Lens for Canon S2IS

[Ollie]

Hi does anyone have experience with the telephoto lenses available for the S2IS. I am led to believe that a non Canon brand can be purchased from lensmate. I am after the best quality lens sooner than the cheapest. Any info on what size lens needed for good bird photos, or others experience on add on lenses for this camera would be very welcome.

[glsammy]

Hi,
I used to own a S1IS and bought a telephoto lens through ebay, from a Hong Kong supplier. There are many on ebay, around £23 plus postage. DONT buy them! It was utter rubbish. CA was chronic on all images, soft and out of focus just about sums it up. How good the Canon genuine one is I can't say.
As for lensmate, are you sure they sell the actual lenses? I had a look at their web site and I could only see the adapter you need to fit the lenses. Of course it may be me being my usual blind self....

[digi]

I agree with Sammy the cheaper ones are very poor quality.

[glsammy]

Another thought. Have a look at :http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/S2tele.html They do a comparison test with different extenders. The Raynox DCR 1540 Pro looks interesting. I use a Raynox DCR 2020 Pro with my FZ30 and I've found it to be of very good quality. Most of my images are taken with it. It's not recommended for the S2IS, but the 1540 is. No light loss, excellent colour with no CA. The only disadvantage with this type of telephoto is the extended focus distance, it just about doubles whatever the minimum distance is without it.

[Ollie]

Hi, thanks for the advcice and suggestions.

I will be looking closely and seeing if I can track down any photos taken with the Raynox 1540 Pro mounted on the S2 before I make a final decision. I will also seek advice on specific photography forums. That's not because I don't value the advice given here but with a purchase of this sort I want to get it right first time.

Thanks everyone.
Ollie

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Hi, thanks for the advcice and suggestions.

I will be looking closely and seeing if I can track down any photos taken with the Raynox 1540 Pro mounted on the S2 before I make a final decision. I will also seek advice on specific photography forums. That's not because I don't value the advice given here but with a purchase of this sort I want to get it right first time.

Thanks everyone.
Ollie

Quite right! So long as you can read between the lines of some reviews. I've found that no matter how good an item is, someone somewhere hates it and doesn't pause in telling the whole world how bad it is!
I hope you can find some example images. One other detail I forgot to mention, although I love the images I get with mine, (Look at the song thrush and chaffinch I posted today) they are not perfect. I find my camera struggles to focus quickly with it, even when the range is OK. It's not a fault of anyone, these types of lenses will always be some sort of compromise. Despite the draw-backs I still recommend them! The majority of my images are taken with one.