Add-on lens: I bought a Canon camera "bundle" back in November 2012 and it came with a lens that screws on the front of the main lens. It's a truDigital 58mm 2.0X Telephoto HC MC DSLR...

jlatshaw50 Loc: Pennsylvania

I bought a Canon camera "bundle" back in November 2012 and it came with a lens that screws on the front of the main lens.
It's a truDigital 58mm 2.0X Telephoto HC MC DSLR by Japan Optics. I'm new to photography and wondered what this type of lens is called (generically), and what it's good for. My main lenses are:
Canon EFS 18-55mm 1:3.5-5 IS II Macro 0.25m/0.8ft 58mm
Canon EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 III 1.5m/4.9ft 58mm
Canon EF 50mm 1:1.4 0.45m/1.5ft Ultrasonic Focus
My camera is a Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18mp
I've shot some pictures with the add-on lens attached to the 18-55 lens. In tele mode it seems to give me more of a wide angle. In closeup mode I can get right on top of small objects, like a macro lens. Can I use it with all of my lenses? Penalty for using it?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Its called a "filter". Basically these "add-on lenses" are not worth the time it takes to thread them on.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

jlatshaw50 wrote:

I bought . . . a lens that screws on the front of the main lens. In closeup mode I can get right on top of small objects, like a macro lens. Can I use it with all of my lenses? Penalty for using it?

A filter alters the quality of light, without changing its direction.
A lens alters the direction of light, without changing its quality.

Your add-on is known as a Thread-on "Close-Up" lens, used to emulate macro characteristics.

FAQ: Extension Tubes vs Tele-Extenders vs Thread-on "Close-Up" lenses
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26496-1.html

jlatshaw50 Loc: Pennsylvania

Thanks for the link - good explanation of the various add-ons.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I think it's more like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/58MM-2x-Telephoto-Zoom-Lens-Canon-1100D-1000D-650D-600D-550D-500D-450D-400D-/330862571695?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item4d08f230af
A 2x convertor that goes on the front of the lens.
Still, I wouldn't put much stock in the quality.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

GoofyNewfie wrote:

I think it's more like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/58MM-2x-Telephoto-Zoom-Lens-Canon-1100D-1000D-650D-600D-550D-500D-450D-400D-/330862571695?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item4d08f230af
A 2x convertor that goes on the front of the lens. Still, I wouldn't put much stock in the quality.

Per OP's original post: " In tele mode it seems to give me more of a wide angle. In closeup mode I can get right on top of small objects, like a macro lens." Sounds like a thread-on close-up lens.

jlatshaw50 Loc: Pennsylvania

That's exactly what it looks like, only a different brand. Came with the lens bag too.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Nikonian72 wrote:

quote=GoofyNewfie I think it's more like this: br... (show quote)

It helps if I read the whole text!
(but they do exist)

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

jlatshaw50 wrote:

That's exactly what it looks like, only a different brand. Came with the lens bag too.

Assuming the OP is responding to my post, do I get half of a bazinga?

(note to jlatshaw50...click "quote reply" so we know who's post you are refering to)

jlatshaw50 Loc: Pennsylvania

Sure!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Now this one is interesting:
http://www.amazon.com/Telephoto-Lenses-18-55mm-75-300mm-55-200mm/dp/B004EBM0Z4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

"The Multi-coated 2X lens for 58mm diameter is a professional grade, telephoto converter that increases the angle of view by more than double"

A 2x lens that increases the angle of view?
That matches the wide angle comment the OP had.

Also, if it says professional grade, it usually isn't.

RocketScientist Loc: Littleton, Colorado

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Now this one is interesting:
http://www.amazon.com/Telephoto-Lenses-18-55mm-75-300mm-55-200mm/dp/B004EBM0Z4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

"The Multi-coated 2X lens for 58mm diameter is a professional grade, telephoto converter that increases the angle of view by more than double"

A 2x lens that increases the angle of view?
That matches the wide angle comment the OP had.

Also, if it says professional grade, it usually isn't.

I have something very similar to that. It came with a VHS Camcorder in the 80's. Thread it on one way it magnified, the other way it gave a wider angle. It was nice if you like vignetted wide angle shots.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

when i bought my sony a-200 it came with a 18-70mm zoom and a .5 add on lens. plus a 75-300mm zoom and a 2x add on lens.the iq is passable.

JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

I tried a wide and tele attachment set on my Camcorder years ago. I got a lesson in the quality of optics of add-on lenses. It lost so much contrast that I found I could read fine print on a box that I was focused on better if I remoxed the 2x tele attachment and used "digital zoom" to make up the difference. So for me it was worthless.

You could have better optics with what you have there but since it's in a bundle, I don't know.

If it gets you shots that you like or can't get any other way then it has a purpose. With my first DSLR and kit lenses, I couldn't get closer than 1:4 macro. If I wanted to really get close, I had to switch to my P&S.

pigpen

jlatshaw50 wrote:

I bought a Canon camera "bundle" back in... (show quote)

For just starting out, you have a very good camera. I own the T2i, and love it. The 50mm f/1.4 is a spectacular lens. I have watched several tutorials by professionals sponsored by B&H that highly recommend this lens for portraits. Some even put it ahead of the "L" series 50mm f/1.2. If (when) you find yourself wanting more quality of macro work, I very much recommend the Canon 100mm f/2.8. This lens is extremely sharp. Have fun!