DSLR Photography Forum

I'm new - so bear with my silly question here.

Why would someone use a fisheye lense? I've looked at some photos taken with them, and most look like horrible distorted photos that I can't understand why someone would want. Is this just an "artsy" look that some people like?

Can someone post some pics of what a "good" fisheye picture looks like - so I can understand. As of now - I can't see ever purchasing a fisheye lense.

Thanks - and don't bash me too hard for my ignorance.

/Dan

(Jul 24, 2012, 07:30)djkepple Wrote: [ -> ]Is this just an "artsy" look that some people like?

Yes.

(Jul 24, 2012, 07:30)djkepple Wrote: [ -> ]Can someone post some pics of what a "good" fisheye picture looks like - so I can understand.

Whether or not you find them "good" is subject to your personal preferences, but I think these are good representations of what can be achieved with a fisheye lens:

http://www.artfans.info/29-fantastic-fis...otography/

(Jul 24, 2012, 07:30)djkepple Wrote: [ -> ]I'm new - so bear with my silly question here.

Why would someone use a fisheye lense? I've looked at some photos taken with them, and most look like horrible distorted photos that I can't understand why someone would want. Is this just an "artsy" look that some people like?

Can someone post some pics of what a "good" fisheye picture looks like - so I can understand. As of now - I can't see ever purchasing a fisheye lense.

Thanks - and don't bash me too hard for my ignorance.

/Dan

Fisheye lenses have several important features (In the order of perceived importance):
1) Extreme perspective distortion, making things close to the lens huge while distant things small. It also create a great sense of space and distance. That coupled with ability to focus real close to the lens works together.

example: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...8736180999, http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...8736180999
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7382346993
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7382346993
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7382346993

2) Extreme angle of view, allowing to photograph scenes which would be impossible to photograph any other way.

Example: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7382346993
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7382346993
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7475912310

3) Extreme depth of field, making everything sharp regardless of distance and almost independently of aperture.

4) Barrel distortion that can be reduced to the point it is not noticeable (depending on the subject matter) or further enhanced.

Example:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7382346993
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7382346993
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pavel_photo...7382346993

These are examples from my work. I have the lens for only about a year, so I still have a lot to learn about it. It is the cheapest lens I own and yet I am amazed by its versatility and image quality in can generate. Do not smirk until you try.

Thanks for the replies - some of the examples look very good to me!