need help with canon s2 Is

[chwash]

I just bought a canon s2 is and want a telephoto lens, the camera has 12X optical zoom. If I buy a 3x lens does that mean I'm shooting at 36x when the zoom is fully extended ? If someone could explain how all that works I would be grateful.

 

[Korosive]

Yup, 36X. Just avoid the ones on ebay. Try to get the official Canon brand one.

 

[chwash]

Thank you for the information, if I could ask another. The more I learn, the more confused I become. What is the difference between the tele converter for the s2 is and the 3x telephoto lens? Which would give the best results just for wildlife shots and travel in general?

 

[Rob]

As your camera has a fixed (as in not removeable) lens, there are some devices which I would call adaptors (rather than lenses) which change the effective focal length. There are some Canon teleconverter devices which you stick on the front which will help you for wildlife shots, I think there's a 1.5x and a 3x which will add 50% or 300% to your maximum focal length. I would say that you're probably best off with the biggest number canon branded one.

Rob