Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
3 votes

Price Paid:  $130.00 from Amazon.com

Summary:
Nikon's WC-E63 Wide Angle Lens convertor screws into the front threads of Nikon's Coolipix lenses (with some exceptions, and may require adaptors depending on Coolpix model) multiplying the effective focal length by .63x. With my CP4500, it brings it down to an effective focal length of 24mm (in 35mm format). While this convertor can be used with once mounted on the camera, the user should select the appropriate category in the lens submenu. When installed, the viewfinder becomes unuseable. With my CP4500, the internal flash is turned off but the camera can still trigger an external flash (be sure to use a flash that covers 24mm focal setting or use a diffuser such as a Stofen Omni-Bounce.) There is noticible barrel distortion at the widest setting and it disappears as you zoom to longer focal lengths. That aside, lens performance is very high, with images maintianing the standard that Nikon is known for. The convertor lens has a 72mm filter diameter should you be inclined to use them. The convertor lens also makes the lens slighly front and right heavy and may move the swivel; Nikon wisely inluded a swivel lock on the CP4500 to keep this from happening. The convertor comes in a nice cloth pouch, front and rear lens caps and instruction booklet. Would I buy it again? YES!

Strengths:
+ 72mm filter diameter + 0.63X magnification (brings it down to a 24mm effective focal length in 35mm with my CP4500) + mounts on the the front of my CP4500 without adaptor (has 28mm rear threads).

Weaknesses:
- barrel distortion when fully wide (but this disappears as you zoom out); can be corrected in a photo editing software such as Photoshop. - may flare (I've not used it much); you'll need a 72mm Wide Angle rubber lens hood. - viewfinder is blocked you'll need to compose with the LCD. - if you use flash, you need one that will cover 24mm. - adds size and weight to the camera.

Similar Products Used:
Nikkor 20-35, Nikkor 24mm in 35mm system.

Customer Service:
None needed.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Price Paid:  $180.00 from Lens and Shutter

Summary:
Alot of fun to play with for different view points of pics. No adaptor needed - just screw it on. Sharp pics. The lens is quite heavy and big when omy coolpix 4500. You can't use the flash with the lens on so indoor, dark shots are hard to do. You can't use auto mode with the lens on.

Strengths:
Sharp image, no adaptor

Weaknesses:
Heavy, may make your camera "tippy" on a small tripod. You cannot use the flash with the lens on. It's also big and I get alot of strange comments about my small coolpix 4500 with this lens on it (but who cares about that). No auto mode.

Customer Service:
none yet