subject: Fun with fisheye lenses [print this page] It's time to move beyond the all-purpose lens and take your photography to the next level. A wide collection of lenses will give you the ability to experiment and be creative with your images. One particularly unique type of lens is the fisheye lens - it'll give you a new perspective on how you see the world.
Take amazing photos with fisheye lenses
The fisheye lens is a wide angle lens with an exceptionally large field of vision that lets you fit more into the frame, similar to what you would see through the peephole of your front door. The fisheye lens introduces a concentric element to your photos that keeps the centre in focus while the rest of the image gets distorted which can add some dramatic - or outrageous effects to your compositions.
Of course not every subject matter photographs well in fisheye - the lens creates extreme barrel distortion that can ruin strong lines and will warp the appearance of your background. Keep these points in mind:
Make sure the foreground commands the image - your subject matter will need to be the main focus (literally) of your composition as the background may be too distorted to draw the eye. Pets make particularly fun subjects with this lens effect.
Fit more into frame - the fisheye lens has a 180 degree field of vision so you can pack more into frame. If you're trying to get a group shot in a tight space, a fisheye lens can help you make sure no one gets left out.
Fun - if you don't overuse it - when it comes to digital camera lenses, the fisheye lens should be used relatively sparingly to avoid the effect becoming tiresome to your viewers. If you're compiling a professional portfolio, one or two images using this lens will be more than enough.
New advanced lenses from Canon
Canon has just released its EF8-15mm f/4L fisheye lens with a newly-designed two-group zoom optical system that lets you get in close with your fisheye. It is the first fisheye lens that functions as a circular fisheye and a full frame fisheye lens. It will expand your range of Canon lenses for your full frame sensor interchangeable lens DSLR/SLR cameras. With an 8-15mm optical zoom range, it's perfect for high-end camera enthusiasts and professional photographers who want to create unique effects.
Along with the new EF8-15 mm f/4 L, Canon has released a whole new range of professional high performance lenses including two new super-telephoto lenses and extenders - browse their entire line of digital camera lenses on their website.
