Which lens

I'm looking for a decent telephoto lens for my G3. What's good and what should I stay away from?

Stick with the big three: Canon TC-DC58N, Tiffen Megaplus 2X or the Kenko KNT-20.

Have a look here for comparisons of the Tiffen and Kenko:
http://kazutoku.cside2​1.com/G1andG2/report1_​eng.htm

All three:
http://www.lensmateonl​ine.com/g3_samples.htm​l

Thanks for the suggestions. Any particular lens that I should stay away from?

What about digital optics?

I don't know about digital optics or any other brand. The ones I listed are the ones I consider safe and have had good reviews from many users. It's better to get the best quality lens you can afford now instead of regretting it later and having to get another new one. Of the three I opted for the Canon because it allows you more zoom range to play with and the price difference here in Canada between the three are not that great. The Kenko tele is nicely priced at 2filter.com and have free shipping if you live in the US.

Thanks again for the help.

I wasn't overally pleased with the Canon TC-DC58N. I find there to be a lot of blue fringing on the outer edges.

Are the other two you list better in this respect?

tulit,
I don't notice any blue fringing yet on my Canon tele as I've only had it for a short time but the pictures I've taken so far with it are surprisingly very sharp and clear.

As far as blue fringing, the G3 already does this on its own sometimes when the aperture is larger than f4.0. So adding any tele lens would probably just make it a little more noticeable.

I haven't tried the Tiffen or the Kenko but I saw a post either from here or dpreview where the Kenko exhibited some green and red fringing instead of blue. I can imagine the Tiffen wouldn't be that much different.

Do you know anything about Raynox lenses?

G3HAWAII,

i don't know if the lenses that you are bringing up are the same, but there are a few real cheap offers on ebay for 0.5x and 2x lenses. i posted a question about the quality of those lenses on dpreview, but did not get an answer to my question except that everyone said that i should "stick with the name brands" or "you get what you paid for". well, i asked for comparison shots, but not a single user had one to offer! well, that can mean a few things and i don't want to upset some people out there, but i wouldn't mind spending $99 instead of $250 for the lenses ... well, i asked someone on ebay that bid on the lenses to send me a picture taken with the g3 and the lenses. that wouldn't give a side by side comparison, but you could at least see if you can "live" with the lenses or if they are really bad. once i find out, i will post a follow-up message.

TOBI

Thank you. I have seen those lenses on ebay as well but have worried about the quality.
Let me know if you hear anything else or see side by side comparisons.

G3Hawaii,

Looking back before I purchased my lens, I think I would have gone into a store and actually tested, played and got a feel for which lens I wanted. I purchased mine based on the information on this site and although I am satisfied I think it would have been an more informed decision and purchase.

If you have a store near you, go check out the lens. We all have different tastes and wants.

Good luck and don't forget to post your photos.

Big Smile,

Sorry:

But rarely are you gonna get something of the same (or near same) quality for half the price. I'd be real suspicious of someone selling a brand new car for $10,000 instead of the usual $20,000. It just raises red flags.

We all want something for as little as possible, and it IS possible to get good deals. Just beware of the deal that's too good to be true.

As someone else has already stated, if you spend a $100 now on a lens you hate later, you haven't saved anything. You may even have lost the $100 unless you can find someone else to buy it.

If you can't afford it now, save your pennies. Gives you something to look forward to...

JMHO