Fisheye Review

Yamaha PJP-CAM1 PC 360 Degree USB Fish-Eye Camera with Mini Video Output and External Microphone Input Interface

2009-07-25T17:48:00.001-07:00

The Yamaha PJP-CAM1 is a 360 degrees fish-eye PC communication camera. The camera can be pointed up to give complete 360 degree room coverage, pointed straight ahead at conference participants, rotated downward to be a document camera and can be removed from included stand to be hand held. It connects via USB interface, is bus powered and has a mini video output and external microphone input ports. The PJP-CAM1 will automatically track and shoot the talker when paired with Yamaha PJP-25UR or PJP-100UHSL communication microphone speakers

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Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye Lens for Sigma SLR Cameras

2009-07-24T18:10:00.001-07:00

I bought this lens on a lark, and have enjoyed every second of my time owning it. I use it on my Canon 5D and on my Canon 40D, if I set my shots correctly, I have some of the most unusual, attractive and impressive shots in my Shot Library.

The key to success with this lens is to set the shot correctly. I have found it takes more planning, a steadier hand (or Tripod/Monopod), than even my 100-400MM F/4-5.6L. With a telephoto lens, your area of focus is less a challenge than the 180 Degree worth of study when dealing with this lens.

Don't get me wrong, this lens is FUN!! I've never enjoyed landscapes, portraits, artistic shots more than I have when I am using my 15MM Fish. For the Casual user, high end amateur, or for the seasoned professional, this lens is an inexpensive TOOL each of us should have to round out our lens bag. BUY IT!!

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Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye Lens for Sigma Digital SLR Cameras

2009-07-23T18:22:00.001-07:00

This autofocus fisheye lens is designed for use with digital SLR cameras equipped with APS-C size image sensors. The Nikon version produces a diagonal angle of view of 180¿ (154¿for Sigma, 167¿ for Canon). The diagonal field of view of this fisheye lens produces striking images with exaggerated perspective and distortion. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch, and maximum magnification 1:3.3 allows subjects to be as close as 1.8cm/0.7inch from the lens' front element. This close focusing capability allows close-up photography and also it is possible to make use of large depth of field that covers wide range of subjects. The Integral hood blocks out extraneous light and the Super Multi-Layer Coating minimizes flare and ghosting, creating superior image quality. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and allows full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. This lens is supplied with a gelatin filter holder at the rear, allowing the use of gelatin filters.

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Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

2009-07-22T18:47:00.001-07:00

Combined with Nodal Ninja rotating tripod heads, I'm using this lens to produce equirectangular 360deg x 180deg panoramas. Six shots in 60deg increments work perfectly when stitched with Hugin or AutoPano.

Limited depth of field is a problem --- I find that typically I have to operate the lens at f/11 or f/16 to get decent full-frame-in-focus results, which necessitates shutter times of > 0.5s indoors, so it's only really useful for static scenes.

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Zeikos ZE-3446F 46mm 0.40X Fisheye Lens

2009-07-21T17:54:00.001-07:00

0.40X Super wide Fisheye Auxiliary lens for 46/49/52/58mm point-n-shoot digital cameras & camcorders. Perfect for a macro, fisheye view too!

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Zeikos ZE-3437F 37mm 0.40X Fisheye Lens

2009-07-20T19:09:00.001-07:00

0.40X Super wide Fisheye Auxiliary lens for 37mm point-n-shoot digital cameras & camcorders. Perfect for a macro, fisheye view too!

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Olympus CAP LENS 8mm LC-74 FISHEYE

2009-07-19T17:26:00.001-07:00

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Opteka OPT-SC58FE Titanium Series 58mm 0.3X HD Super Fisheye Lens for Professional Video Camcorders

2009-07-18T17:52:00.001-07:00

I am glad I purchased this fisheye. There is alot of competition between this lens and the century optics death lens. The death lens is quite expensive though, so I feel that it is more of a professional lens. If you are making videos for fun (I am using this lens for filming skateboarding with friends) then this lens is for you.

It's probably the widest lens for its price, and it produces a great distortion effect, pulling the subject closer and making the background recede.

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Zeikos ZE-3458F 58mm 0.40X Fisheye Lens

2009-07-17T17:53:00.001-07:00

0.40X Super wide Fisheye Auxiliary lens for 58mm point-n-shoot digital cameras & camcorders. Perfect for a macro, fisheye view too!

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Lomography Colorsplash 35MM Camera

2009-07-16T18:54:00.001-07:00

This is my third lomo camera and surely not my last.I liked the retro appeal of it and when is color ever a bad thing,right?it comes with its own camera and batteries and also some color filter,though some of the filters are the same just a shade different.The only things i don't like about this camera is that you can only have 4 colors on the color wheel,2 of which you can't change and also if you want a filter over the lens itself,then you have to tape it on which is kind of ghetto.The film advancer wheel is also annoying because it's hard to turn and hurts your finger.Overall the pictures come out really good but i prefer using it at night because of the effects you can create from surrounding lights.I recommend buying this camera as long as you can handle it's few annoying quirks.

