Accessories for the S3is

[ziggy25]

Hi all..

I just got an S3 from ebay and im in the process of getting used to it. I've been browsing through this forums and see a lot of posts about accessories for the S3 i.e things like lense, adaptors, filters, polariser etc.

The thing is i havent a clue what all these are and what they do. Could someone please give me an insight as to what accessories are available for the S3 and what each of them do? Is there a site out there that specialises on accessories for the S3?

Thanks in advance

[David Metsky]

By itself, you can't attach additional lenses or filters to the S3. But, by removing the little metal ring around the base of the lens you can attach an adapter tube. This tube screws into threads at the base of the S3 lens, extends past the end of the lens, and allows you to attach additional lenses or filters. Canon makes one, as does Lensmate, and at least one other company.

The tubes are either 52mm or 58mm wide at the end. Lenses and filters are sized to fit those dimensions and some come in both sizes. Wide angle and zoom lenses are essentially magnifying glasses that you place in front of the lens. A 2x zoom lens will turn the 36mm-432mm lens into a 72mm-864mm lens, giving you twice as much "reach". It also reduces the amount of light you can use and may be difficult to hand hold that big a zoom. A wide angle lens will have, say, a .66x multiplier, giving you to ability to capture more in a single shot.

These lenses are made by Canon, Raynox, and some others.

Filters do a variety of things. The most common are UV (basically lens protection) and polarizing (allows you to take better pictures in bright sunlight especially on water or snow) but there are many others.

http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/S2.html
http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/order_S2_1.html

These two links should explain things a bit better.

-dave-

[JSPhotos]

www.camerafilters.com also carries an adapter, made from the same material as the lensmate one I believe, and it like 14 bucks. It will be here this week hopefully, so I can update more on that adapter when it gets here. And like the webpage says, a great selection of filters for the camera.

[David Metsky]

camerafilters, that was the one I couldn't think of. I have the Lensmate 58mm tube and I like it so far.

-dave-

[KSM]

I have the 58mm adapter from camerafilters.com and like it. It fits good and is made by Bower.

[soccerjoe5]

the polarizer's effect looks really awesome! i'm just curious though, there are 3 kinds: linear, circular and HMC. what're the differences? and what do the number of coatings do?

[David Metsky]

For this camera, there's basically no difference. HMC is just the coatings on the filter, it's not a different type of filter. It makes a difference with SLRs but not P&S cameras without a flip up mirror.

For use in bright sun, on water, or on snow, they are a huge help.

-dave-

[forum72]

Hi ziggy25
You can find a selection of Canon S3 Accessories at
:ww.cubalaya.com/OP?kw=accessories+canon+s3&inId=
I found there
Hope you will find there the information you are looking for.
have a nice day:)
Sam

[JSPhotos]

KSM,

I received my adapter today from camerafilters.com, and mine fits a little loose, and rattles, you can even move it back and forth a bit inside the locks. Does yours do that? It looks great, and the filters fit good on the end, but it makes me feel uneasy....

[David Metsky]

I don't know about the one from CameraFilters, but my Lensmate is solidly attached and doesn't move or rattle at all.

-dave-

[KSM]

KSM,

I received my adapter today from camerafilters.com, and mine fits a little loose, and rattles, you can even move it back and forth a bit inside the locks. Does yours do that? It looks great, and the filters fit good on the end, but it makes me feel uneasy....

Mine fits great. If it were any tighter it would be hard to put on. Does yours fit as good as or better than the trim ring that came with the camera. I would think that would be the best indication if it's right. You can call them if it is too loose and they will probably replace it. They seem to work very hard to make their customers happy.

[JSPhotos]

The ring fits great. I sent an email to the company to see what we can do. Being stationed in Afghanistan, return shipping is a pain because it takes up to two weeks to receive things sometimes... :eek:

[ziggy25]

What exactly is the difference between the 52 and 58mm tubes? why are they in different sizes? Does that mean you can use different types of lenses on different sized tubes?

[XaiLo]

What exactly is the difference between the 52 and 58mm tubes? why are they in different sizes? Does that mean you can use different types of lenses on different sized tubes?

Answer = 6mm lol :)

Various manurfactuers produce accessories available in either 52mm or 58mm these accessories may or may not have been designed with the "Sx" series in mind I'd say in general only the Canon accessories fit that category. But there are many compatible alternatives. 52mm filters are cheaper in price than 58mm filters and work equally as well. 52mm and 58mm relates to where the accessory and the adapter connect to one another the connection end to the camera is the same for both sizes. hth;)

[danielg]

For those with loose fitting lens adapters, try wrapping a layer or two of the white teflon tape (Plumber's tape) around the camera mount. It will make it fit much better. Its perfectly safe as it doesn't have a adhesive to begin with :)

[ziggy25]

So what is recommended then? 52 or 58mm?