Using Macro Filters to take close-ups
with your Canon S2 IS

Below are samples using various macro lenses on the S2. We've included some of the more popular ones, including the Canon 250D, the Hoya Macro Set, the Raynox DCR-250, and the Hoya +10.  We'll also show what the built-in Macro and Supermacro modes can do. 

To put the focal lengths given here into perspective, the focal range of the S2 is 6.0mm to 72.0mm, or in 35mm terms, 36mm - 432mm.  To translate one into the other, simply multiply or divide by 6.  Each lens sample was shot at the full wide setting, approximately 1/4 zoomed, 1/2 zoomed, and full tele.  Since the camera gives no realtime exact focal length when shooting, the focal lengths at these in between zoom settings are not exactly the same. 

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. Be sure to look at the full size samples so you can make a critical evaluation of the image. 

S2 IS with no Macro Lens

These show the S2s built-in macro capabilities.  Shot at full wide (6.mm) and 16.8mm, which is the zoom range available for macro on the S2.
(The yellow portion of the zoom bar on the display is not available for macro).

Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Canon 250D Macro Lens
with LensMate S2 IS Adapter

Canon 250D, approximately +4. Good performance at 18.6mm (second sample),
but shows edge/corner softness at other focal lengths.

Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Hoya Macro Set (+1,+2,+4) +7
with LensMate S2 IS Adapter

Not very good at any focal length. Soft throughout image and plagued with CA.

Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Raynox DCR-250 Macro Filter
with LensMate S2 IS Adapter

Click here to view more samples with this lens.

The DCR-250 is smaller than the other lenses tested here, which is why it vignettes at the wide angle setting.  But you probably wouldn't use a macro lens at the full wide setting anyway.  As you begin to zoom towards tele, the vignetting disappears (at about 15.mm), and the DCR250 delivers sharp corner to corner performance through the complete zoom range of the S2.

(The DCR-250 comes mounted in a spring-loaded carrier which clips into threads from 49mm through 69mm.  The lens itself has a 43mm thread, and can optionally be mounted in the 52-43 slim step ring available here.)

Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Hoya Macro +10 Filter
with LensMate S2 IS Adapter

Not very good at any focal length - soft and lots of CA.

Click images to see original Large Superfine file.

Though the built in Supermacro mode has some interesting possibilies, it has limited usefulness for the reasons stated above.  The Raynox DCR-250 is clearly the winner here, providing excellent performance throughout the full zoom range of the S2 - seemingly a perfect match. 

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