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Lomography OKTOMAT Compact 35mm Camera with 8 Serial Lenses

2009-07-15T17:32:00.001-07:00

I bought this camera brand new in a retail box. First roll of film and it is already struggling mightily to work. The teeth slip off the roll because the flimsy gears are not strong enough to even pull the roll. I finally figured out after wasting a few frames a way to carefully advance the film without the gears letting go. This product is made at a level of a claw-machine toy. There is flat out no excuse for the Lomo company to charge $40 for this item. I totally respect what they have done for the Lomo movement and everything but this is not the way to do it. This product will alienate people from the movement; it is that bad. Go ahead and buy it and you will see what I am talking about. Save your money and buy a genuine Lomo antique from an online auction site.

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Lomographic Colorsplash Flash for 35MM Cameras

2009-07-14T17:55:00.001-07:00

I bought this specifically for my Holga 135 but because of the low-profile of the flash, it doesn't fit on the Holga 135 - the winder on the camer is too tall. My other Holga has in integrated flash, and my Diana comes with a flash, therefore I am not able to use this at all. I wish I knew about this problem before I bought it. This is the second Holga-related mis-match I've bought. Kind of a drag.

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Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

2009-07-13T17:25:00.001-07:00

PENTAX DA 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 ED (IF) Fish-Eye Lens for Pentax Digital SLR

2009-07-12T17:39:00.001-07:00

I am extremely pleased with this lens. I am just an amature, but of the three lenses that I have for my K20D this is my favorite. I have the 18-55mm kit lens, a 70-300mm and this lens. The zoom function is very useful and requires a lot less lens changes. If you've every wanted a fish-eye lens and wondered if this one would be adequate, I have to say that it is everything I've always wanted in a fish-eye lens and more because of the useful zoom, for when you don't really want the full distorted look and don't want to have to change lenses. I would definenately recommend it to anyone.

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Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

2009-07-11T18:49:00.001-07:00

First off, bear in mind that I purchased this Sigma fisheye to replace Nikon's 10.5mm f/2.8 fisheye. While I was happy with the Nikon's optical performance, I was disappointed with the AF design. Nikon's lens relies on the AF motor in the camera, which makes for noisy AF. In addition, this design precludes full-time manual focus touch-up. And finally, the lack of an in-lens focus motor precludes AF on the existing D40/D40x and new D60, as well as future Nikon DSLRs lacking an in-camera focus motor.

In any event, when Sigma announced their fisheye lens a few months ago, I decided that I would purchase one. And I am very happy with it! The HSM provides autofocus performance as fast as the Nikon (at least on my Nikon D300 DSLR), while being eerily quiet.

As for the optical quality, it appears to be virtually identical to Nikon's, which is to say excellent. Both lenses are slightly soft wide-open (i.e. at f/2.8), but sharpen considerably when close down one f-stop. Indeed, both lenses are almost as sharp at f/4 as they are at f/5.6.

Besides the built-in autofocus motor, another difference between Nikon and Sigma's fisheye lenses is the field-of-view (FOV). Sigma's lens is 0.5mm wider, and provides a small -- but definitely noticeable -- increase in the angle of view.

So, it all comes down to this:
* Do you currently own a D40/D40x/D60, or plan to purchase one?
* Do you prefer super-quiet AF to the noisy mechanical variety?
* Do you prefer a better-built lens?

The one advantage that Nikon's lens has is size/weight. While arguably not as durable and well-built as the Sigma, it is lighter and more compact. If this is important to you, then you may prefer the Nikon. (See the comparison photos I posted to see what I mean.)

As for Cons, there is one. Sigma's lens is, unfortunately, not weather-sealed. I was hoping that Sigma would at least utilize a gasket around the lens mount, but that is not the case. As such, I recommend against using this lens in rain/drizzle -- or in a super-humid environment. (It is important to note that Nikon's fisheye lens is not weather-sealed either, and also lacks a lens mount gasket.)

Apart from the one aforementioned complaint, I highly recommend the Sigma 10mm fisheye lens. It provides all of the performance/quality of Nikon's fisheye lens, while providing fast and quiet autofocus to owners of ALL Nikon DSLR's, including the D40/D40x/D60. You will not be disappointed!

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Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

2009-07-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

Phoenix 0.25X Super Fisheye Converter w/49,52,55 & 58mm adptrs.

