I have just taken delivery of an 8mm fisheye lens:
This is a basic manual focus, manual aperture lens that had quite reasonable reviews so I thought I would give it a go. So far I haven’t been disappointed. What I have found is that care is needed in selecting a viewpoint, checking the extremities for intrusions into the image, shadows of the camera or photographer don’t show, and ensuring the sun doesn’t shine on the lens from the side.
Getting the viewpoint right is an art that needs some practice. These images show my first attempts so I wouldn’t claim any artistic merit – I am trying to see what works and what doesn’t. The photo above of the wooden hare shows promise although the green shade-house on the left could be removed and the piece of mortar on the bottom right could also have been removed. Otherwise not a bad attempt.
This is one of several attempts and getting a view of the old garden roller and the sycamore tree together. Although this was the best of the bunch, it doesn’t quite work. Also the distortion at the edge of frame makes it look as if the tree is in the middle of a steep sided gulley. I need to try this one again…
This view of the garden seat shows promise, although next time I need to remove the washing line strung from the tree. I will also try having the camera from a higher viewpoint, more in line with the seat of the bench. But, overall, I think there is potential here.
Finally we have this view of some spring flowers:
This is a hellebore in the garden. I was pleased how well this turned out, although I will need to adjust the composition slightly. I did take views of other flowers but the leaves were splashed with mud from the rain which spoiled the look somewhat.
Overall, I am quite pleased with this new lens although it will take some getting used to.