Please clear something up for me. Can or cannot this camera be used with an add-on tele and wide angle lense? So many dealers on the web are offering these lenses, but I hear the zoom mechanism can't handle it. Any input would be appreciated.

I've seen some people claim the Olympus B300 wide-angle
"works". You'll need to chase down such reports on the
various forums, and perhaps even correspond with the authors.

Otherwise, assume that nothing heavier than a pair of filters is
safe to use on the F828, and that even if it doesn't break the
mechanism, it will seriously vignette, hot-center, or not even
focus properly.

And if you haven't already bought the F828, think twice.
The F828 is off my short list as of today.

good for you...

I guess only the people who actually didn't own the new Sony F-828 have problem with the camera....Hummm strange...

Life is good...

The F828 has been removed from my list as well . Having tried it on a number of occassions now ...... I just can't get past that EVF anymore .. forget the bad reviews and CA , PF , Noise and other problems.

I have the feeling this camera will be a pariah in the camera world in a few years ... not because it's so bad , but because it should have been so much better .

Strange - I really love my F828 and get dynamite images with it. It just goes to show that no camera is a perfect fit with everyone.

Lin

I also agree.... My Sony F828 gives very good results for a non-DSLR. Certainly better than my Minolta 7i, Olympus 5050 and several others.
Until recently, my Minolta 7i was hard to beat as a Pro-consumer. That has now changed.

The battery charger issue in the UK is not a problem either.
Sony Battery Charger £22.64 direct from:-
www.global-batteries.co.uk Tel: 01257 262894.

It frees the camera of charging, is extremely portable and currently half the price of existing prices.

Further, the NP-FM50 batteries can also be found here, again at about half the price. Currently going for £22.30

I have received separate responses to my questions to Sony technical support re: using their converter lenses with the DSC-F828. They said these lenses are NOT COMPATIBLE with this camera. Then both replies touted the close up lens, which is single lens (thin, like a filter).
The converters Sony nixed are:
VCL-HGD0758 Wide Angle Conversion Lens and the Sony VCL-MHG07A High Grade 0.7X Wide Angle Lens
VCLHGD175 or the VCL-HGD1758 telephoto lens

I suppose that filter-like thin lenses could be used (in a 58mm thread), but the high quality, multi-glass converters are too heavy for it.

[dirtlawyer]... have you seen the info given at http://www.raynox.co.jp/english/digital/f828/index.htm

It even shows the Sony 828 wearing the snazzy lens.

I have most and as at present have'nt had any problems with the physical use of the lens...

Of all the lens offered, the DCR-FE180PRO Fish-Eye(Full Frame) Lens is drop dead gorgeous to use.

To quote Raynox:-
"DCR-FE180PRO lens captures an amazing ultra-wideangle view of 180 degrees on both diagonal and horizontal line at the maximum wideangle position. It stays in focus during the 5X zooming when attached to the DSC-F828 digital camera. It's a completely new high definition lens made of the high index optical lens with a 4-group/5-element formula. "

I dont think Raynox would release this info and the pics showing the Sony sporting their lens if there was to be an issue...... otherwise lawsuits would flow in abundance dont you think...... :!:

Thank you for pointing out Raynox for me; I am not familar with the company.

Do you know anything about the qualify or if anyone has reviewed their products?

I am concerned about the weight put on the lens. The Raynox products seem heavy, but 1/2 the weight of the Sony telephoto lenses (240 g v. 560 g). That might make the difference.

[dirtlawyer]......
As I mentioned buddy, I do have most of the Raynox range.
Most of these were purchased to work with my other Pro-Sumer range but work fine, some much better than others.

The DCR-1540PRO 1.54X Telephoto works but only at the far end.
Anything shorter than x5 and you get 'barelling'. Though this is not really an issue as you use the lens at the far end anyway.

The DCR-1850PRO 1.85X is much better and suprisingly cheaper £75 UK.

On the Wideangle type.
The DCR-FE180PRO Fish-Eye(Full Frame) Lens is a must but pricey £350 UK. However, when you compare this price to some of my other lens for my DSLR then it is a very good bargain.

In respect of build quality... all are of exceptional quality and use first class lens. Worth the purchase, even if you keep them for other cameras. If you do this (like I do) then the only other purchase to add the lens is step-up or step-down filters.

I dont know if there is an American supplier but the UK one is Jessops. They can be found at www.jessops.co.uk
They have over 250 branches throughout the UK.


Hope thats been of support for you.
If you want any further info come back and let me know.