Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black)

Comments about Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black):

Out of focus in any settings. I would not recommend this product.

Comments about Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black):

Focus was very slow. Corners/edges of photos often blurred

Comments about Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black):

The box it came in would have been clearer to video thru

Comments about Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black):

I use it for macro shooting of our motorcycle parts we manufacture. Very pleased with it.
After using it I find it hard to believe they can sell a quality piece that cheap.

Comments about Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black):

Very strong construction but very heavy and blurry focus away from center of the image

Comments about Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black):

Pros: nice looking lens, and seems to be made well, comes with needed adapters. Compact design.

Cons: Major vignetting or tunnel effect at zooms less then 12x, chromatic aberration everywhere but at center, can NOT focus.

I bought the lens to increase the magnification of my Panasonic 24x FZ100(bringing it from 600mm to 2100mm). I currently have a Raynox 2.2x telephoto that works well, and I was hopeful that the 3.5x Bower would get me even closer shots. Unfortunately, at the zoom range needed to eleminate the vignetting and tunnel effect, the camera would not focus (not even in manual mode). I received two of these lenses, the first had damaged threads on the filter side, and looked as if someone had dissasembled the lens, as there was dust inside. B&H promptly replaced it, at no charge(got to love thier cust serv!). I was hopeful that the problems I had with the first lens would not be in the replacement, but I was dissapointed that, although it was an improvement, I still could not focus through it, so it is heading back to B&H for a refund. I will just have to be content with my Raynox for now. (I also tried it on a Sony F828, but at only 7x zoom, the tunnel effect was just too much, and was worthless)

Comments about Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black):

Used in conjunction with 55 - 250mm zoom lens for wildlife photography.
Good clear picture except that they are slightly out of focus, this maybe due to lens length.

Comments about Bower VLB3558 3.5x Telephoto Lens (58mm Thread, Black):

This is a beautifully crafted Japanese lens I bought for my Olympus SP-590uz camera. Aside from the tunnel affect attributed to the adapter tube, it is in itself an excellent buy. On this type of camera(non SLR), it can really only be used from zooms at about 3/4 & up on the cameras own zoom, which at that level of zoom eliminates the tunneling effect. The lens comes with a leather cinch carry pouch with lens covers and when the lens is attached blends with the camera nicely. I also bought the Bower adapter tube for my camera and it was manufactured too short and my lens hit the add on lens. But...I contacted Bower directly and they sent me an additional retaining ring at no expense to lengthen the tube and it works perfect!