Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens Review

Introduction
Can you all get a little bit closer to each other? I cannot take the group video as all of you cannot fit in.” Err… This is what you get when you shoot large group video indoor and less of space. You cannot step back any further to make them all fit in. A wide-angle lens is all you need to have. I don’t have this issue with my Panasonic HDC-SD700 camcorder anymore because I have Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens now. Let’s see how it performs…


Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens Review

Features

  • 0.7x magnification – ideal for wide shots such as confined spaces or large groups
  • 46mm rear mount diameter – fits camcorder lenses that have a 46mm filter thread
  • Multi-coated lens for enhanced light transmission, along with flare and glare reduction
  • Designed specifically for Panasonic’s HDC-SDT750, HDC-HS700, HDC-TM700 and HDC-SD700 camcorders

Specifications

  • Magnification = 0.7x
  • Rear Mount Diameter = 46mm
  • Lens Diameter = 74mm
  • Length = 1.6″ (41.7mm)
  • Weight = 0.6 lb (255g)

Package Contents
Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens comes along with 2 lens caps (front & back), a carrying pouch and instruction manual. Check out them on Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens Unboxing Video.

Design
Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens is not a light lens. It weights 255g and is it quite heavy for Panasonic HDC-SD700 HD Camcorder which weights 435g. You will feel the front camera is heavy when attached it to camcorder. And you might need to use both hands to have a steady shot. You get used to the weight sooner or later. Not an issue to me. By the way, you cannot mount any filter in front the lens. So no more UV or polarizer lens. Lastly, you cannot use built-in flash when taking photo.


Top view


Bottom view


Front view


Side view

Performance Results
You will get 30% wider view (24.5mm) with Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens attached to Panasonic’s HDC-SDT750, HDC-HS700, HDC-TM700 or HDC-SD700 camcorders (standard 35mm). However, it brings along some barrel distortion too.


Without | With W4607H Lens

Below video was shot without and with Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens attached. And do check out samples on YouTube or download the original video clips at Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens Video Samples.

Conclusion
Panasonic VW-W4607H Wide Conversion Lens is a nice lens to have. It gives you 30% wider view. An ideal lens for wide shots on confined spaces or taking landscape scenery video. But it brings along distortion and gains some weight to your camcorder. But it worth the price to get what you want ~ 30% wider view.

I got mine at B&H Photo Video. You can support me by buying yours at B&H Photo Video too. Thanks.