G3 attachments ?

[callie8799]

Happy Holidays everyone!

I will like to introduce myself quickly and hope I may post a question.

Intro: my name is Debbie and have owned a G3 since they came out, but only used it as P&S. It was to much camera, but my husband got it for me and he is not a shopper= he purchased it like one will do a computer. Anyway, I have now decided to learn how to take better pictures and fully use this camera. (if you are asking why now- I had to focus on other stuff going on thru out the years-that's all)

Question: I'm thinking about purchasing some attachments for this camera before they are completely eliminated (which may be soon :) ). Are they worth it rather, are they a good addition to this camera? I do know my choices are quite limited (which can be good for me) compared to a dslr.
So far, this is what I have learned what is available. Can you tell me or share with me what ones are good options ( I do know the lens adaptor is a must). Anything else?

* Lens adaptor (necessary) #LADC58B
* 1.75 teleconverter lens (TC-DC58N, 58mm)
* Wide angle converter lens (WC-DE58N, 58mm, .7x) not quite sure if this is
needed.
* 58 mm Close up lens 250D (don't know anything about this one)
* then I read about using a Speedlight 420EX external flash.

I'm sorry for such a long post. I tend to be quite short/precise when verbalizing my questions, but for some reason, when I write- I tend to really write.

Well, I will greatly appreciate any insight one can provide.

Thank you! :D
Debbie

[Michael Wells]

Hi Debbie...I'll throw out my thoughts, and let others chime in as they will. I had a G3, and loved it...it's a great camera! The accessories you get should be aimed at how you use, or intend to use it. I think if nothing else, the lens attachment is a must, and to that I'd add a 58mm circular polarization filter. If you do, or intend to do a lot of flash photography, an external flash will be greatly appreciated, and using the lens adapter at the same time will help balance the rig, as the flash units are fairly large. I had the teleconverter, and used it a fair amount, as I felt I just didn't get enough reach with the built in zoom. When using the converter, you really don't have any zoom range, as you begin to get the edge of the lens almost immediately when zooming out. It is designed to be used with the cameras lens fully extended. I really try to avoid using digital zoom, as picture quality begins to degrade very quickly. I never bought the wide angle lens, although I did when I bought the G9. I never missed it on the G3, and have used it very little on the G9. That is me, however. I know there are some here that use the wide end of the spectrum a great deal, and if that appeals to you, it might be worth it. I'd experiment with the cameras macro capabilities before buying a close up lens...you may find you really don't need it. These little cameras are pretty impressive in the macro dept. all by themselves! Hope this helps, and good luck with your decisions!:)

Mike

[callie8799]

Hi Mike!
Thanks for your thoughts, I do appreciate them ...I was leaning towards the teleconverter lens b/c there has been times where I wanted a close shot of something but I just could not get close enough to the subject.-even when I "zoomed". The polarization filter is something I forgot about- will have to look forward to it.

thank you!
Deb

[GordonSBuck]

The main accessory that you need is the lens adapter. All the other "lens" stuff screws onto it; the key is "58mm filter threads". There's no particular danger of these components becoming unavailable anytime soon. Any of the Canon flashes released just before or since the G3 was released will work fine with the G3. Non-Canon flashes may or may not work with the G3 except that almost any will work in full manual mode.