I just got myself a HF100. I am planning to get a wide angle lens for this.

The Canon Accessories page shows 2 models compatible with this: (remove the space between www and past on your address bar)
w ww.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=177&modelid=16187#SNAModelSuppliesAct

WD-H37 II (Wide Conversion Lens for 37mm filter diameter which optimized for High Definition camcorders) This has a price but can’t add to cart.
and
Wide Converter WD-H37C (A 0.7x wider perspective is achieved) seems like I can buy this at Canon for $160
I can get the first one for $98 And the second for $108 thru FROOGLE

Can someone tell me what’s the difference between them?
At this point I can’t tell the difference between them, I am comparing merely on price and might end up picking the sleeker one because I was told that they both block the flash(hoping the sleeker will do it lesser).

I also found a couple of wideangle lenses from ebay for $30, whats the offside to using them?
If you are going to say quality: can you explain: meaning more fishbowl effect, less clarity, build quality? I am sorry but I don't know much about the wideangle lens artifacts,

This is my first HD camera and the first time with a wide angle lens, I didn’t find any threads comparing lenses for the HF100, my apologies if this has been discussed before, if someone could point me to such a thread that'd be great!

Appreciate any advice!

(Sorry about the n/w links it appears I have to make 3 posts until I get to post links)

My research indicates the WD-H37 II is a replacement, apparently not yet available, for the WD-H37C. If you look online, you will see many people don't have the WD-H37C in stock, probably because they are clearing out inventory in advance of the WD-H37 II release.

I was in Indianapolis this weekend and visited Roberts Imaging looking for some other items. They had 4 of the WD-H37C up on a shelf where I could see them and the price was right, so I went ahead and purchased one in advance of receiving my HF100 in the mail since I needed it for an upcoming vacation.

After receiving my HF100 I have played around with it a little and it seems to do the job well, but I don't have the WD-H37 II to compare it to. If you need something immediately the WD-H37C seems like a good option. You could otherwise wait for the newer version, but I'm not sure how much optical improvement you will see or when it will be available. I would go with a Canon lens.

I use the sunpak .5x wide angle lens which is only about 30 bucks. Not sure if it has the optical quality you are looking for but works good for me, plus it has adaptors so I can use it with different cameras. Problem is it lacks a lens cap, so I had to get that separately.

I too am looking for a wide angle lens for the HF10....any suggestions?

I picked up a Kenko 0.5x from B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/232577-REG/Kenko_SGW05_SGW_05_37mm_0_5x_Wide.html) and it works great. The difference between it and the Canon's is so small you'll wonder why the Canon's cost so much (hint: it's the name). Plus, that one doesn't block the light as much as the Canon's (i.e. the light is still usable).

How do these lenses affect autofocus and zooming on the Canons?

You might want to watch my video that compares the stock HF100 lens, with the Digital Concepts .45x, and Raynox HD6600 wide angle lenses:

http://www.vimeo.com/3022539

Anthony

So the raynox is preferred over the WD-H37 II?

Thanks Anthony. That video was worth a thousand word write-up. Much thanks.

-bob

So the raynox is preferred over the WD-H37 II?

I honestly don't know how the Canon lens compares with the Raynox.

The HD6600 is around $140, compared to roughly $180 for the WD-H37 II (Amazon.com prices). But you'll need an adapter ring to use the HD6600 with the HF100, whereas the WD-H37II will thread right onto the camera.

The HD6600 has threads on the outer end if you want to use filters, a hood, etc. As far as I know, the WD-H37II does not have any threads on the outer end.

I would guess the WD-H37II would work as well, if not better, than the Raynox HD6600, as it's more expensive and is designed specifically to fit the HF100. But I haven't tried it myself to confirm. I think I saw a sample or two on Vimeo, so you might try looking there.

Anthony

I just ordered the WD-H37II and will let you guys know what I think of it. Will be using to film this week.

Thanks Anthony. That video was worth a thousand word write-up. Much thanks.Meaning?

Meaning?

Meaning the video helped me decide. YMMV.

Hey guys, long time reader and have a question. I have an HF100 and the same KENKO SGW-05 but am seeing some vignetting on the final video result. Its not visible on the screen at all while I am filming so I am wondering where it is coming from? I only noticed it recently after I downloaded 3 hours of video after a camping trip and now all of it is garbage. Any ideas how I could have prevented this?