The Versatility of Fisheye Lenses

Although wide-angle lenses are the main product of landscape photography, wide-angle fisheye camera lensess can provide the same wide field of view and perspective, but with a unique style. The distortion produced by fisheye camera lenses can present interesting rhythmic changes that you may enjoy. Fisheye lenses may not be used as frequently as some other lenses, but they can be very useful in the right circumstances. Circular fisheye lenses produce a circular image in the center with black edges around it, while diagonal fisheye camera lenses cover the entire frame of the image. When using a diagonal fisheye lens, you don't get that circular effect, but there is noticeable distortion, especially at the edges.

What exactly is a fisheye lens?

A fisheye camera lens is a fixed-focus lens, which means it cannot zoom in or out. These lenses are also known as "ultra-wide-angle" lenses. The design of fisheye lenses allows them to capture extremely wide angles and provide you with a wide field of view. If you've ever lived in an apartment building or had a house with a "peephole," you may be familiar with the appearance of a fisheye camera lens. It distorts the image and bends it, but it can give you a broad view, allowing you to see the entire area outside the door.

The term "fisheye lens" was introduced in 1906, and fisheye camera lenses were first used professionally in the 1920s to study the formation of clouds and capture all-day photos, hence another nickname, "all-day lens." The field of view of fisheye lenses typically ranges between 100 and 180 degrees, depending on the lens. The focal length of most full-frame fisheye camera lenses is around 8 millimeters. In comparison, traditional "wide-angle" lenses usually have a field of view between 64° and 84°. Due to the curved and distorted image provided by fisheye lenses, it can increase this measurement by more than double - allowing you to capture more of your surroundings, albeit in a distorted way.

The amazing power and versatility of fisheye lenses

Among professional landscape photographers and various professional photographers, fisheye camera lenses are widely regarded as a gimmick. Many photographers believe that due to the distortion and surrealistic effects of fisheye lenses, they are not suitable for landscape photography. When you're just starting out as a photographer, we certainly wouldn't tell you to buy a high-quality fisheye lens. It's better to build a lens collection that includes telephoto, wide-angle, and other similar lenses - at least when you're a beginner. However, fisheye camera lenses offer unique creative possibilities that no other type of lens can provide. While photo editing can be used for a "fisheye" effect, it will never be exactly the same. With a fisheye lens, you can capture some very interesting and unique photos.