Wideangle or fisheye

Chronicle

Chronicle

Chronicle

Soldato
Joined
4 Jul 2004
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Location
aberdeen
Hi
I've got a nikon d80, with a 18-50 lens (and a 55-200), but really want either a fisheye or maybe a wideangle lens (fisheye is more "fun", but wideangle more pratical). Is there any where I can just get a really cheap one (about £100 ish)? I don't really fancy spending 300-500 on another lens...

Someone told me that any lens for a nikon (even pre digital) will work on the d80 - is that true? And if it is, it should mean i could get a cheap 2nd hand one?

Also, would it have much difference to what i already have (ie 18mm at the lowest focal length)? Esp as the d80 has that crop factor thing of 1.4 or 1.6 (can't remember)? The smallest wideangle i've seen (though i am sure if i looked propperly i could find smaller ones) is about 16mm... not too much difference.

Also - i've heard about some sort of fisheye "filter" that i can screw on, like a uv filter. Are they any good? And how much should i expect to pay?

Price is more important to me at the moment than quality, esp for a fisheye (i wouldn't use it too much...).
 
Because the D80 and most other Nikon DSLRs have the built in focusing motor, nearly all old nikon lenses will fit current cameras.

As for what focal length to get, well thats really up to you. smaller the better to be honest. Anything below 15mm to really notice the difference between that and you current lens. The problem I personally have with fish eye is that it doesnt really lend itself to most situations, due to it distorting the image. Whereas a normal wide angle will work to your advantage.

As for the filters to go on the front, that is dependent on the lens you buy. the intrinsic problem with ultra wide angle lenses is that the objective lens, (front element) tends to stick out, and get in the way of where a filter would be mounted. This is not always the case of course, but it is a problems in some lenses.

I personally would go for a wide angle instead of a fisheye, as this would imo be more applicable to more situations. Then if necessary, lens distortion can be added later in photoshop or something.

Look on a well known auction site to get some ideas of whats on there, or any place that you know deals with second hand kit, and do some research on any lenses that take your fancy.

Hope that helps :)

Woody
 
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Basically anything with AF infront of it will deffo work iirc.

as for fully manual lenses, its best to get the model number and drop nikon a quick email or something just to be 100%.

Nikon are known for having excellent lens compatability though, so short of the worst luck ever, nearly all lenses made after 1977 when AI mount was intorduced will work.

For more information look here.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikortek.htm#f

Hope that helps mate

Woody :)
 
Yeah, if you're spending over £100 get a wide angle, you'll get more use out of it. Fisheye is a novelty thing.
I got a cheapo fisheye 'lens' which screws into my filter attachment. It's fun but lowish quality, absolutely great for £35 though! In terms of sharpness, well, um, don't expect it. When I've printed photos at 9"x6" they look fine mind.

It claims 0.45x, so my 18mm kit will go down to... 18x0.45 = 8.1mm. But you end up with the barrel taking up half the frame (see last image below).

My pics with it:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/47916385/?qo=14&q=by:robertgilbert86&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/47975444/?qo=12&q=by:robertgilbert86&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/47915990/?qo=15&q=by:robertgilbert86&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/44088608/?qo=38&q=by:robertgilbert86&qh=sort:time+-in:scraps

I've emailed a link to an auction.

When you buy a wide angle lens the Sigma 10-20mm is a popular choice. Can be had for £270ish I think.
 
Hi
Thanks. I was actually looking at those cheapo £35 fisheyes.

I might order one. Can't really go too wrong for £35. So this just screws on, like a UV filter or whatever, yeh?

And i am quite tempted to go and get something like that 10-20mm sigma... might try and find an old 2nd hand one, though. Don't really want to have spent over a grand already on this new camera within about 2 or 3 weeks...
 
Yeah the Sigma is my next lens I think. I suggest going into a high street store to try the lens first, it is a lot of money. Also try and get them to let you take it outside, it's hard to get a feel for it indoors.

Yes the fisheye just screws in. I got the seller to include a size converter ring for free so it would fit my kit lens.
By the way the macro thing isn't really usable.
 
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