When to use WA adapter and when not to

[cjcook]

My basic question is when you use your WA adapter, and when do not? I just want to get a feel for how everyone uses their WA. I know that if you doing specific shot/scene, then the shot/scene would determine that. But what about unplanned, general purpose, taking-my-camcorder-out shooting? Would you have the WA on, then take it off if needed, or would you have the WA off, then put it on if needed. My whole reason behind this is because I understand there is need/demand for HD stock footage, and would like to see about trying to sell some to support my new addiction (HV20)!!! Thanks.

[Lunchbox]

I have the WA lens adapter mounted on it all the time.

[VideJo]

So have I. Basicaly because the WA capacity of the hv20 is quite poor.

[w.pasman]

In most shots I prefer WA. Landscape gives wider view. Close ups get better, you can get closer and get more perspective effect. I do lots of steadicam work and it also benefits from WA lens.

Much depends on the quality of the WA lens. I have it mostly on now I have the canon WA lens. My previons lens (Panasonic) was too bad to do that. With the Canon lens you can also zoom through the WA lens, the entire range (some other WA lenses loose focus or other bad effects)

I take the WA lens off (1) if I need extreme zooms (2) if I need really top quality (high contrast edges mainly).

Some footage with WA are
http://www.vimeo.com/456882
http://www.vimeo.com/477741

[geekd]

I use mine a lot.

Sometimes, especially in a club, the lights will be positioned in such a way that I get glare, and only a really big lens hood would help (which I don't have). So then I take the WA off, and the glare goes away.

"The Filmmakers Handbook" (a very useful book) says not to use a WA for close-ups of a face (and they give example pictures why).

-geekd

[V10TDI]

I have my WA on almost all the time. I do take it off when I need portability. I do have lens hoods for both with and without the WA. I can snugly fit everything in a camera bag that was designed for a old SLR camera with telephoto.

[cjcook]

Thanks for everyone's input. I believe this is the first topic I've seen where everyone was generally in agreement - WA on most of the time. I would have to be crazy to go against the knowledge and wisdom of such seasoned pros...so, it's WA on by default!!!:hv20-smilie77:

[mattias]

if your adapter is very high quality you can leave it on, and i agree that it's very often needed. however if you have a cheaper adapter and/or want the best image quality on zoomed in shots, take it off for sure, it does lower the sharpness and introduce artifacts.

/matt

[cjcook]

I have the Raynox HD 6600 Pro 52mm

[VideJo]

I use the Raynox HD7000Pro, which also ensured focus over the total zoom.