2009-07-09T19:02:00.001-07:00

I have to agree with everything that has been written in the previous reviews. This is a fun gadget; it is not for serious photography. But so what? Who cares? For the vast majority of users, our cameras are toys. We use them for entertainment, not to produce income. But other than that, ALL fisheye lenses are toys. They are novelties for occaisonal use. How often do the pros use fisheye lenses? Only occaisionally. A fisheye lens is a special effect in the same way that solarizing is a special effect. I have a different expectation of resolution and detail in a solarized image than I do in a normal image. Likewise, I have different expectations of a fisheye image than I do of a normal image.

I will differ on one point made in a previous review in that I have not noticed significant darkening near the edges of the image using my Minolta Dimage 7i. Nor do I see significant darkening at the edges of the customer images at the top of the product page. Only at extreme magnifications do I become aware of color fringing at the edges. But again, so what? If you were really determined to make a giant print you would be doing post processing work anyway.

This fisheye converter seems to be reasonably well made, however mine was not assembled with the greatest care. The edges of the lens elements are blackened to reduce internal reflections. A smear of the black paint got on the inside of the front element and escaped the scrutiny of the QC inspector (if there is a QC inspector). The smear left very noticeable spots on the photos. I was able to unscrew the front element (required two strap wrenches) and clean the marks.

One of my photos taken with this lens was featured on Earth Science Picture of the Day, August 14, 2007. ([...])

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Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

2009-07-08T19:13:00.001-07:00

Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

2009-07-07T17:38:00.001-07:00

I did a great deal of research before I bought this lens for my Canon Xsi (450D). It is my first Sigma lens (most others are Canon kit lenses - 18-55 mm; 55-250 mm along with a Lensbaby 2.0 and a Canon "Nifty Fifty" 50 mm 1.8 ) and I love it! I've already nicknamed it "The Tank" because it is hefty and well built(remember I am accustomed to kit lenses). It isn't the type of lens you keep on the camera all the time but it is definitely one that will go where ever the camera goes! I received it at 8 PM (dusk) and the street lights were already on but I got some acceptable shots with ambient light - it is fast and sharp, even at 100% crop and the focusing is decisive with no "hunting". If you enjoy images with non-traditional points of view this lens is worth it! I also like that it came with its own fitted, padded case - a must for a lens this expensive!

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Lomography Fisheye Submarine Case (Clear/Red)

2009-07-06T17:05:00.001-07:00

This product does exactly what it says it will. It protects the Lomography fisheye camera so that you can use it underwater.

While I did not test out the maximum depth they claim, it worked like a charm for me as deep as 20 feet in both fresh and salt water locations. I was even able to change rolls of film on the boat ride between snorkeling locations without any leaking issues. I highly recommend using the flash and the provided flash diffuser unless you are in a shallow pool on a bright sunny day. The light loss even with ISO 400 film was significant even a few feet under water in the area I was snorkeling in.

If you are going on vacation and looking for a fun camera that will confuse the lab techs and make all the locals ask "what is that?" than this is certainly a great purchase. I had a blast with this camera, and even though I shot over 900 frames on my D300, some of my favorite images from the trip were from this camera. It's just fun!

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Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

2009-07-05T18:30:00.001-07:00

I own an excellent selection Canon "L" lenses. But I was ready to try to fisheye. After extensive research, I decided to give the Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye a try. I'm glad I did. This lens feels good, it's small (compared to my "L" lenses), it focuses fast and quiet. The photos it takes are outstanding. I have even stated using the Fisheye-Hemi Photoshop plug-in to manipulate the images and "straighten" them out a bit. I recommend this lens!

-- Canon Digital EOS 40D
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF 1.4X II Extender
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro

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Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

2009-07-04T17:37:00.001-07:00

Pros:

Ultra Wide View
Really light and small
Get those really tight shots!
Nice quality slide on metal lens cap

Cons:

No filter mount
Auto focus makes loud buzzing sound
Can not manual focus in auto focus mode

Unpacking:

I got my new Canon 15mm Fisheye today and my first thoughts were wow it's smaller then I thought it would be and lighter. Reminds me of my Canon 50mm F/1.8 lens. Not as light but very close to it. Sure wish I could mount a filter, but the front of the lens is round and won't permit it.

Mounting:

When mounting it on my Canon 5D Mark II it turns harder as you approach the locking point almost to the point where you think something is wrong and then it locks in place but there is no audible click. But it does mount solidly even more so then my L lenses.

I always purchase a lens filter with my new lenses but in this case there is no mount for one because of the curvature of the front element you can't mount one anyway.

I found myself keeping the lens cap on as much as possible setting up the shot first and then removing the cap at the last possible minute then putting it back on after the shot.

What's it like?

