S50 filters and attachments

[nanllyn]

I just thought of a couple more questions after my last post. I am considering getting a polarized filter and a wide angle lens. I have read many of the posts on this and my question is to anyone that has used a S45/S50 with a filter or lens, can you tell me if there is any distortion? (Disclaimer: I don't know much about photography but trying to learn all I can.) It seems to me that there would be some distortion since there is a gap between the permanent lens and the adapter/lens. Also are there any suggestions on brands or types that I should consider? I take lots of photos of home interiors, family/friends/pets as well as landscapes. I especially am trying to learn about city scene night photography. I just love all the buildings lit up at night. Anyway, any suggestions as to where I can find info on the internet or a good book to help me learn to take better pics would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your help.
This is a great forum.

[cheewooi]

You can try the Cokin filters and compact camera bracket. the bracket is screwed onto the camera tread for the usage of tripod. The bracket can hold 2 filters at a time. including round and square filter. I don't know what the real name of the Cokin Digicam Bracket. Maybe you can check it out in http://www.cokin.com The Cokin have more than 160 types of filter. You would like to check it out at the website! =)

[5 Type]

Hi, I'm doing the same research as you do.

I'll share my infos with you.

Lens Adaptor
I've found 2 types of adaptor.

30.5mm thread
http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30056235/Images/Canon_S50_Lens.jpg
Price : 25 USD
Where to get it : http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2950039533&category=15215

Pros
Small
Light
Low price

Cons
Don't look really sturddy
Made of plastic
More vinetting in full wide angle
Tripod hook is off-centered


37mm thread - Style 1 - ACA-37B
http://mosuna.home.comcast.net/ebay/lensblk6.jpghttp://mosuna.home.comcast.net/ebay/lensblk5.jpg
Price : 50-60 USD
Where to get it : http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2950984520&category=30066

Pros
Small
Light
Look sturddy
Made or alluminum
Tripod hook is centered

Cons
Higher price

Question
Don't know if it has a protecting material to NOT scratch you camera

37mm thread - Style 2
http://www.ckcpower.com/images/s30-40ad1.jpg
Price : 50 USD
Where to get it, only there : http://www.ckcpower.com/s3040.htm

Pros
Small
Light
Look sturddy
Made or alluminum
Tripod hook is centered
Have a protecting material to NOT scratch you camera

Cons
Higher price
Bigger in size than style 1

I'll post later about Lenses & Filtes

[5 Type]

Filters
From what I've read and see the four brands I would buy filters from are:

B+W
Hoya
Tiffen
Cokin (this is the brand I will buy filters from, just because the others are too expensive here.)

Lens
From what I've seen stay away from :
Opteka - Poor quality but very inexpensive
Crystalvue 8x zoom - Poor quality, but shoud be very fun to have

Good quality
Phoenix

Great quality
Still looking to find some that will fit on my S45.

30.5mm of 37mm
I would definitely go for 37mm adapters.
I've been able to find lens and filters for this thread, and you'll have less vineting.

[5 Type]

Does anyone has information about other good/bad lens before I make a move????

[LoneShadow]

On ebay they have few kits for canon s45. Its either with Opteka lens or Digital Optics.

As the above message, you are suggesting that opteka is of lower quality, any idea how digital optics is ?

I decided to buy few lens for my s45. But I dont want to pay so much money for some cheap lens.

How much are good lens anyway ?

I am looking for 3 lenses.
1) a telephoto lens(zoom lens ?) for higher zoom such as 35mm to 250mm

2) a macro lens, will the zoom lens do the job for this ?

3) wide angle lens

Thanks,
LS

[phidong]

I personally have a S50 w/ adapter & filters.

http://www.phidong.com/34a.jpg

I bought a Kenko adapter for my S50 along w/ a bunch of lenses (close-up,polarized,uv,soft diffuser,r72 infrared, etc). I've been using it for about two weeks and its been working out great. No distortion whatsoever.5 type says its flimsy, but its NOT. I've taken it off and on multiple times and even carried it in my pocket. It folds up nicely so you can carry it around (but I bought a lens cap that fits on my uv filter now so I can leave it on permenently. I haven't used the other adapter, so I can't tell you much about it, but I know the Kenko is nice. It has a piece that fits over the top, so it's always adjacent w/ the lens and it has enough space to open/close the cap so that the camera can be shut on and off.

a macro lens? i would recommend some close up lenses +4, +2, +1 should do it .. and u can upgrade later :p

telephoto lenses are a bit more expensive, u can check www.2filter.com they have a couple that are in the 50-90 range

My only complaint is that most filters do not come in a 30.5mm thread, so you'll probably have to step up (like I did). The picture above is my camera w/ the adapter, 30.5->37mm and a 37mm->49 mm step-up rings and a 49mm rubber hood. 49 b/c my infrared filter comes in that. The only problem then is that all your stuff will be blocking your flash/red-eye beam. Also the kenko adapter will partly cover your view-finder.. but for those w/ not perfect vision, you probably don't use the sucker anyway (no diopoter)

I'd definitely go w/ Kenko (cheap). I got mine from 2filter.com I believe. ;)


I don't think it'll scratch your cam. It sits right against the camera so theres no movement/rubbing.. unless you put it on wrong or something, you shouldn't have trouble. Also, I got the adapter for like 15 dollars i believe. :/