just curious

[TheresaH]

hi all

I was told at a camera store it wasnt worth my time to buy a telephoto lens for my S3IS because you wouldn't be able to zoom on it. Now I see that alot of people have additional lenses for their S3's ..........so my question is can you zoom after you have put your new lens on?

Theresa

[KoiBoy]

yes you can, but you need to have an adapter and the best one to used is a Lensmate adapter (i have tried the ebay ones, and they aren't that well fit). then you need to search some more on this forum for S3 telephoto lens. (Sony & Raynox are most used, plus Olympics)

the stock zoom on the S3 is very good and its better then the average P&S (point n shot) camera, with the telephoto lens (depending on what brand and amount of zoom) you can get about 3ft or more feet closer to the object, but it really depends if you plan on using it often to buy it, if not.. the standard zoom on the S3 will do better then just fine.

more info on the telephoto lens and adapters can be found here..
lensmateonline.com (http://lensmateonline.com/)

plus don't forget to search more in this forum. ;) but before you go out and get lens, just have fun with the camera 1st and see if you are comfortable enough to start buying other things. :)

[LJ2b]

Even if you do not get the zoom lens, it may be good to get the adapter tube and a filter. Then when you turn the camera on, the existing lens extends within the tube. No danger of it getting jammed in a camera bag, or getting dirt in the mechanism, or scratching the lens. This may be a bigger long term benefit than adding additional zoom.

[Robukincan]

Hey doesn't the S3 have monster zoom already? :)

Even when I use my telephoto on my 630 I still can't get the zoom the S3 has!

[mishnogram]

Hey doesn't the S3 have monster zoom already? :)

Even when I use my telephoto on my 630 I still can't get the zoom the S3 has!

Just can't get enough zoom I tell you, its addictive after you have it. I am hoping that I'll be able to buy a wide angle and a telephoto lens for my S2 in the near future.

Then, I'll need a larger camera bag.. dang.

Min

[TheresaH]

i do plan on getting the adapeter tube and possibly a hood, but to tell you the truth being new to photography im not sure what a hood does.
and the zoom is very addictive, im finding that sometimes it's just not enough!!
what polarizers should i invest in?

[mishnogram]

I have a 52mm lensmate adapter and wife bought me a linear polarizer, an ND8 filter, and a promise to complete the set with a UV Filter (they were out at Christmas time).

[MaxZoom]

i do plan on getting the adapeter tube and possibly a hood, but to tell you the truth being new to photography im not sure what a hood does.
and the zoom is very addictive, im finding that sometimes it's just not enough!!
what polarizers should i invest in?
Most hoods do absolutely nothing. The idea is a strong light source shining on the lens which is outside the angle of view can still cause lens flare and a loss of contrast (stray light). The hood is supposed to block that out, IMHO most accessory hoods are too small to do any good you really need a hood that is just outside the angle of view of the lens with a x12 zoom range that is just about impossible to achieve for all focal lenghts. The petal shaped lens hood canon supply with their adapter tube is better than most but the circular rubber things most stores sell do nothing unless you feel it helps your personal image as a serious photographer - IMHO.

You just need one polariser - linear would do for the S3 but most of us seem to go for the circular just-in-case we want to use it with a dSLR in the future.

Bear in mind that since zoom is so addictive no matter what you buy... #1 it won't be enough.:cool: #2 it will be much more zoom than most dSLR owners could dream of. :D #3 some teleadapters are complete rubbish and give worse images than the equivalent digital zoom.:( Read the various threads on this forum and visit lensmateonline.com and choose wisely, the best advice is don't buy anythin without a high quality sample picture of that lens on an S3. Watch out for how distorted the image is at the edge and corners, they nearly all do a half decent job in the center.:)

[TheresaH]

ok so what is the difference between a 52mm and a 58 mm adapter? why would i want one more than the other?

Theresa

[Jon]

Basically, how big around they are. Unless you have, or are planning to get, an SLR, which mostly use 58 mm filters on up (so any filters you got would be usable in both environments), there's no particular compelling reason to get one size or the other based strictly on the size. Look for the best deal price-wise from a quality source.

[283CID]

The S3 zoom is powerful...but it does take a tad of getting used to. With a nice big SLR type zoom, the 'adjusting' as you personally handle the lens is 'gentle'... easy. With the S3, the motor controlled zoom is downright TOUCHY. It takes a little practice to zoom just a small amount.. or back away from too much. Very sensitive. Otherwise it is good. This effect may possibly be the reason for some preferring an external zoom lens....

[TheresaH]

so then when you put on the telephoto lens do you manually controll it on the s3 or are do i still use the zoom or both?
so much to learn!!!!

[283CID]

Somebody smarter than me will have to answer that. I *have* run the telephoto lens on my old SLR.. and I *do* run the telephoto on the S2/S3... External Telephoto on a S2/S3.... no experience...sorry.

[JustShootin']

I bought the 58 mm adapter, because I already had 58mm filters on hand. But if I hadn't, I would have went with the 52 mm, because they are cheaper, as are the filters for it. I think the adapter with a hood is a smart investment to house in the electronic zoom lens for protection. As for filters, the polariser is the only one you really need at this time. Other than that, I really believe your are just setting yourself back by buying additional lenses etc, before you have even learned to use the one you have.

[MaxZoom]

so then when you put on the telephoto lens do you manually controll it on the s3 or are do i still use the zoom or both?
so much to learn!!!!Regardless of the accessory (tele, wide or close-up) the zoom control on the S3 is always THE control. The S3 accessory lenses are not like dSLR lenses with twist-to-adjust barrels any zoom or focus is done through the existing on camera controls.

Don't buy anything until you are convinced you need it. Get to know your camera and expand its limits if and when you reach them.

[TheresaH]

thanks max

[283CID]

Ummm.. Now that is 'sound advice'. Especially when referring to how an S3 accessory zoom lens would work... News to me.. Thank you...