Opinion Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye DX series

[Heaterguy]

Can anyone render an opinion about the 10.5mm DX Fisheye lens? I have an opportunity to buy a used one for about $400 U.S.D.

Does it render true fisheye or is it just a super wide lens? I've had it on my D300 but I don't really see a fisheye as much as a very wide angle.

Thanks

[OsmosisStudios]

It's a true rectangular fisheye lens. What that means is that it projects a circle large enough to have a full image, instead of black corners and a circle in the middle. You'll see 180 degrees from corner to corner, diagonally.

I tried the 10.5 for a week on vacation: it's fun every now and then, but not something I could live with in my bag: I prefer my 10-24 wide angle lens. It;s not quite as wide, but it's linear, so you dont get the fisheye distortion.

If you wanna see that distortion, try shooting a landscape with a clear horizon: with your eye to the viewfinder, tilt the camera up and down and watch the horizon curve. You could also shoot indoors with any straight lines (especially vertical ones).

[Heaterguy]

That's good information. Thanks for the input.

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

It's a true rectangular fisheye lens. What that means is that it projects a circle large enough to have a full image, instead of black corners and a circle in the middle. You'll see 180 degrees from corner to corner, diagonally.

I tried the 10.5 for a week on vacation: it's fun every now and then, but not something I could live with in my bag: I prefer my 10-24 wide angle lens. It;s not quite as wide, but it's linear, so you dont get the fisheye distortion.

If you wanna see that distortion, try shooting a landscape with a clear horizon: with your eye to the viewfinder, tilt the camera up and down and watch the horizon curve. You could also shoot indoors with any straight lines (especially vertical ones).

[Fishpic]

I have a 10.5 and I love it as a fun lens. Don't use it that often, but some days I just put it on and go look for something interesting. It is hard to use with a strobe, but outside it is great.

A word of caution - be careful with the lens. If you move the body while looking through the lens - you will bump into things and break the lens. You don't realize how close you are to the objects.

Here are some samples I took with my 10.5....they have not been processed so not expecting critique - just showing some samples. Notice in the first one how wide the angle is so you can quickly get a pic of a full room - but also notice the distortion.

[Nicole]

I recently bought a 10.5mm fisheye. It's quite fun to me, which was why I bought it. I adore my 10-20mm lens, but I like the fisheye for the curves it produces along with the massive distortion. Even in shots where the subject isn't horribly distorted, some of the effects you get with the sky and clouds are still fun. I think it's definitely a specialty lens, but then again, lots of lenses are. So if it makes sense for you, I'd go for it.

In any case, two of my recent shots (where the distortion isn't totally obvious but for the way the clouds swirl)


Where To? by Nicole


Cape Reinga by Nicole

[Heaterguy]

Thanks for the feedback and the photos. I haven't made the purchase as yet still mulling it over.

Originally Posted by Fishpic

I have a 10.5 and I love it as a fun lens. Don't use it that often, but some days I just put it on and go look for something interesting. It is hard to use with a strobe, but outside it is great.

A word of caution - be careful with the lens. If you move the body while looking through the lens - you will bump into things and break the lens. You don't realize how close you are to the objects.

Here are some samples I took with my 10.5....they have not been processed so not expecting critique - just showing some samples. Notice in the first one how wide the angle is so you can quickly get a pic of a full room - but also notice the distortion.

[Heaterguy]

You are right Nicole about being a "specialty lens". I'm looking for a true fisheye but I don't think I can get it with the D-300. Looks like I would need to go to a full frame to accomplish it. Your photos are appreciated and very good.

Originally Posted by Nicole

I recently bought a 10.5mm fisheye. It's quite fun to me, which was why I bought it. I adore my 10-20mm lens, but I like the fisheye for the curves it produces along with the massive distortion. Even in shots where the subject isn't horribly distorted, some of the effects you get with the sky and clouds are still fun. I think it's definitely a specialty lens, but then again, lots of lenses are. So if it makes sense for you, I'd go for it.

In any case, two of my recent shots (where the distortion isn't totally obvious but for the way the clouds swirl)


Where To? by Nicole


Cape Reinga by Nicole

[kirbinster]

Go for it, they are a lot of fun. If you can pick it up for $400 its a no-brainer, you can easily sell it for more than that if you don't like it.

[Heaterguy]

Kirbinster, one side of me is ready to jump at it the other side is saying put the money away and save for a full frame. If I play my cards right I might even be able to get it for less.

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Go for it, they are a lot of fun. If you can pick it up for $400 its a no-brainer, you can easily sell it for more than that if you don't like it.

[Nicole]

You can definitely get the fisheye look on a crop body. Like I said, these definitely don't have the full fish effect, but that's more because of composition than anything. I'm with Kirb though, the last used lens I bought I managed to sell for more than I paid. You'll still really enjoy it on a crop body.