the states on an Omni-turn GT-75. The rings are made in India on specialized ring turning equipment. I have tested many converted lenses and they all fit in their transportation containers. I also expect to sell my own manufactured Tcon14b lens hood, which will use the Olympus lens cap when mounted and store behind the lens in the pouch. I also have a stretch cap keeper with a 4” elastic cord instead of a 6” string.



HTH