Teleconverter lens- shakiness

I just bought a teleconverter lens for my Canon s3is and I cannot take a zoomed or even normal picture without it being blurry. When I zoom in on something and take a picture, it's just blurry colors. I don't use a tripod, I shouldn't even have to because I've seen users' handheld pictures taken with that lens that have turned out amazing. My f-stop is the lowest it can be (3.5) and I have no idea what to do anymore... the camera supposedly comes with built in image stabiliziation. any one have advice?

afretheim wrote in post #5016831
I just bought a teleconverter lens for my Canon s3is and I cannot take a zoomed or even normal picture without it being blurry. When I zoom in on something and take a picture, it's just blurry colors. I don't use a tripod, I shouldn't even have to because I've seen users' handheld pictures taken with that lens that have turned out amazing. My f-stop is the lowest it can be (3.5) and I have no idea what to do anymore... the camera supposedly comes with built in image stabiliziation. any one have advice?

Try mount the camera+teleconverter on a tripod and use the self timer to take a shot. If the shot is still blurry, then something is wrong with the camera and/or the TC. On the other hand, if it is clear and sharp, then....... you know.

Post an example?

What kind of TC did you buy? I have a Canon TC, and I can easly take handheld photos with it, providing the shutter speed is fast enough. Your shutter speed? I've heard that some of the "priced too good to be true" ones sold on ebay just wouldn't focus at all. As said above, an example would be nice.

Gary

Yep, i have no problems with the Canon 1.5x I am borrowing from a friend. If the light isn't too great I sometimes have to bump the ISO to 200 or so to increase shutter speed. Otherwise, it's fine.

Agree with the others, Try a tripod or just brace against something. See what happens, If you picked up on of those cheapies on the internet, It might be the lens it self....I know, been there, done that, Have the t-shirt. Shoot I have 3 TCs, Sony 1.7, Token (sp?) 3X, AND A Raynox 2X and I still need a tripod at partial/full zoom.
Like Jon, post it up and lets see.

I only meant that if you have decent light, and your shutter speed up there, that you could handhold for a shot using th Canon 1.5 TC. Of course, to get your best shot, it's always a good idea to use a tripod with such a long focal length.

Gary

I use the Canon 1.5 on a S3IS. Yes I have been lucky to take a good clear shot handheld every now and then but for slow shutter and/or zoomed out I absolutely have to use my monopod or tripod. I prefer hand held but then I delete most or all!

I would certainly suggest a tripod for best results with this set-up. However, with good lighting, you can't get a handheld picture at all , then something's wrong.

Gary

If everything you do truly is blurry, then I would look at the lens you got or are using.
I had a TC lens which I used for my A95 in his day and decided to try it on the S3...there was no way I could get it to focus. There are many examples of pictures and threads here in this forum of people with successful TC lenses (canon, oly, raynox, sony to name those which come to mind)