Well in a word AWESOME! Especially on a full frame sensor camera like the 5D. The auto focus (AF) makes a loud buzzing sound when it focuses but at 15mm there isn't much focusing to do. And you can get away with really low shutter speeds and still be pretty sharp. You could even leave the auto focus off and just run the manual focus ring to the middle and step down to say F9 and bang everything is in focus anyway! Just take note that you can't override the auto focus by grabbing the focus ring and turning it when the AF switch is in the AF position. It's not a USM system so there is no simultaneous manual / auto focusing allowed. I have found I don't really need it though because if it doesn't auto focus I just reconmpose until I one of the focus points is on a high contrast object press the shutter part way get a focus lock recompose and shoot. When doing this you might just find a better composition anyway as little changes will really effect the look.

I find that items near the edges that are normally straight really get the bends when you uses this lens on a full frame sensor camera like my Canon 5D Mark II but very subdued when mounted on my cropped sensor cameras 40D and Rebel XTi.

The first hour I had the lens I ran around like a maniac photographing every small space I could think of closets, my daughters Honda Fit interior etc then over to the local park where I sat under some trees and pointed it up while laying on the ground.

The other neat effect is holding the camera with both hands and pointing it towards yourself you get this huge distortion of anything really close to the lens and your arms will look huge close to the camera.

Conclusion:

It's not a lens for everyone and after just a few photos of the same object there are only so many views to get so you don't want to over use it. But especially on a full frame camera like the Canon 5D Mark II you can photograph spaces much smaller then you could ever imagine and it will give your photos a unique look that can only be achieved with a fisheye. I heartily recommend.

Other lenses reviewed:

Canon 15mm Fisheye F/2.8, crazy ultra wide wall bending fun!
Canon EF-S 17-55 F/2.8 IS Ultra sharp, great colors, great low light, poor zoom action
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Rebel XTi Kit lens Muddy, slow, pile of junk
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L Fantastic colors, sharp zoomed 17 to 24mm, ultra smooth zoom action, light weight
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Fantastic colors and contrast, sharp zoomed 40 to 70mm, zoom a little stiff at first, heavy, repair prone!
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Good budget portrait lens, light weight, disposable, sharp from F/2.5
Canon EF 85mm F/1.2 L II The best portrait lens for female and children clients, buttery smooth Bokeh, heavy and expensive it shares sharpness with 135mm
Canon EF 135mm F/2.0 L The best portrait lens for males and tied with Canon 85mm F 1/.2 for sharpest lens I own, buttery smooth Bokeh
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L fantastic colors, sharp for a zoom, very versatile ego boosting and attention getting and heavy! My favorite zoom lens!!!
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L great IS, super colors, sharp for a zoom, extremely versatile, variable Bokeh, even more ego boosting and attention getting when extended and 400mm reach!!
Canon EF 200mm F/2 IS L Otherworldly, insane, impossible, rare, perfect, out of sight, crazy and very expensive!

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Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye Nikkor Lens

2009-07-03T17:55:00.001-07:00

First and foremost, this lens is just way too much fun. For those who love to experiment with photography it will open up the whole new world of possibilities.

One of the main cons I did find tho is that the lens seems a bit slow on autofocus. With relatively dark objects AF is virtually useless... It also takes a great deal of getting used to when using a flash. However, once you get a hang of its quarks it offers endless creative light controls and really gives camera work a step up.

Since I'm a filter addict, I wish the lens had more options for filters, but it doesn't because of its design: rear mount filters only... So, no polarizers, NDs, skylights, UV/protection filters, etc... You can get creative with gels, but for 180degree view, it's a challenge to say the least. But it does have some good options for B&W photography. A word of advice: guard the front glass. The lens has phenomenal close focus range and because of the distortion in the viewfinder it's way too easy to get close enough to actually nick the glass. Do a bit of practice to get used to the lens before taking it out on the field.

Overall, I'm really happy with it. It's a great fun toy. Definitely a keeper (:

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Lomography Fisheye 35mm Camera

2009-07-02T17:21:00.001-07:00

This camera is fun to play with, and produces interesting results when the conditions are right. I find the viewfinder useless, so I just aim the camera on instinct, knowing that it's fisheye will capture what I want, particularly if I'm close to the subject. If I'm shooting in marginal conditions, I will turn on the flash, let it charge up, then turn it off, take the picture with the flash, then take a second one with the flash off. I would never consider it a replacement for a SLR or other high quality camera, but it definetly has it's place in my camera bag. Overall, a nice little camera to play with.

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Lomographic Fisheye Number 2 Camera

2009-07-02T03:12:00.001-07:00

I just received my package today, and I ordered this Lomo fisheye number 2 camera.. as soon as i opened my package i was so disapointed because they sent me the wrong item!!!!! I was really pissed bacause i paid for the item i want but they didnt send it to me..they sent me the first version of this fisheye camera!.....im soo mad right now. Can someone help me on what actions i should do to get the right item because ive been emailing The ebasement they dont respond at all.!!!!!

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