The 9 Best Fish Eyes of 2022
Fisheye – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
Photography can be both a career and a passion and any amateur or professional in the field requires good quality tools to be able to capture the most incredible images. The “fisheye” effect is one of the most well-known and favourites, so if you are interested in working with it, we recommend the Nikon 1019 lens first, a 16mm fixed focal length camera lens with a mount for easy installation. Second, you might like the Sigma 476306. This model has a focal aperture of f/2.8 and can be used on Nikon cameras.
The 9 Best Fish Eyes – Opinions 2022
If you are interested in working with fisheye lenses to give your photographs that striking and particular affection, then we will show you some of the most sought-after models among photography enthusiasts and professionals. After reviewing them, you can probably pick the one that suits you best, based on your gear and skills.
fisheye lens
1. Nikon AF Fisheye Nikkor D 16mm f 2.8
Nikon 1019 could be for some the best fisheye on the market, as this lens offers quality, reliability and ease of use.
It is a model designed to work with cameras of the same brand, that is, Nikon, providing a free fit of details when mounting it.
Likewise, the 1019 fisheye lens stands out for being comfortable to use, as it has good manufacturing quality that makes it pleasant in the hand. Its finishes are metallic and, in general, it looks professional.
Regarding its optical capacity, the lens has a focal length of 16 mm and a maximum aperture of f / 2.8 which, combined with the angle of the lens, allow you to obtain a complete image when taking pictures outdoors or indoors.
This Nikon product may be the best fisheye of the moment, so it is useful to carefully evaluate the pros and cons it offers:
Pros
Handling: The lens is comfortable to handle as it is light in weight and robust in construction.
Finishes: The body of the equipment is made of metal, being resistant and durable.
Optics: It has a set of high-quality optics, capable of offering sharp images.
Focus: Its focus system is easy to handle, so you can capture the precise moments.
Cons
Transport: It would have been a success if the purchase had been accompanied by a case, to be able to store the lens during its transport.
2. Samyang Fisheye Lens 8mm f 3.5
Another good alternative if you have not been able to choose a fisheye lens is the one offered by the Samyang brand with its SY8M-C model.
We are facing a fisheye lens that has a focal length of 8 mm and an aperture of f / 3.5, being able to cover a broader spectrum when focusing the camera.
It has a good quality manufacturing and an ergonomic design, which you can easily adapt to various models of Canon cameras, one of the most popular among amateurs and professionals. It features sleek, professional-looking finishes as well as focus slider rings.
Speaking of which, the lens works with a manual focus system and the lens has raised edges that, in addition to helping to define the image, also protect it from bumps and scratches, to maintain the integrity of the glass unaltered during any approach of use..
When you don’t know which fisheye to buy, you should consider details of installation and use, to choose the most suitable model for your camera:
Pros
Compatibility: This lens is designed to work with Canon cameras, generating the effect at a lower cost.
Materials: It has good manufacturing materials that make it resistant and robust to the touch.
Projection: The lens employs stereographic projection, to minimize distortions in the image.
Bag: With your purchase you will get a comfortable bag where you can store it for transport.
Cons
Focus : It may take a bit longer to focus on close objects with this lens compared to other models.
fisheye for photography
3. Sigma 15mm f 2.8 Diagonal fisheye DG EX NAF
From the Sigma brand you cannot forget to consider the 476306 model, since it could be among the best fisheyes of 2022.
This model can be installed on Nikon brand cameras and has a focal length of 15mm with an aperture of f/2.8, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor photography. As for the angle of its lens, this is 180 °, being able to cover the necessary space to generate the fisheye effect.
On the other hand, the Sigma photography fisheye has a size of 6.5 x 7.4 x 7.4 centimeters and its weight is 370 grams, being robust when holding it and not too big, so you can add it to the rest of your photographic equipment without causing too much impact.
Sigma could become the best fisheye brand in the market and here we invite you to review the aspects of their product:
Pros
Angle: The glass used in the lens has the correct angle, to offer the fisheye effect.
Aperture: Its aperture is sufficient for indoor or outdoor photographs with sufficient light.
Sharp: Capturing images with the lens produces high-resolution photos without problems.
