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Fisheye lens

I have the sigma and I am really pleased with it. Focusing can be a challenge at times, but I gather this is not unsual for fish eye lenses and I tend to use manual focus anyway.
My main point though is this - how often do you intend on using the lens? I was luck and I had mine bought for me as a gift - I use it, but rarely. I doubt I would go out to buy one otherwise as it is for me a luxury item rather than a necessary addition.
Finally, I want to experiment with fish eye panoramas - but the software to combine them cost way more than the lens it self. I don't know if this applies to you, but if it does the software costs need to be factored into your decision.
Regards,
Adam
My main point though is this - how often do you intend on using the lens? I was luck and I had mine bought for me as a gift - I use it, but rarely. I doubt I would go out to buy one otherwise as it is for me a luxury item rather than a necessary addition.
Finally, I want to experiment with fish eye panoramas - but the software to combine them cost way more than the lens it self. I don't know if this applies to you, but if it does the software costs need to be factored into your decision.
Regards,
Adam

Julie, on a 5D it will be a genuine fisheye as the 5d is full frame. 15mm gives a good fisheye effect in a rectangular frame - the next step is an 8mm fisheye which gives a circular frame (personally I'm not keen on the latter, but it's all down to taste).
**** - On a cropped sensor the fish eye effect is lessened due to the magnification effect. You will still get some barrel distortion (which is what differs a fisheye from a standard super wide lens where it is corrected). However, the effect will be minimal. Been a 5d user I have not used the 10-20, but I do remember trying it once and that too gave some barrel distortion on a 1.6X crop factor sensor. I'd think this is a good choice for those using cropped sensors - that or the 8mm fisheye solutions (although expect some vignetting. I'm sure some have tried this combo and can advise better than I. I'm willing to stick my lens on my old 300d if you want me to give a more detailed report on the effect - let me know.
Rgds,
Adam
**** - On a cropped sensor the fish eye effect is lessened due to the magnification effect. You will still get some barrel distortion (which is what differs a fisheye from a standard super wide lens where it is corrected). However, the effect will be minimal. Been a 5d user I have not used the 10-20, but I do remember trying it once and that too gave some barrel distortion on a 1.6X crop factor sensor. I'd think this is a good choice for those using cropped sensors - that or the 8mm fisheye solutions (although expect some vignetting. I'm sure some have tried this combo and can advise better than I. I'm willing to stick my lens on my old 300d if you want me to give a more detailed report on the effect - let me know.
Rgds,
Adam

Quote:However, the effect will be minimal.
I don't agree with that. The effect is lessened, yes, but not as little as 'minimal' suggests. I use a Zenitar 16mm on my 20D and there is still a quite pronounced distortion which is definitely different from a normal ultra wide angle distortion. But it all depends on what you shoot and how you shoot it.
To give you a few examples: This shows a reasonably nice fisheye effect, but here you hardly notice that it was taken with a fisheye.
So - whether or not the effect is minimal, or just llessened, depends on your subject and how you capture it.

Yep - it's a love/hate thing to some extent. Although I only use my fisheye occasionally it's very definitely a favourite of mine and I wouldn't want to be without it. The full 180deg view is a big part of the fun and creativity so if you're shooting on a cropped sensor I'm guessing one of the specfically designed lenses (e.g. Sigma 10mm) would be better for that.
John.
John.