A Good Upgrade for the DSC-F717

This lens can be frustrating for novice or beginners with little knowledge.

I purchased this 58mm Teleconversion lens for my Sony DSC-F714 camera (it is also compatible with Sony's DSC-H1 & DSC F707). I have been using it to take close-up pictures on objects < than 50 feet away. Ideal if you are near first row seating, lousy if you have nose-bleed seating.

First thing I notice is there are no directions on how to set up the camera after the lens screwed on...could not find additional info in the camera's manual. After going to Sony's website, they advise to leave the TELEPHOTO setup option to OFF in my DSC-F717's menu and make sure the FSTOP is greater than F4. I am not sure what Sony's recommends for the other 58mm lens cameras (F707 or DSC-H1).

Picture-wise: The camera's wide zoom can not be used because the inner's of the tele lens will show on the picture as a black ring; I guess you can crop the picture to get rid of the black ring. If you zoom out completely, you may likely get a "handshaking" icon.
I recommend a tri-pod or set to a faster shutter speed to stabilize camera.

Weight-wise it adds an extra pound to the camera. The DSC-F707 & DSC-F717 is bulky and the extra lens makes it a little more bulkier not that I mind. If you carry the tele-lens make sure you have a deep pocket or camera carrying case for it.

Final conclusion: The teleconversion lens does a good job of magnifying an object. You have to sacrifice compact over to performance. Using good ole Kentucky Windage, I'd say the max distance shooting would be 50 feet IMHO.