S2 polarizer – any insight?

[yuvR]

Hi

I'm about to buy the Canon S2. I looked at photos and decided to get a polarizing filter with it.

My questions are:

1. Adapter: Fitting a filter on the S2 requires a Lens Adapter. Should I get the original 58mm by canon, or a "generic" one by LensMate (or any other company)? I know that LensMate will offer 52mm and 58mm Adapters – which one should I choose? How does size matters?

Another important input: I know the 58mm adapter is designed for canon lenses for the S2. I don't intend on getting extra lenses - when I see I need those, I'll upgrade to a dSLR.

2. Can I still use the viewfinder to compose my shots, even with the Adapter? Is there a difference between the different adapter sizes on that matter?

3. Filter: I'm not new to photography, but I have never used filters of any kind. I see there are many options for a polarizer – many kinds and prices. I don't want to spend a lot of money on that. Will I really tell the difference between a "general brand" filter and a brand-named one? Which filter should I buy?

4. Circular or not? Do I need that? Why?



Thanks for your help,

Yuval

[Devil]

Hi Yuval,

I've been using filters on the Canon S1 for a while and from the reviews I've read, I don't think they shouldn't be any different in use from the S2. However, someone that's used both may want to confirm this.

1. I personally chose Canon just for the name and the fact that I couldn't be bothered having it sent down to Australia from Lensmate. As far as I know though, the lensmate one is almost identical and in silver so it matches the S1/S2 body. I really think it's a personal choice there. As for filter sizes, I would go with the 58mm over the 52mm for the simple fact that if you ever wanted to move to DSLR you can use your 58mm filters on both cameras. I had no choice on the S1 and had to get the 52mm one and now that I'm considering moving to a DSLR I really have to leave all those filters behind.

2. Yes, you should be able to use both the LCD and the viewfinder as you could on the S1. The adapter should make no difference as it's just an addon rather than a new lens.

3. I chose HOYA filters for their quality reputation and the fact that they were the most common ones available here. If there isn't much difference in price, I'd stick with the HOYA ones.

4. You have to use a circular one for a digital camera. The linear ones won't meter correctly on the digital camera and may give you some errors.

These answers are from the perspective of an S1 user so as long as the S2 hasn't been dramatically changed in any way (which as far as I read it hasn't in this aspect), it should mostly still apply.

Hope that helps.


Cheers,

[yuvR]

Thanks a lot ! this really helps.

[Voyager13b]

I bought the Canon lens adaptor and hood combo when I bought my S2. It's cheap enough that there isn't much attraction to using another brand, and it's made of light plastic that seems to be both durable, and precisely made. It fits the lock system in the lens housing without any slop at all, and the threads in the business end are perfect. I think it is a plus that it is made of plastic, as it isn't subject to denting at either end.

For filters, I chose Hoya. Others make fine filters, but Hoya has never let me down in the quality department. They offer a multicoated pair (circular polorizer and a UV filter) for less than $40. Also, the Canon adapter and hood work properly with the wide angle, telephopto, and tele-macro lenses that Canon offers. Others might as well, but there is no doubt with the Canon adapter.

Good luck with your S2. I'm sure you will enjoy it. By the way, both the moveable LCD screen on the back, and the LCD screen in the viewfinder see and display the same TTL image. As with an SLR, changes to the scene made by your selection of filters are seen as you compose a shot. The S2 is well suited to the use of filters. I agree with the other member about filter size. I was not aware that a 52 mm filter mount was available for the S2, but I would stay away from it. 58 mm filters can be used with accessory lenses, and can be used on a greater range of future cameras.

Sorry for the initial typo. I have no idea why I spelled Hoya incorrectly at first, but it must have made sense to me at the time :).

Voyager

[yuvR]

i'm shopping in B&H, and they only offer a circular polarizer by Hoya for 37.95. so what's whith the UV filter ?

BTW thanx for the detailed reply, it's really helpful.

yuval

[Devil]

UV filters are different from the polarizers in the sense that their job is to block out UV light.

Most people also use the UV lens filter as a lens protector for their SLR lens as well. The cost of replacing a scratched $20 filter is a lot less than damaging your $1000 lens. As you're using the filters via an adapter you might not want to bother with the UV lens as a protector as it's probably unlikely that you'll be leaving the adapter on 24/7 anyway.

I bought a UV filter to place at the front of a set of closeup lens I use with the S1. Reason for this is when taking close up shots (macro like), I'm virtually 1cm away from the object. One wrong shake and I'll have a scratched close up filter.. much better to damage the UV filter in this case.

[Voyager13b]

UV filters are different from the polarizers in the sense that their job is to block out UV light.

Most people also use the UV lens filter as a lens protector for their SLR lens as well. The cost of replacing a scratched $20 filter is a lot less than damaging your $1000 lens. As you're using the filters via an adapter you might not want to bother with the UV lens as a protector as it's probably unlikely that you'll be leaving the adapter on 24/7 anyway.

I bought a UV filter to place at the front of a set of closeup lens I use with the S1. Reason for this is when taking close up shots (macro like), I'm virtually 1cm away from the object. One wrong shake and I'll have a scratched close up filter.. much better to damage the UV filter in this case.

Very good point about the UV filter. Many macro lenses are made to focus very close to the lens surface. The S2 (maybe the S1 as well) has a 'super macro' mode that produces awesome pictures when the lens is touching the subject. A quality UV lens not only provides a mild boost to saturation and contrast without penalty, it also protects the camera lens from dust, prints, and wear.

Just make sure you keep the UV lens clean inside and out. If there is dust on the lens in 'Super macro' mode, the camera might focus on the dirt, and miss your subject altogether.

The member looking for the Hoya two filter deal should check out Amazon or Adorama. I found it on Amazon, and it was shipped from Adorama. The package I recieved included a Hoya multi coated UV filter, a Hoya Circular Polarizing filter (also multi coated), and a Tiffen filter case that really doesn't fit my Tamrac camera case.

The Tiffen case is still useful, and the two Hoya filters are a bargain compared to their individual retail prices. By the way, I'm new to this forum, so forgive me if I missed a complaint or two, but I have bought lots of camera gear from Adorama since the 80's, and have never had a deal go sour with them. I have only been an Amazon customer for three years, but they have done nothing but inspire confidence in that time.

Voyager

[vdhieu84]

I'm planning to buy a Hoya Moose 58mm Warm Circular Polarizer on 47th street. It will be about $50 including shipping. And I will use it with Lensmate Lens Adapter 58mm.

My question is, with $50, is above polarizer filter the best choice?

[sonnyJ]

I got the 52mm adapter as well as the uv and circular polarizer from lensmate. Keep the adapter plus UV on at all times. Add the polarizer as needed. It is recommended that you remove the UV when adding the polarizer - not good to have multi filters. However, for many years with film cameras I have just added the polarizer ovet the UV without problem and did the same with the S2 - Just because it is quicker and I'm a bit lazy -
Haven't had any problem