Sony HC3E - what wide angle lens are avail?

[chihuahua]

I have a Sony HD3E and i use it with the optional Sony wide angle lens (VCL-0630X) which is a X0.6 wide angle conversion lens.
I would like to have something wider in coverage. Is there any 3rd party good quality lens available that is wider than x0.6 ? If so I would appreciate if anyone can direct me to which manufacturer/model and who stocks them.
By the way I have had the camera for a few months and the image/colour reproduction is as far as I'm concerned "mindblowing". Simple crystal clear and very vibrant. Having said that I noticed that Sony has introduced a new model to supercede the HC3E, called the HDR-HC7E which is supposed to be even better. Has anyone got one of these? I'd love to do a side by side comparison to see if i can justify upgrading so soon.

 

[mm63]

The VCL-0630X is not good for your HD camcorder. It was designed for SD camcorders. You will get distortion at the edges. You should get the HG0730X (though it is 0.7 only)that is meant for HD. I had both lenses and the difference is definitely significant. Bear in mind, the wider you go, the more distortion you will introduce.

So far, the reviews are not so favourable for the HC7E. IMHO, not worth changing.

I have a Sony HD3E and i use it with the optional Sony wide angle lens (VCL-0630X) which is a X0.6 wide angle conversion lens.
I would like to have something wider in coverage. Is there any 3rd party good quality lens available that is wider than x0.6 ? If so I would appreciate if anyone can direct me to which manufacturer/model and who stocks them.
By the way I have had the camera for a few months and the image/colour reproduction is as far as I'm concerned "mindblowing". Simple crystal clear and very vibrant. Having said that I noticed that Sony has introduced a new model to supercede the HC3E, called the HDR-HC7E which is supposed to be even better. Has anyone got one of these? I'd love to do a side by side comparison to see if i can justify upgrading so soon.