Cover: You can use its protective cover to prevent it from being scratched or hit by accident.
Cons
Edges: You must be very careful when taking your picture, to prevent the effect from being dispersed on the edges, affecting the image quality.
4. 7artisans 7.5mm f 2.8 Fisheye Fixed Lens
7artisans has a product that some would describe as the best price-quality fisheye, since you can use it with several cameras and it has a very affordable cost, compared to other models.
The fisheye for photography offered by 7artisans is compatible with cameras belonging to the Olympus and Panasonic brand lines; two of the most important and well-known. It has a height of 6.3 centimeters, in addition to a weight of 275 grams, being lighter than other models.
On the other hand, the optical system has its respective 180° angle lens, to be classified as a fisheye. Its aperture is f/2.8 and it reaches a focal length of 7.5 mm, more than suitable for home use and amateur photography.
As an interesting detail, your purchase includes a cleaning kit consisting of gloves and brushes to more easily clean the lens.
Below, you will find some relevant pros and cons regarding this option, to help you decide which one to choose:
Pros
Finishes: The product has very good quality manufacturing finishes that are pleasant to the touch.
Compatibility: You will be able to take advantage of this lens in cameras of different brands.
Cover: It is accompanied by a metal cover, which will be responsible for protecting the integrity of the lens.
Care: The offer includes several elements for the care and cleaning of the wide angle.
Cons
Cover: Although the lens has its respective protection cover, it does not secure as it should and comes off easily.
fish eye lens
5. Selvim Mobile Phone Camera Phone Lenses
Selvim SL002BK is a kit where you can find a total of 3 interchangeable fisheye lenses, which are designed to work with equipment such as phones and tablets.
Today’s high-end smartphones have good-quality cameras, so you can install tools to maximize their use. This Selvim kit is made up of 1 fisheye lens, 1 0.62x wide angle and 1 25x macro, so you can practice different styles of photography with your device.
Each lens features a metal frame that makes them robust and pleasant to the touch, as well as resistant to wear and tear. They can be used with various phone models thanks to their universal hook and are lightweight, allowing them to be transported without inconvenience.
If you prefer to take advantage of the capacity of your mobile to get one of the cheapest options in fisheyes, you should review the following pros and cons:
Pros
Set: The Selvim product consists of 3 different lenses, so you can have fun with your camera.
Materials: All targets feature metal construction that makes them durable.
Compatibility: They have a universal design support, so you can install them on various smartphone models.
Case: They come in a practical rigid case for their care and transportation.
Cons
Close: Some kit lenses require you to get the camera quite close to the object, in order to focus properly.
fisheye for mobile
6. Apexel 22x Telephoto Phone Lens Kits
Apexel Kit 4 in 1 is one of the cheapest products on the list for those who want to buy a set of micro lenses and use them with the mobile or tablet camera, as they prefer.
This set has a total of 4 lenses: a 22x telephoto lens, a 205° fisheye lens, a 120° wide angle lens and a 20x macro lens. This variety of lenses to choose from will allow you to shoot with freedom and style. In addition to this, it stands out that the mobile fisheye lens has a wide angle compared to other lenses, being able to cover a greater space when focusing.
Reviewing the included accessories, you can enjoy a tripod and a Bluetooth remote control to take photos and a hard case for transport are also included.
Reviewing the pros and cons of each wide angle lens can be useful when in doubt about which model to buy:
Pros
Presentation: They are a set of good looking smartphone lenses and in a practical case to store them.
Lenses: Each lens offers different effects and even filters to take all kinds of photos.
Tripod: You can take advantage of the tripod tool to get better image stabilization.
Universal: With its universal grip system, you can use the lenses on various types of phones.
Cons
Robustness: The accessories could have better manufacturing finishes to be more robust to the touch and to be able to adjust them more firmly.
Canon fisheye lens
7. Canon EF 8 15mm f 4L Fisheye USM
If you are looking for a Canon fisheye lens, we recommend you evaluate what the 4427B005AA model of the same brand offers you.
This option in lenses for cameras is of a professional nature, with a good quality optical section and resistant glasses that offer sharp images at all times.
The equipment has a size of 18 x 18 x 14 centimeters and its weight is 540 grams, with good manufacturing finishes and ergonomic rings that you can easily handle when focusing.
