Too good to be true? A640 Accessories

[blindz24]

Alright, I REALLY want a lens for this camera without having to pay top dollar. Cuz if I'm gonna have to pay top dollar I might as well go with an SLR in my opinion. Plus I also wanna get what I can outta this mighty little cam.

So here's the deal. I've been searching online for a lens adapter for my camera, as well as a lens or two. Since I'm still learning I'm not sure which I want most, a telephoto/teleconverter lens or a wide angle lens. I shoot a lot of landscapes (falls approaching), but I also want to shoot a lot of photos of my 2-3 year old niece, and some sports/action photos of people. This is still only a hobby to me, I am in no way trying to become a pro just yet, especially with a Powershot A640 lol Just learning while saving up for a DSLR & going back to school for photography at some point.

I tried lensmate, but even for a $25 adapater ring they want like $50+ just to ship, that seems a little silly for something the size of one of those rubber bracelets... Found another site, same thing but also a little sketchy. So my next idea was Amazon ... Here's the 'killer' deal I found, but is it honestly too good to be true or worth it ??
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-A610-A620-A630-A640/dp/B000S5R0HS/ref=sr_1_19/002-2244259-2499215?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1190340293&sr=1-19

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F1dhcKMfL._SS400_.jpg
$89.95 + shipping.

I decided to goto a cpl stores in the local area today on my work break to check out if they carry these things and what their prices are like. I was told special order only (not in store, so they have to order them, no big deal), prices were as follow.

Adapter = $25
1.75 Teleconverter = $165
Wide Angle Lens = $255

Can anyone lend some better advice, better direction/info? Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you very much for your time and attention.

- Ter.

[whuband]

I'm always leery of an offer that includes Qtips, lens tissue and a puffer.

Seriously, you get what you pay for, especially with lenses. You also have to consider resale value. I don't think I would be happy with bad glass and cheap construction for long. Approach this with caution.

[low orbit]

Giddya,

Seems too good to be true. Wary of the huge writing on the side of the lenses that scream "high def" and "Japan" - usually pay top $ for anything decent. Still, it can't hurt to try it right? Price is certainly good.

I was going to get a tele / wide for the A75 a while back until I saw the prices and thought erm I'll just get a DSLR instead.

Cheers.

[blindz24]

Giddya,

Seems too good to be true. Wary of the huge writing on the side of the lenses that scream "high def" and "Japan" - usually pay top $ for anything decent. Still, it can't hurt to try it right? Price is certainly good.

I was going to get a tele / wide for the A75 a while back until I saw the prices and thought erm I'll just get a DSLR instead.

Cheers.

I know what ya mean on that one! lol I think I'm just gonna spend the extra money. I checked through the buyer beware section on this board (which was extremely helpful) and found a Canadian shipper that gave me a cpl good prices.

If anyone has any other deals still feel free to throw em out there :)
Thanks.

[EOSimages]

I'm not familiar with the A640 but when I had my Canon S1 IS, I went with the cheaper brand of telephoto and wide-angle & I was really sorry afterwards. I broke down and bought the correct Canon lenses and and the results were amazing.

I know what you're saying but like someone already said, you get what you pay for so, please think about it before you waste a dime on no brand lenses.

[blindz24]

I'm not familiar with the A640 but when I had my Canon S1 IS, I went with the cheaper brand of telephoto and wide-angle & I was really sorry afterwards. I broke down and bought the correct Canon lenses and and the results were amazing.

I know what you're saying but like someone already said, you get what you pay for so, please think about it before you waste a dime on no brand lenses.

I hear yea. I have decided to get the brand name lenses, but in this sense what're some good brand names?

http://www.simonscameras.com/index.asp

This is the site I am looking into purchasing from, next up on the list would be Canon themselves. Simons is located in Montreal, and were commented on by a cpl members on this board from the trusted buyers thread.

[low orbit]

Gidday again,

Well, in this sense I'd say Canon. You can get the Sigma / Tokina lenses for them readily enough, but afaik they're not quite as pin sharp as the Canons. If budget's an issue, either get the tele *or* the wide but don't get a no name one. Any of the major lens manufacturers will see you right. And get a decent adapter ring - you don't want it to fall off and trash your new shiny lens.

Cheers.

[EOSimages]

I would have to agree and say Canon. Save up them pennies and try your best to stay with Canon... you will be much happier in the end.

[blindz24]

The prices differences/gaps between the 3 stores I've looked in (reputable stores) and canon isn't a huge gap. Prices are pretty decent for lenses on this cam :)