Optional lens converters
If the 12x zoom lens on the S2 IS isn't enough for you Canon has two lens adaptors available to give you even wider - and even longer - focal lengths. The TC-DC58B (1.5x teleconverter) and WC-DC58A ( 0.75x wide converter) have to be screwed into the LAH-DC20 Lens adaptor/hood set (which attaches to the bayonet on the front of the S2) and extend the focal length range to 648mm and 27mm, respectively. A menu option allows you to tell the S2 you've attached an adaptor, meaning the IS system can be optimised for a specific converter.
We tried the converters out and found them to be better than expected, producing very little loss of sharpness (though both exaggerate the fringing problem slightly). Here's a couple of examples to show the difference they make.
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| 36mm equiv., no converter | 27mm equiv., using WC-DC58A |
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| 432mm equiv., no converter | 648mm equiv., using TC-DC58B |
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Just to really push the S2's capabilities to the limit here's a hand-held shot of the moon taken with the DC-TC58B and full digital zoom, giving a focal length equivalent to approximately 2592mm (if my maths are correct). It's not fantastic, but with a little sharpening it's pretty impressive. |
