cmaw63's Full Review: Opteka (HD2XF828) (2.2x) Lens Converter
When I bought my Canon A520 digital camera, I planned on using it for macro (close up shots) of my roses and family photos. I wasn't concerned about it only having 4X zoom. Then I discovered I wanted to take pictures of everything, including wildlife that you just can't get close to. The 4X zoom didn't work for reaching out there to get the photos I wanted. I decided to try the Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520 to double my zoom to 8X.
The Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520 is a fixed focal length lens and fits right over my cameras lens with a tube adapter. The tube adapter is necessary for attachment of this lens. Screw the Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520 onto the adapter, then attach it to your camera, by removing the metal ring around your camera's lens and screwing the adapter onto the camera.
Features
HD2 (High Definition2) offers 2 times the resolution of standard high definition lenses. I find that this lens does bring my subject closer with no distortion. The photo's end up just as clear as the ones I don't use this lens for.
SureGrip Technology is a fancy name for a 1/8th ", black rubber ring near the end of the lens. This ring is supposed to allow a better grip on the lens without slipping. I have never, consciously, thought about where I was holding the lens. I believe, this is one of those fancy names people come up with just to make their product sound better.
Digital multi-coating, on the other hand, does what it's supposed to. "It reduces flare and ghosting caused by reflections." In my experience, my photos come out sharp, with neither of the problems mentioned. This is aided by the internal black almite barrel. It is a black matte satin finish on the inside of the barrel that, also, helps to reduce reflections.
Another feature that helps with reflections is the black rimmed glass. There is a hard, black plastic ring that holds the lens in the barrel. I take a lot of outdoor shots, especially near lakes. Again, I've had no problems with reflections or glare in my pictures.
The 2.2X fixed telephoto lens doubles my zoom to 8X. This is nice when I'm trying to get a picture of the raccoon that is walking along the waters edge or a grey heron taking off, over the water. The Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520 does bring me closer to the action than what my camera's lens will and does it with clarity.
The size and weight of this lens with the tube adapter attached is more than the camera itself. It does make it awkward, at first, when your used to handling the lightweight Canon A520. The closeness you get to your subjects, compared to without the Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520, is worth the extra weight.
One thing, that I don't like, is the fact that I can't attach filters to this lens. I would have given the Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520 4 stars, instead of 3, if I was able to add filters to it.
Will the professional or even semi-professional, be happy with the Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520? Not a chance! This lens is for the person who wants to add a little distance to their cameras zoom to get close up shots of things they normally wouldn't be able to. I find it works well for my purposes of capturing wildlife along lake shores and in fields. For the price I paid, $34.95+shipping, I'm satisfied with my Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520's capabilities. It does what it's meant to do, with minor annoyances of weight and no filter capabilities.
Direct 58mm fit, no adapter or ring needed High Definition² - 2 times the resolution of standard high definition lenses Exclusive SureGrip composit...More at Amazon Marketplace
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