Advice on Teleconverter for S3 IS Please

Hi, I am very new to photography, but I have had my S3 IS for almost a year and have been very pleased with a lot of the pictures I have taken. I am interested in getting a teleconverter but I am afraid of not getting the right one. I know that the Canon 1.5X has good quality, but I would like one with more power, but I don't know what brand to look at that still takes good pictures.

Does anyone know what kind of quality the Tokina or Digital Optics brand of teleconvertes has?

Also, how much difference is there between the different strengths, is it worth it to get a 3X, or should I just stick with the Canon?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thank You

I have the canon one for my powershot camera, but the bf has the S3 IS and has used it a couple times, I'll try to get him to comment on what he thinks of it paired with his camera.

Guess I can't be of much help to you, but I can tell you that the Canon 1.5 works very well with my S2. I've head some good reports on the ones sold at http://lensmateonline.​com/ I've also heard some horror stories about the 3X ones sold on ebay.

Gary

Don't waste your money. You'll find that those lens can't focus at max zoom and you'll just end up buying the Canon 1.5 lens. I know because that's exactly what happened to me. I bought the 3X Tokina...looks nice and certainly adds to your ability to "reach" the long shots but even in idea light conditions it has problems focusing.

I have both the canon 1.5 and the Raynox 2020 I also purchased a couple of Lensmate Adapters for quick changes. I recommend both however although decent handheld photos are possible you will be deleting most. You do need a tripod or monopod. KB

I did the same research for a week or so last month and checked out ever single option. The "standard" that many S3 users swear by for a TC is the Sony VCL-1758 (it's a 1.7x). I took their advice, ordered one and I really like it. Sharp at long focus and great IQ. You'll need a 58mm adaptor from lensmate for it.

While the Sony may be "the standard" for many, I'm sure the Canon is the same for others. I've heard great reports on both, and believe them both to be very good. It's the 3X I would be sure and stay away from.

Gary