S3 lens and accessory packages

[twofeetcia]

I'm going to be buying an S3 shortly, and had a question about packages and lenses that most of the online retailers offer.

Is it worth buying one of the packages that come with the two additional lenses, or am I better off paying for a better lens separately elsewhere?

I've looked around on the forums, and getting extra lenses seems to be a good move, I'm just not sure how good the package ones are or if I should even bother with them.

I haven't noticed a brand listed next to any of them, but I'm guessing those that offer it (buydig, abe's, etc) all are offering the same brand lens.

Thanks...

[mes444]

There is a forum for Canon S1/2/3/5 users where this topic has been covered very well: http://www.s3users.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8

Check it out as you will see many opinions there so you can make up your mind with a lot of input from fellow users. I'm sure you know you will need a lens adapter to put anything extra on your S3. That's also addressed at the above site.

The general consensus is don't buy no name lenses or filters. They often degrade the high quality lens the S3 has with their poorer glass quality. And Lensmate is the favored choice for adapters.

[Andrizzle]

You really seem to like linking people to that site, mes444...

I would say get the S3 by itself first since it does have a very versatile lens, and then if you feel you need more zoom, or wish the camera would take more in when it is zoomed all the way out, then look into getting another lens.

Then you can look around and decide which lens you think offers the best quality pictures and the best range. A great resource for lenses is http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/S2.html. Not only do they offer adapters like mes mentioned, they also have sample photos for a whole range of lenses.

[SpecialK]

I've only recently upgraded to the S3 IS from an A620. I've also got all the DLSR stuff I need (I think), so if I "really" need to have all bases covered, I can use that.

The reason I still have a (larger than before) compact camera is so I can travel light or casual if I don't want to make another "photo expedition" somewhere.

I planned not to get any accessories for the S3. It has a pretty long lens, and I don't feel the need to spend another $150-$200 to double that length, though getting a wide angle conversion lens would be nice. The Canon option is about $175 with adaptor. Raynox makes a .66X version that is a worthwile angle, but still runs about $150.

With my so-so experience with Canon converters (fair to good) and Opteka (useless lenses, great paperweights), I'm not in a hurry to experiment again :-)

When you start adding up all the accessories, plus the camera, you approach the same price as a DSLR. And as you collect accessories, your nice little compact camera starts to...expand.

Oh, to answer your question - I would get just the camera now. Most "packages" are not the greatest quality especially filters (if you want to use them), and some things like camera bags are best bought in person so you can see exactly how it will fit everythng, etc.

[mes444]

Andrizzel,

I think that S3 site is very helpful for people with the Canon S series cameras. They cover all the S's. I think this site is very good as well in a more general, overall scope. Directing people to a site where they can get more in depth information about their camera is something that was done for me when I first got my S3 and I appreciated it.

If you don't care for that site, ignore the link.

[Andrizzle]

Nothing was meant by it, just an observation...

[cbi]

got a newbie question here....I am slightly confused. Is it possible to get a fish eye lens for the canon powershot s series cameras, or if you want that effect, do you just apply it using some software?

[donato]

I'm going to be buying an S3 shortly, and had a question about packages and lenses that most of the online retailers offer.

I'm with a Andrizzle above in getting just the camera first and go from there - with one exception: I recommend buying an adapter too right away (I have the Canon LAH-DC20 which is with hood). It gives you a much better grip and a good protection for the extruding lens, IMO. I leave it on the cam always.

[Andrizzle]

got a newbie question here....I am slightly confused. Is it possible to get a fish eye lens for the canon powershot s series cameras, or if you want that effect, do you just apply it using some software?

Yes and no. There are wide angle lenses available for the S2/3/5, but most of the ones I have looked at have had very low barrel distortion, the type of distortion that gives you that fish eye effect. Here are some (http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/S2wide.html) good text shots of different wide angle lenses from lensmate.

I don't know if there is specifically a fish eye lens available, but I would think there would be one, perhaps someone else knows of a good lens for that effect.

[Andrizzle]

I'm with a Andrizzle above in getting just the camera first and go from there - with one exception: I recommend buying an adapter too right away (I have the Canon LAH-DC20 which is with hood). It gives you a much better grip and a good protection for the extruding lens, IMO. I leave it on the cam always.

And I'm with donato here, I too have the canon adapter set, to protect the lens, and I also have a UV filter I throw on if I'm going somewhere like the beach to keep dirt and grit out of the lens mechanism. I also have a polarizing filter for more than just protection. But I agree that even the lens adapter by itself is useful in protecting the camera.

[berniej]

I agree the cost of add ons can certainly add up fairly quickly. Having said that I don't know anyone who owns A DSLR who has only paid a total of under $150 for a tele and closeup lens. I paid a lot more for my S3 than many have but then I have been using it for almost a year too.

However, there is no absolute need for anything additional. I just wanted them. I do really like keeping an adapter on because I find it easier to hold and steady the camera. The lens is better protected and I personally keep a UV filter on. I hated the S3 lens cap and with this set up I use a clip on cap.