Using Macro Filters to take close-ups
with your Canon S1 - IS

Below are samples using various macro lenses on the S1.  Though we don't recommend the use of the Hoya +7 macro set, or the Hoya +10 lens/filter with the S1, we have included them for comparison purposes.  Also, because they worked so well with the Canon G-series, we knew we'd get requests to see samples with the S1. 

There is no "macro mode" on the S1, but it seems to work best at the shorter focal lengths when no macro lens is used.  The EXIF information from the S1 gives the actual focal length which ranges from 5.8mm to 58mm.  The 35mm film equivalent would be 38mm - 380mm, so the multiplier is 6.55.  All the focal lengths given are actual from the EXIF information.  For each macro lens we tried to show the focal lengths that gave the best results and most magnification.  All samples are straight from the camera with no sharpening or enhancement of any kind.  Distance to subject means distance between the actual macro lens and subject. 

S1 - IS with no Macro Lens
Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Canon 250D Macro Lens
with LensMate S1 - IS Adapter
Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Hoya Macro Set (+1,+2,+4) +7
with LensMate S1 - IS Adapter
Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Hoya Macro +10 Filter
with LensMate S1 - IS Adapter
Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Raynox DCR-250 Macro Filter
with LensMate S1 - IS Adapter
Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

The Hoya +7 macro set and the Hoya +10 do not appear to be a good match for the S1.  Though the center of the image might be sharp, edges and corners show distortion, worsening as focal length increases.

The Canon 250D (+4) and Raynox DCR-250 gave the best results with no visible CA  and corner to corner sharpness over a large range of focal lengths. Though the Raynox vignettes slightly at full wide angle, it appears to give results as good as the Canon 250D with more than double the magnification at about half the cost.

Don't be too concerned about the DCR-250 vignetting at full wide, the mid focal lengths work best anyway - less barrel distortion, and more distance between the camera and subject make the subject easier to light.