S3IS questions.. help

[TheNetwerk2020]

I'm thinking about putting some money into the camera. I'm really liking the shots I'm getting, but I'm wanting more in the pictures. I'm loving the camera so far, but I'd like to expand it's capabilities..

I'm thinking about ordering the following from lensmateonline.com: (does anyone have opinions on them as a seller?)

1.) 52mm lensmate adapter (It will lock on the camera after I remove the locking ring, right?), will I still have the 12x zoom with it on/will it take "wide angle" videos?
2.) Raynox DCR-730 52mm
3.) 52mm plastic clip-in lens cap

Thoughts?

...While taking some pictures, I got A LOT of glare and TONS of haze when in full zoom. Any reccomends for a filter? UV? Polatizer? I've never used them, and I'm not sure which does what, exactly..

I'm looking at taking Airshow pics with my S3 -- can anyone reccomend settings/lenses/filters? I need all the help i can get. I've been doing some reading, but it's all geared towards having a 500mm lens -- which is just out of the question.. please help

thank you!!!

[BowerR64]

Everything you mentioned should be good. The lensmate tube just fits over the stock lens like a cover that adds the threads. The tubes are designed so that they are just bairly long enough so when you are at full zoom the threads at the end are right at the tip of the lens when fully extended. With this design you dont lose anything, you still have all the range wide and zoomed. The only thing you gain adding the tube is the threads and the protection of the tube.

In my opinion the stock setup is the best for wide angle because you only gain a slight amount using a wide lens and by adding more glass you are losing valuable light and this camera really cant afford any light loss. Im speaking mainly about the S2 but the 2 cameras are so similar i felt its ok to post some opinions for you to think about.

Removing the locking ring just exsposes the clips that hold the adapter on. You have to remove it to attach the adapter (tube) i get the same amount of glare with mine and my older A70 it never shows up on the images though so i dont worry about it.

I would sugest one of the cheap 52mm filter kits on e-bay. They usualy have PL, UV and FD filters. PL is supose to help glare and change the colors a little. The UV to me just seems like a clear lens over the front (good protection with nothing lost) the FD reminds me of a set of blue blocker sunglasses, it adds an orange tint that gives cloudy days that sunny day feel. My eye isnt good enough to really see anything else they add. Ive tried brand name filters and i cant see the difference between the cheap ones and the name brand (tiffen, optex) they are cheap so if they get damaged just replace them.

Thats probobly all i would get, the tube and a filter kit. IMO the camera doesnt really need anything else.

The camera stock is rated for 36-432mm IMO thats close enough to a 500mm lens so you should get some decet shots. Adding the raynox 1.5X telephoto lens will put you over 500mm if you need that much power?

[RAGEous]

I wanted to add that lensmate is a good seller. They are legit and will get you your order promptly. However, you may be able to find some of the lenses cheaper elsewhere. I bought a couple adaptors from lensmate, but I got my Raynox 6600pro from amazon. It was a bit cheaper.

It's always best to shop around.;)

[Funkbomb]

Lensmate had my order here before USPS said they received the package.