Sony lists 2 wide angle lenses for the HC96: the VCL-E07A and the VCL-HA07A. Each are $49.99 but I don't know what the difference is. I'm not a lens expert - I just want to be able to get more in frame when I can't back up anymore in a room. Or is there a better non-Sony lens? Thanks.

Mark

Both are 0.7x magnification. Im not exactly sure what the difference is between the two, but they are both natively 37mm lenses with ring adapters.

I have a 0.65x low end wide angle that is natively 30mm.

I am not certain if the step up rings will negate the gains of the lens being 37mm, but here is my theory: A 37mm lens should have less destortion on the edges and potentially no vignetting on the far edges while in widescreen mode.

On my 30mm 0.65x cheapee, i can see the vignetting by the lens (and what appears to be the casing) when I import the DV video. I cant see this while in camera mode though. Zooming in one step fixes it.

I wonder if 37 is a better option?

There is also a higher quality lens that is a native 30mm that you might want to also look at. It has higher quality glass. Its $130 -- but if you want a good look while in wide angle, it might be worth it to you.

none of them.
buy a raynox 5050 or a 6600.

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Sony DCR-HC96 and Accessories Blog: www.hc96.de - English Version

I'm also looking to buy a WA lens for my HC96. Will the Raynox lenses have vignetting at .5x or .66x mag? The Sony converters are .7x.

Thanks,
Eric