Opteka + Canon S2 IS = Big Disappointment!
Written: Sep 17 '07 (Updated Sep 18 '07)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Sturdy
Cons: Distortion, blurred edges
The Bottom Line: Gives your photos blurred/distorted edges. Look elsewhere for a lens. Samples can be seen at http://epi-cmaw63.pbwiki.com/Electronics 2
|
|
|
| cmaw63's Full Review: Opteka (HD2XS2ISKT) 2.2x Lens Converter for Canon ... |
Having had good results with my Opteka lens for my Canon A520, I looked forward to using my new Opteka for Canon Powershot S2 IS. What I failed to realize was not every product is created equal.
Opteka for Canon Powershot S2 IS 2.2x Lens Converter
This is a high definition, fixed 2.2X magnification lens that fits over the camera's lens, doubling the camera's reach. In this case turning my 12X zoom into a 24X. A tube adapter to attach the lens to your camera will need to be purchased if it is not included with your lens.
It has high index/low-dispersion optical glass that is digitally multi-coated to allow for crisp shots day or night. It is compatible with high speed auto-focus and infrared. The titanium anodized finish on the barrel makes it a sturdy addition to my equipment. All of this combines to reduce glare and ghosting sending a cleaner image to the camera.
Blah, blah, blah...
All of that sounds great, but what does the Opteka for Canon Powershot S2 IS really do? It distorts and blurs all but the center of the picture. On a recent vacation I took approximately 500 photographs with my camera. Every single one that I used the Opteka lens for (300+/-) is almost useless. If I centered the subject I was able to crop the picture to remove the blurred edges. If I used the rule of thirds (moving the subject to a point in an imaginary tic tac toe game) the subject was beyond fixing with my photo editing program.
The pictures looked fine on my camera's small viewing screen. It was when I downloaded them to the computer to get their full size (2048 X 1536) that the distortion of the edges was noticed. To further complicate matters the blurring occurs in a shallow half circle on all sides. It left an almost perfect circle of clear picture in the center. Too bad I don't always center the subject, I could have several uniquely round photographs.
If you are looking to extend your Canon S2 IS zoom range and get clear, crisp photos don't waste your money on this lens. The Opteka for Canon Powershot S2 IS 2.2x Lens Converter has left me with a lot of pictures that are disappointing and either need a lot of editing or are beyond redemption. I paid approximately $40 for this lens and more than that amount in frustration and disappointment.
You can see samples of the lens effect on pictures at http://epi-cmaw63.pbwiki.com/Electronics+2
Opteka HD2 2.2x High Definition Professional Telephoto Lens For Canon Powershot A520
Canon PowerShot S2 IS Digital Camera
Canon PowerShot A520 Digital Camera
Recommended:
No
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
cmaw63
|
 in Pets, Home and Garden, Books |
|
Member: Julie
Location: Illinois, USA
Reviews written: 307
Trusted by: 73 members
About Me:
Looking forward to my first grandbaby. She's due November 24!
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.