Digital camera accessories

[JustAGirl]

My first post! I hope this doesn't sound too "newbish" .

I've been a powershot A75 user for several years. About a month ago I purchased 3 lenses for it (macro, wide angle, and telephoto) and have adored using them. I know nothing about them though, I just ordered the "kit" from the store I found online and away I went! Obviously I realize they have specific sizes - I believe the macro lens threads are 43mm and the wide/telephoto threads are 37mm.

As luck would have it I managed to come into some extra cash and decided to upgrade to the Powershot S2. The 12x zoom and super macro mode could not be resisted! I also figured I could get away with not having extra lenses too - but alas, I found I have become a lens junkie. Especially about wide angle shots. I've been trying to take a lot of indoor/outdoor "panorama" (sp?) shots and having the wide angle has been a huge help.

My question - after all this build up - is whether or not there is anyway to use my current lenses with the new S2. I fear most likely not and probably because 1.) there is no adaptor to fit 37mm threads onto the S2 and 2.) the lens wouldn't take photographs well because it's too small for the S2. I'm new to adding accessories to my camera though - and after extensive Google searching I can't find any answer to this question! Help!

As a side question - is there any reason for me to keep my A75? It's been such a trusty camera I hate to kick it to the curb, but if I can recoop some money by selling it and the lenses to invest in some new lenses for the S2 (if I need to, which I'm thinking I do...) then that's what I want to do...unless there is some good reason to keep it that I'm not aware of being a semi-beginner photographer.

Thanks in advance!!

Rebecca

[bdery]

Hi JustAGirl and welcome to the board!

Let's take a look at your questions:

My question - after all this build up - is whether or not there is anyway to use my current lenses with the new S2. I fear most likely not and probably because 1.) there is no adaptor to fit 37mm threads onto the S2 and 2.) the lens wouldn't take photographs well because it's too small for the S2. I'm new to adding accessories to my camera though - and after extensive Google searching I can't find any answer to this question! Help!

The standard Canon adaptor for the S2 is 58 mm. www.lensmateonline.com offer a 58 mm and a 52 mm adaptor. You can also purchase step-up or step-down rings to fit accessories of a different thread size to most lenses.

However, I doubt this could work here. Maybe with the macro lens since it's not THAT small, and maybe (just maybe) the telephoto lens as well since in telephoto mode you have a smaller field of view. That would have to be tested. But I'm almost completely sure the wide lens wouldn't work, you would see dark corners (vignetting) on every pic.

I advise you to contact the people from lensmate (web site I gave you earlier). These people know their accessories very well, they have some lenses for sale, and they can probably give you some good input. Don't expect too much, but you might (just might) have a few good surprises with the macro and tele lenses.

As a side question - is there any reason for me to keep my A75? It's been such a trusty camera I hate to kick it to the curb, but if I can recoop some money by selling it and the lenses to invest in some new lenses for the S2 (if I need to, which I'm thinking I do...) then that's what I want to do...unless there is some good reason to keep it that I'm not aware of being a semi-beginner photographer.

That's really a matter of opinion. The A75 is a good camera, much smaller than the S2, so it can be convenient. But if size is not an issue, then the S2 does everything the A75 does, and more. So I personnally don't see why you would have to keep it. The S2 will not let you down any more than the A75. But I'm simply giving you a rational answer, emotions and convenience can come into play here as well.

Feel free to ask more questions if you need to.

[Deb]

Hi JustAGirl, congrats on your new camera! It sounds like you're really enjoying it!

Be assured no question sounds too "newbish".   We're very happy that you wrote!

As for your A75, guess what, I'd keep it.    If your S2 was ever temporarily out of commision, you could use the A75 as a backup. Also, you have a lens kit for it which expands its capabilities. I have a 995 which I have hung on to and occassionally use when I don't need to/want to have my regular dSLR gear with me. For instance, if the activity or conditions are too rough and I still want a few snaps, I'll carry the 995 along instead.

[JustAGirl]

Thanks bdery and Deb! I will contact the Lensmate people and see if they can give me some more info about accessories - and probably tell me just what you did that my current lenses probably aren't going to suffice with the new S2. Which is fine! Because, as Deb has said, I think I'm going to hold onto my A75. It'll be a good back up camera, a bit more portable (the size/weight difference from the A75 to S2) and I'm less worried about taking it into "bad" weather or accidently knocking it around since I've had it for a while .

Thanks for the kind responses! I've sort of just discovered how fun photography is - and how I actually have an eye for certain things . So much fun! And learning as much as I can about my equipment and hobby is important to me.

Thanks again!!

Rebecca

[Deb]

Glad we could help. Holler back anytime!