SkyDogg

PhreeZone, According to Kenko (and B&H Photo), the Hi series lenses are higher quality than the standard line and have multicoated lens elements to reduce flare and ghosting, plus improved matt-black inner barrels. I do know that the front of the .42 Hi lens is physically wider than .42 standard lens. I only have the .42 Hi, so I really can't provide you with any hard qualitative/quantitative data on the performance differences between these lenses. Visit the Kenko or B&H websites if you want to look at pictures and specifications. Regards, SkyDogg

The latest version of the Kenko KUW-042 Hi wide angle lens will only have 46mm mounting threads instead of the 37mm/46mm mount system that existed before. I spoke with the tech rep at THK (Kenko's US distributor) when I noticed that Kenko's new website and brochure data for the KUW-042 Hi listed only 46mm instead of the previous 37mm/46mm mounting. According to the tech rep, this is a new change. The KUW-042 (standard) will continue to have the 37mm/46mm mount. There is no change to the SGW-043's 37mm mount. Recommend that anyone purchasing a KUW-042 Hi checks the threading before closing the deal in order to insure that it fits the intended video camera. Most Sony's have 30mm or 37 mm filter mounts on their lenses. From this point on, the KUW-042 Hi lenses on the market could have either mount depending on the manufacturing date of the lens. And in answer to the unasked question; there are 30mm to 37mm, and 37mm to 46mm step-up rings, but there are no easily available 30mm to 46 mm step-up rings. And you really could not utilize two step-up rings on a lens this size to mount it to a Sony with a 30mm filter ring on the lens. Regards, SkyDogg

AndyMan, When you did this wide angle test with LtDivers Sony .6 against your Kenko .5; was LtDiver using the 30mm threaded Sony VCL-0630, or was LtDiver using the 37 mm threaded VCL-0637 with a step up ring on the camcorder? Just trying to get a handle on all of the variables involved. Regards, SkyDogg

Go Sony. Buy the right product the first time. Its just like formation skydiving--for the bulk of us, speed is good, but precision is better......... Its better to get it right the first time than to have to repeat the point. Regards, Sky-Dogg

I spoke with Tom Sanders of Aerial Focus by phone on this topic the first week of February. According to Tom, they have Roll Cages for the Sony PC Models 1-10 and 100. He added that they do not intend to produce the Roll Cages for the newer model Sony PCs. As a result, the PC101 and 120 do not have an available Roll Cage. They have a model for the PC5; it is a great product, and there is supposed to be a discount at this time. Recommend that you check out the Aerial Focus website. Regards, SkyDogg

A UV protection filter is cheap and protects the lens. If you want some glare prevention, you can use a polarizing filter. They cost more and tend to make the sky a little bluer. Most camera jumpers use a UV protection filter. They cost only 8-10 dollars if you shop around, but can cost up to $30 if you don't. Check out B&H Photo and other similar websites for prices and sizes. Regards, SkyDogg

Brianflian, Recommend that you go to epinions.com or bizrate.com and check the rating of Cameratopia or any other online dealer that you are considering using. These services provide reviews and evaluations of online merchants. The really well-established firms will have at least 500 reviews to look over; some like B & H Photo have over 25,00 reviews. In the online world, not every good deal is as good as it appears. SkyDogg

Earplugs are essential. With 22 years in the Army and the majority of it jumping, I have hearing loss even with the use of earplugs. Earplugs are far easier to use than hearing aids. SkyDogg