Regarding its capacity, this lens works with a focal length of between 8 mm to 15 mm, depending on your preference as a photographer, and has an aperture of the f/4-22 range, with which to adjust the center of the image at the time of shooting. take pictures of landscapes, personal, events, etc.
Canon offers an alternative with a good reputation and performance, which you should review in depth to determine if it suits you or not:
Pros
Construction: It is a product of good quality and construction finishes.
Videos: It also offers good performance when making videos, since it maintains image quality at all times.
Rings: The rings that surround it, to adjust the focus, move smoothly, being pleasant to the touch.
Utility: Its capacity allows it to be used by beginners and professionals.
Cons
Cover: The lens has its respective cover to protect it, but it can fall unexpectedly and expose the glass.
Nikon fisheye lens
8. Nikon AF Fish DX 10.5mm F2.8G IF ED
When you are struggling to decide which is the best fisheye, perhaps you should check the reviews of previous buyers and, in this case, we came across a model with many positive ratings: the Nikon 2148.
This lens has a structure for F mount on Nikon cameras, allowing it to be used in units of a simple and professional nature without inconvenience. Its design is both attractive and durable, with raised edges around the lens to enhance the effect.
On the other hand, this Nikon fisheye lens reaches a maximum focal length of 16mm, with an aperture of f/2.8, making it suitable for various styles of photography and in varied environments. At the same time, the equipment is comfortable to use, and its sharpness is second to none.
Before you make a purchase decision, we advise you to review the important details regarding the Nikon lens:
Pros
Lens: The lens is equipped with a glass of good quality, durable and resistant.
Sharpness: A high level of sharpness can be seen in images and even edges, when focusing properly.
Handling: It has an ergonomic shape and light weight, so you can handle it easily.
Use: The versatility it provides allows you to take pictures in all kinds of environments.
Cons
Focus: It does not have an automatic focus system, so you will have to handle it manually, to obtain the greatest sharpness in your images.
wide angle fisheye
9. Meike Optics MK 6.5mm Fisheye Lens
Meike Optics has among its options a 6.5mm f/2.0 wide angle fisheye lens that you can easily install and use.
We are referring to the MK model, a complement that you can install on your Nikon camera, in order to obtain a very striking effect in your photographs. It has a fisheye lens with an angle of 190 ° and its focus limit is 10 centimeters, allowing you to work comfortably with the equipment.
Regarding its size, the lens measures 9 x 10 x 10 centimeters while its weight is 145 grams, making it one of the most compact and lightest models among those mentioned, in case you do not want to handle a lens that is too large. In addition, your purchase includes a carrying bag and microfiber cloths, to keep the glass free of dust.
Evaluating the positive and negative aspects of the wide-angle lens will help you choose the most suitable one for your camera:
Pros
Optics: The optical components of the lens offer performance to match with sharp images at all times.
Effective: No matter what model of camera is used, the lens is quite effective in generating the effect.
Casing: The lens is protected by a metal casing that makes it pleasant to handle.
Cleaning: Given the position of the lens, it will be easy to keep it clean.
Cons
Handling: Please note that the lens is completely manual and requires some skill to obtain the necessary level of focus.
Shopping guide
Wide-angle lenses that meet the fisheye category are those that provide a field of view of 180° or more. In this guide to buying the best fisheye, we will review several of the important features, as well as expert advice on finding the most suitable model.
Lens or objective type
In order to choose which fisheye to buy, you must first determine which device you are going to use it on, since photo accessories can be found in various sizes and shapes.
If you are going to work with a photographic camera, for example, a reflex or a digital one, you will have to find the right lens for it, respecting the compatibility and installation requirements of your device, but making sure that it has the correct angular lens. These lenses are considered as professional photographic tools and you should be careful when handling them as some are quite expensive.
In other instances, you may be keen to get the most out of your cell phone camera, so in a fisheye comparison, you’ll need to consider lenses that are the right size and design to mount on the camera. of the smartphone. These elements are much smaller than the wide-angle lenses that cameras use, but the effect is the same.
fisheye category
How much a fisheye lens costs can be determined, in large part, by its category. As already mentioned, these lenses have wide-angle lenses, but their requirement to be considered as fisheyes is that they have a field of view equal to or greater than 180 °.
This provides us with a whole line of lenses that exceed this level and you can find circular, full frame or mini fisheye lenses.
Circular fisheye lenses are the best known and used, since they meet the basic requirements and can be installed on professional cameras, smartphones or tablets, depending on their type.
As for full-frame lenses, these lenses produce an image that reaches 180° when measured from corner to corner, to work with a smaller angle of focus.
Finally, miniature fisheye lenses are those that are often used in security installations, such as surveillance or spy cameras, since they take advantage of the amplified angle, to obtain a greater field of vision.
lens compatibility
One detail that you cannot overlook when reviewing fisheye lenses is their compatibility with the camera you want to install them on.
These objectives have a certain diameter, which must be adapted to the diameter of your lens, so that you can place it without problems. Likewise, we advise you to choose models that are specially designed for the model of your camera, since this way you can avoid inconveniences with the tabs or insurance on the base.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a smartphone fisheye, you can not forget that these can also have a particular size or shape, to work with a phone model, although these are more flexible and it is possible to find a cheap fisheye and universal installation, which you could take advantage of on various devices.
manufacturing finishes
As they are accessories that you can put on and take off the camera when necessary, it is recommended that you choose wide-angle lenses that have robust and good quality manufacturing finishes. This, in addition to giving the whole kit a professional look, will also help protect the lens in the event of an impact. The same applies to the glass of the lens, since there are different types, some being more durable or resistant than others.
protection accessories
It is likely that any person assiduous in handling photographic cameras will tell you that practically all photographic elements have their delicate side and must be handled with great care to avoid damaging them.
This includes wide-angle or fisheye lenses, as they, like others, have components that could easily be affected by a bump or drop.
In this sense, you should pay attention to details such as the thickness of the external casing and the protection elements included with the lens. A lens cover, for example, will be able to prevent dust from scratching the glass or spreading the force of an impact.
Likewise, a zippered case could be useful in which to transport or store it, according to your needs, without having to be aware of it rubbing against other objects.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to do the fisheye effect?
The fisheye effect is obtained automatically when using wide-angle lenses, since these have a much larger angle of vision that allows more space to be covered during focus, thus providing the well-known sphere reflection effect.
Q2: How to make a fisheye?
For this project you will need a peephole like the one installed on doors that has a 180° viewing angle, a sheet of EVA foam, a ruler to measure, a roll of electrical tape and a pair of scissors.
Use the ruler to measure the length of the peephole, and then cut a strip of EVA foam to the same width, to wrap the peephole until it reaches the thickness of the camera lens. Make sure you tighten enough and use the electrical tape on the end of the rubber band to stick it down.
Now turn on your camera and extend the lens, place the fisheye on the tip and measure the full length. Cut another piece of EVA foam to this width, but just enough to wrap around, and tape it down. This part will be the one that you will place on the camera lens, to hold the peephole and everything will be ready.
Q3: How to take fisheye photos?
To take photos with a fisheye style, you can download applications that allow you to apply the filter to appreciate it in the digital capture.
Some of these are InstaFishEye for Android or Fisheye for iOS, which are available in their respective virtual stores and you only have to download them to start using them with your camera.
Q4: How to put the fisheye effect on a photo?
To apply the fisheye effect to a photo, you must have the latest version of Adobe Photoshop installed on your computer to access all the tools.
Start by starting a new project and importing the photo. Duplicate the layer and access the Editing section and click on Transform, and then finish on Warp. This will display a grid over the image and you should select Fisheye from the list.
When you do this, a sphere reflection effect control point will appear on the grid that you can move around the image to make the effect appear. Frame it where you want it to focus and save your changes.
Q5: How to make a fisheye for cell phone?
If you want to make a fisheye lens for your cell phone yourself, you can follow the steps indicated in the previous section where we used a door peephole and EVA rubber together with electrical tape, to do so.
The difference in this homemade fisheye is that after wrapping the peephole with EVA foam and securing it with tape, the last section of foam will need to be cut into four sections, to install 2 elastic bands with which to hold the fisheye on the cell phone camera lens
